Applicant Information

Application Requirements
The basic requirement for admission as a student in the Biomedical Informatics program is a bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, mathematics, physics, biology, nursing, medicine, public health, information management, or similar discipline. Students who enter without requisite coursework in computer science from previous study may be required to take introductory computer science at Columbia University to ensure fulfillment of program requirements. Students without a background in health science should consider taking a course in human anatomy and physiology, or in hospital systems and management. Some familiarity with social science and statistics is also helpful. The general requirements for admission are defined by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
How to Apply
Students applying to graduate program at DBMI should note that we only accept applications for the Fall term. The application deadline for Fall 2011 admission is Monday, December 6, 2010, all application materials must be received by the deadline. Applicants seeking admission to the program are urged to submit a completed application and supporting materials as early as possible. A complete application package should include the following items:
- GSAS Application and Biomedical Informatics Supplement
- GRE scores (MCAT scores may be submitted in lieu of GRE scores for MA and Post-doctoral applicants. GRE scores are required for all PhD applicants. Physicians are also asked to submit USMLE scores).
- Personal Statement
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- Official Transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions
- TOEFL scores, if applicable (see International Students section below)
- Curriculum Vitae or Resumé
Applications must be completed on-line through the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS). The department conducts personal interviews with selected PhD or postdoctoral candidates. Final admissions decisions are made no later than April 15th.
International Students
All international students whose native language is not English and who have not received an undergraduate degree from an institution in which English was the medium of instruction must submit scores of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination. Information regarding minimum scores and the assessment of English speaking ability post-admission is available from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
website. Request to waive the TOEFL requirement should be directed to the Graduate School of Arts and Science Office of Graduate Affairs, telephone (212) 305-8058, e-mail
biomedicalsciences@columbia.edu
Only the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) has the authority to waive TOEFL scores or grant exceptions.