Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

    Can I start in the Certificate Program and then transfer to the Master's or PhD Program?

    A certificate-seeking student cannot transfer to a graduate program; they must apply with all other applicants by the annual respective deadlines. A full application, with the program's respective required materials, is required to be considered for admission. Admissions to a graduate program is not guaranteed. 

    Can I transfer from the Master's Program to the PhD Program?

    MS students interested in the PhD will need to reapply during the regular admissions cycle.  Admission to the PhD program is not guaranteed.

    If I already have a Master's degree, do I still need to submit a GRE test result if I am applying to your Master's or PhD program?

    The GRE is not required to apply to the MS program and is optional for the PhD program.

    Can I transfer course credits from another university?

    As quoted from the Graduate School's Policies:

    Graduate credit may be transferred from other institutions. Credits transferred from another institution may be used for only one degree. Up to six semester hours of transfer credit may be applied toward fulfillment of graduate degree requirements if they are of high letter grade (B or higher; 'credit only' grades are unacceptable), are recommended by the student's supervisory committee, and were taken within four years of semester of admission to the University of Utah for master's students and within seven years of semester of admission to the University of Utah for doctoral students. 

    More than six semester hours may potentially be accepted by the PhD program. To initiate the transfer credit evaluation process, contact the respective program's contact noted below. 

    Can I take one or two classes in the program without being accepted into the graduate program?

    Yes, you can apply as a non-matriculated graduate student and enroll in courses in the Department of Biomedical Informatics. You can take up to 9 credit hours of coursework prior to being accepted to a graduate program and can then apply those courses to your Master's or PhD program if B or higher grades are obtained. You can apply here as a non-matriculated graduate student (Non-Degree Seeking). Students on an F-1 visa are not allowed to enroll as a non-matriculated student at the University. 

    Does the Master's Program provide funding opportunities?

    The Master's Program is non-funded, meaning department assistantships (i.e., TA, GA, and RA) and scholarships are not awarded upon admission. Students who pursue the MS in Biomedical Informatics degree accept their position with the acknowledgment and understanding that they are responsible for securing funding to cover all educational expenses during their studies. Students who need financial assistance to attend are responsible for obtaining private, federal (if applicable), and/or other institutional aid they may qualify for in a timely manner.

    Have more questions? Please reach out to: 

    Barbara Saffel

    PhD Program

    801-213-3730

    barbara.saffel@utah.edu

    Eli Covarrubias

    Master’s Program

    801-213-3364

    eli.covarrubias@utah.edu