Biomedical Informatics: General FAQs

Due to the unusually large number of FAQ's, we have created separate FAQ pages for each program or topic. We provide a Guide to the FAQ pages below. Scroll down past the Guide to find the FAQ's for this page.

Skip down to the FAQ's on this page

Guide to FAQ Pages on this website

General FAQ's


General FAQ's for the BMI program (scroll down)

The PhD Program FAQ


FAQ's about the PhD

Masters Program FAQ


The Masters Programs
The Masters of Medicine
FAQ's about the MD/MS

The Postdoctoral FAQ Pages


The Postdoctoral Program - General FAQ
FAQ about the Postdoctoral Masters Program
FAQ about the Postdoctoral PhD
The Postdoctoral Program (research only)

Distance Education


FAQ's about BMI Distance Education at Stanford
Certificate Program FAQ's
Distance Education MS in Biomedical Informatics FAQ

FAQ's for International Students


International FAQ's

Table of Contents to Biomedical Informatics FAQ's

This page is quite long. Click on the green links to jump down to the question and answer.

Brochures

The BMI Program, Differences and Similarities with other Programs

Information about the Ph.D., Academic (or Full time & Residential) MS, Professional (Part time & Distance Education) MS, Coterminal MS

About the faculty

Funding and Finances

Prerequisites and Other Questions about Preparation

Tests and Test Scores

The Admissions Process

Other Educational Opportunities

About Jobs and Postdoc's

Other

Brochures

Is there a brochure about the graduate program?

Yes. We have consolidated the information about the Biomedical Informatics graduate program with the Biosciences Program. You can download a PDF file with the Biosciences brochure.
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Do you have a brochure with the information on these web pages?

No.
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The BMI Program, Differences and Similarities with other Programs

Why do you offer both bioinformatics and medical informatics in one program?

See Russ Altman's article on why the merger of bioinformatics and medical informatics training is beneficial.
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What is the difference between Bioengineering and Biomedical Informatics?

Bioengineering is a much broader graduate program than biomedical informatics (BMI). Bioengineering allows specialization in many areas, such as tissue engineering, biodesign, imaging, and biocomputation. The biocomputation track in bioengineering is different from BMI in that it focuses mostly on computation for physical simulation at the molecular or macroscopic mechanics levels.

Also, the biocomputation track of bioengineering does not focus on informatics issues of data and knowledge representation, storage, retrieval, mining, analysis and machine learning. These issues are important parts of biomedical informatics. The coursework for bioengineering is quite different from biomedical informatics, in that it has a general emphasis on engineering principles as applied to biology. The BMI program offers more opportunities for deeper training in computer science and probability/statistics--without the general training in engineering.

The biological training in both degrees is roughly the same; the bioengineering program offers an excellent introduction to biology specifically for bioengineering students. BMI students take biology with biology graduate students. Both programs allow students to work with virtually any faculty member, so students should choose a graduate program based on the aspects of the curricula that appeal to them. Both programs have a very similar Ph.D. oral qualifying exam.
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What are key difference between the Stanford BMI program and other BMI programs around the country?

This BMI program is particularly strong in methods development in biomedical informatics. In addition, the program benefits by having convenient access to some of the best graduate and research programs in the biological and medical sciences and in computer science. By requiring our students to obtain graduate-level training in both biomedicine and computer science, right along with the graduate students in those disciplines, BMI graduates have the training to keep abreast of research developments in the disciplines which intersect to form BMI and consequently the ability to expand the field of biomedical informatics.
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Information about the Ph.D., Academic (or Full time & residential) M.S., Professional (Part time & distance education) M.S., Coterminal MS

Because of the overlap in research areas, I am considering submitting an application to Biomedical Informatics and Bioengineering or Computer Science. May I submit an application to more than one program?

Biomedical Informatics has joined the Biosciences admissions process this year which allows you to apply for more than one program in the School of Medicine. Unfortunately, Biosciences does not include Bioengineering or Computer Science or other Engineering fields. You must pick one program and submit one application.
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I am currently a clinician and would like to know which M.S. (academic or professional) degree is appropriate for me. Where can I find out more information?

Please read the descriptions for the Academic Masters . and Professional Science Masters in Biomedical Informatics programs (a part-time, distance education program). If you are still unable to decide which program is appropriate for you, please send questions to the Student Services Officer.


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What is typical profile of a Ph.D., academic M.S., and professional M.S. student?

The Ph.D. student usually has a scientific background in biology, engineering, computer science, math, chemistry, statistics, and physiology and must have a Bachelor’s degree and may have a Master's degree prior to attending Stanford. The Academic M.S. student usually has a medical background or Ph.D. in one of the scientific areas listed above. Occasionally, we have an Academic MS student with a Bachelors. The Professional M.S. student must be currently employed, and s/he may be interested in a career advancement or change. S/he typically has been working for a few years in a scientific environment and may have a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or Ph.D. prior to enrolling at Stanford.
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How long does it take to complete the Ph.D., Academic M.S., and the Professional M.S.?

On average, it takes about 5-6 years to complete a Ph.D., 2 years to complete the Academic M.S., and anywhere from 2-5 years to complete the Professional M.S.
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About the faculty

I'd like to make an appointment with one of the faculty

Regrettably, we cannot arrange for appointments with the faculty. If you have questions about the program or admissions, please contact us for further information.


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I have contacted one of the faculty members associated with the BMI program. Will I receive a response?

Our faculty members receive multiple messages and requests for information. Unfortunately, they are unable to respond to all contacts. Please direct specific questions about the admissions process to the Student Services Officer.


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Will I need to contact faculty members to inquire if they would like to hire me as a Research Assistant in their labs, if I were admitted to Stanford? Will this help my application and also ensure my funding in the BMI program?
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We only admit students whose funding is pre-arranged by the BMI program or outside scholarship. As part of the admission process, we will bring your application to the attention of the appropriate faculty. We prefer you do not contact the faculty directly. Please work through the BMI Admission office at


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Funding and Finances

Am I eligible for funding?

The Biomedical Informatics Program receives major funding from the National Library of Medicine Informatics Training grant. These funds are restricted to US citizens and permanent residents. Stanford offers the Stanford Graduate Fellowship (SGF). These awards do not have a restriction on citizenship but are offered to all PhD applicants across all the graduate programs within the University. As you can imagine, these fellowships are competitive.

For the Coterminal Masters program, students are eligible for undergraduate financial aid until the 12th quarter of their studies. See the Coterm funding page for more details.

For the Honors Cooperative MS Program, generally, students are not eligible for student loans or scholarships. Most loan programs require full-time commitment to classes. Most scholarships or fellowships have a required research component. However, some employers offer educational benefits to their employees. Please contact the Human Resources Department within your organization.

International applicants are advised to consider funding from scholarship programs from their own country.

The Fulbright program funds international scholars.

The Fogarty International Center maintains a Directory of Funding Opportunities for US citizens who wish to study and conduct research abroad and for citizens of other countries to study and conduct research in the US.
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I am willing and able to pay the tuition for graduate education. I would like to be admitted to the BMI program and understand the program's funding limitations. May I be admitted and pay my own tuition and living costs?

The degree programs in Biomedical Informatics which accept tuition are the Honors Cooperative Program, the part-time distance education program and the Co-terminal Masters program (for Stanford undergrads).

The Honors Coop program is designed for those who wish to remain fully employed while pursuing graduate studies. We look for applicants who are employed in biomedical informatics or in highly related fields.

For the PhD and the Academic (full time, residential, research) MS, our policy is to admit only those students who are eligible for funding.

Certain dual degree programs have different funding models due to the mixed nature of the degree programs. See the individual web pages under funding for more details.
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Prerequisites and Other Questions about Preparation

What are the prerequisites for all BMI degrees?

All applicant must complete their Bachelors degree in time to matriculate for the graduate program. Degrees in Computer Science, biology or medicine or in other highly related areas are preferred. Applicants need a strong background or concrete plan to obtain the prerequisites in calculus, computer programming, statistics, linear algebra, biology, and physiology.

1. Calculus (e.g. Math 51, 52, 53-equivalent to at least two).
Students without a working knowledge of calculus will be unable to take required courses in probability and statistics.
Mathematics course listings

2. Computer Programming (e.g. CS 106A,B).
Most courses in computer science required for the BMI degree assume a working knowledge of C. Students without proficiency in Java or C programming will face significant difficulty finding suitable research projects.
Undergraduate Computer Science course listings

3. Basic statistics or linear algebra, probability theory, or Biostats (e.g. Stats 60, Math 103, 113, HRP 259). This background is assumed by the courses required for the BMI degree in probability and statistics, and is necessary for basic work in any research laboratory.
Undergraduate Statistics course listings

4. Biology or Physiology (e.g. Bio-sciences 112 (Human Physiology) or Bio-sciences 41, 42, or 43 (Principles of Biology) and the corresponding laboratories, Biosci 44, X, Y). Students without basic knowledge of biomedicine will face significant difficulty finding suitable research projects.
Undergraduate Biological Sciences course listings
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Can I transfer credits from another program?

This depends on many factors; transfer of credits is very difficult. Under most circumstances, if your class is the equivalent of the Stanford class, your grades were good, the class relatively recent, then the program can provide a waiver or exemption from the degree requirement. You can fulfill the requirement with other classes or devote time to research.
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Do you accept Certificate Units?

This depends on the Certificate Program. Some Certificate programs offer classes which have not received approval from the Academic Senate of the University. The originating institution will not accept these units towards any of their degree programs. We are unable to accept such units. However, other Certificate units have received approval. Please provide documentation to this effect for your units. Usually, if the Certificate units have been approved by the Academic Senate then you will receive a transcript with the seal of the University.

All Certificate programs offered by Stanford have received approval from the Academic Senate. We are allowed to accept up to 18 relevant Certificate units upon matriculation into one of our degree programs.
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I think I have have the equivalent of one of your required classes but the content is spread over a set of classes.

You should consider taking a placement exam if there is one available. This situation usually arises when the content is taught in the context of other disciplines. Mapping the equivalence of the topics from the various classes back to the required class would require a specialist in multiple disciplines. It is much simpler and easier to take an exam.
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Do I have to take prerequisites at Stanford? You don't offer class XYZ via distance education. I can't come to campus to take this class.

We accept prerequisite classes from any accredited college or University. Evening classes at your local community college are acceptable. Please check to ensure that these classes qualify as part of the institution's curriculum for degree-seeking students. We cannot accept adult education, continuing studies or Certificate classes which are ineligible for degrees. However, many placement exam services offer exams in the prerequisite topic. For example a high score on an AP Biology exam would fulfill 2 of the required 4 semesters for our biology prerequisites.
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I have the prerequisites in topic XXX but it has been 10 years or more since I took this class.

Science advances quickly, technology moves even faster and skills get rusty. We advise a refresher course at your local community college. You will be updated and better prepared.
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How about prerequisites taken in the last 5 years? 7 years?

5 years: you are fine. 7 years: if you have been using your skills - you're fine. If not consider brushing up either with a class or supplemental reading.
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Do you have any resources for self-study? Maybe some open access classes?

Glad you made it this far in our FAQ sheet! Yes, we do. Stanford is experimenting with open access courseware. The number of classes is still limited but lecture videos, class slides, handouts, assignments, etc, are available. The classes are all drawn from the Computer Science Department. Go to Stanford Engineering Everywhere (http://see.stanford.edu/) If you like these resources, please give positive feedback. The University is still considering other classes to add to this resource. You can obtain more general University content and classes at Stanford on iTunes U as well.
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What about resources for self-study in biomedical informatics?

We volunteered our classes but were not selected for the SEE program. However, there are some free resources in the field - see the S-star organization which offers streaming media lectures at the introductory level.

In addition, the Bioinformatics Curriculum Collaboration offers teaching content donated by faculty in the field. You may download powerpoint slides and other materials drawn from various classes in the domain.

We also offer the Pharmacogenomics class, which is taught by Russ Altman, the Director of the program and Caroline Thorn, guest lecturer, as a set of DVD's. There is a shipping and handling fee of $50 plus postage for Priority Mail (about $5 in the US). More information and instructions about the Pharmacogenomics DVD's.
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Tests and Test Scores

Are the GRE's required? If so, for which programs?

Stanford University requires that GRE scores are submitted for all graduate programs. US trained Physicians are excepted and may submit MCAT scores in lieu of the GRE scores. For MD's, we will accept MCAT scores that are over 5 years old.
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Do I need to send the GRE and TOEFL scores by the posted deadlines?

The last acceptable deadline to take the GRE or TOEFL is in December. It is strongly recommended that you take the test prior to the application deadline. The January test dates are too late for the admissions committee review.
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I have graduated from an English speaking high school in a foreign country. Must I take the TOEFL?

Scores are required of all applicants whose first language is not English. However, individuals who have completed a U.S. bachelor’s degree or a two-year master’s degree (or the equivalent of either) at a recognized institution where all instruction is in English are not required to submit TOEFL scores. This exception does not apply if the courses were completed in a country where English is spoken, but not all courses were provided in English.

Being a citizen of the United States does not automatically exempt an applicant from taking the TOEFL. If the applicant’s first language is not English, the applicant must meet the exception above or submit TOEFL scores. If you are unsure about your situation, please contact the Graduate Admissions Office.
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The Admissions Process

What does the Stanford BMI admissions committee look for in an application?

The BMI admissions committee looks for strong letters of recommendation, a high GPA and test scores, and a solid, clear, and concise statement of purpose about your interests in biomedical informatics.
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May I request an interview during the admissions process?

We can only interview a limited number of applicants. We will contact you if an interview is required.
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If I have not fulfilled the prerequisites, will I still be considered?

Because the BMI program requires interdisciplinary coursework in calculus, computer programming, statistics, linear algebra, biology, and physiology, having a foundation in these areas is important. We strongly suggest that you take the equivalent course at a local community college if you have not taken them yet. You can take the courses during application period. Please indicate course enrollment somewhere in your application. If you are unsure about what courses to take, please contact the BMI Student Services Officer.
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I recently submitted my application to the Ph.D. or Academic M.S. program and I have not been contacted about an on campus interview. What should I do?

Typically, the BMI program conducts limited on-campus interviews as part of the Biosciences Admissions process. PhD applicants will be contacted by the end of January about possible interviews.
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May I waive previously taken courses to reduce the number of units I must take at Stanford?

If you are admitted to any of the degree programs, you will be asked to submit requests for course waivers. We are unable to discuss course waivers prior to a student being admitted.
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Where can I find the FAQ's page for Stanford Graduate Admissions?

The FAQ's page is located at the Graduate Admissions website.
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How many applications do you receive a year and how many students do you admit?

For the Ph.D. and academic M.S. programs, we receive between 100-250 applications a year. Depending on our available funding slots, we are able to admit between 4-7 new students each year. Thus, admissions are very competitive. The professional M.S. program is relatively new and we are receiving approximately 10-15 applications a year.
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Other Educational Opportunities

If I am not interested in pursuing a degree, what are the non-degree options?

You should consider the certificate programs or non-degree courses.
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Do you have distance learning learning classes and programs?

Yes, many of our courses are online, and they do not require you to come to the campus. The introductory level classes in bioinformatics and medical informatics, the Certificate programs and the Professional MS are all distance learning classes or programs that are supported by the Stanford Center for Professional Development. Please see the description of our classes and programs under

Prospective Students -> Distance Education

Please see the SCPD web page as well.
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I am not within commuting distance of Stanford. Is it really possible to take only distance education classes and obtain the Professional M.S. degree?

Yes, all courses are now offered online through Stanford Center of Professional Development (SCPD).
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About Jobs and Postdocs

I am interested in working as a Postdoc with the BMI program, but do not want to pursue a degree. How may I find more information about open positions?

Please submit your C. V. and cover letter identifying your particular interests to the Student Services Officer. If there is an opening, you will be contacted.

You might also visit the list of current Postdoc job opportunities on the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs website.
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What are the future career opportunities with a M.S. or Ph.D. in Biomedical Informatics?

The best way to gauge career opportunities is to look at the outcomes of previous trainees. About half of our Ph.D. graduates join academic departments in computer science, computer engineering, genetics, medicine, radiology, pediatrics, statistics or other academic departments--often in medical schools, but sometimes on main campuses. The other half of Ph.D. graduates work in industry (pharmaceutical, biotech, startups, consulting), usually with an emphasis on research & development. MS students often pursue a Ph.D., either at Stanford or elsewhere (in BMI, CS or one of the biological sciences). They also get jobs in industry. See the BMI website under "People Directory" for current positions of our alumni.
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Other

How much does it cost to live in the SF Bay Area? How can I find out about my housing options?

The Bay area is an expensive place. Many graduate students choose to live on campus for convenience and to minimize costs. Please refer to Stanford's Graduate Housing website for more information. There are many options to fit each situation.
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