FAQ

We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions about the BMI program. Individuals who are interested in applying to the BMI program should visit the BMI Admissions pages.

See Russ Altman's article on why the merger of bioinformatics and medical informatics training is beneficial.

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. In addition, 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, although 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, as well.

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.

Please read the descriptions for the academic M.S. and professional M.S. programs. If you are still unable to decide which program is appropriate for you, please contact the Assistant Director of the BMI Training program.

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. 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.

You should consider the certificate programs or non-degree courses.

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.

Information about the BMI program is available on this website. If you have questions about the BMI program that have not been addressed in the webpages, please contact the Admissions Officer.

 

 

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.

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 typically too late.

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.

On average, it takes about 5-6 years to complete a Ph.D., 2 years to complete the Academic M.S., and anywhere from 3-5 years to complete the Professional M.S.

Due to the number of applications that we receive, we are unable to grant personal interviews.

Applicants should have a strong background in calculus, computer programming, statistics, linear algebra, biology, and physiology. Please refer to the Stanford Bulletin for Stanford course descriptions.

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.
Mathematical and Computational Science 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.
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.
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.
Biological Sciences course listings

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 the time that you are applying. Please indicate course enrollment somewhere in your application. If you are unsure about what courses to take, please contact the BMI Admissions Office.

Typically, the BMI program does not conduct on campus interviews. You will be contacted by email or letter by mid-March (or by early January for professional M.S. applicants). We ask that you please do not contact us inquiring about the status of your application. You will be contacted as soon as decisions are finalized.

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.

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.

Unfortunately, you are only permitted to apply to one program at a time each year. You will need to decide which program, BMI or Biosciences, is more appropriate for your interests.

Our policy is to admit only those students who are eligible for funding. We also have space limitations and try to keep our student-to-faculty ratio low.

The FAQ's page is located at the Graduate Admissions website.

 

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 complete list of online SCPD classes.

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.

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

 

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. We will keep your C.V. on file for up to two years.

You might also visit the list of current Postdoc job opportunities on the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs website.

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 undergraduate 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, but usually not as the head of a research group or, alternatively, more on the development side of the R&D enterprise. See the BMI website for current positions of our alumni.