Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

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

    Yes, however you can only transfer 9 credit hours of coursework taken prior to entering a graduate program. The Certificate is considered a Second Bachelors. You cannot actually just "transfer" to the graduate program; you must apply with all other applicants by the annual posted deadlines in December. Be aware of the additional application requirements for a graduate program that differs from the Certificate. You must take the GRE, for example, and have a written Statement of Purpose to outline your research objectives.

    Can I transfer from the Master's Program to the Ph.D. Program?

    Applicants are considered as qualified to study in the program they apply to. However, you can apply for the Ph.D. internally with their GRE scores in December. In the spring (May), you would need to sit for the Oral Comprehensive exam in addition to the Written Comprehensive exam.

    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 Ph.D. program?

    If you took the GRE for your first Master's degree, you will not need to retake it. Please submit your scores from the last exam, even if it was more than 5 years ago. If you were not required to take the GRE for the first degree, you will need to take it to apply to this program. Some programs may emphasize excellence in different areas of the GRE than we do, so we would like to see your scores regardless of whether you have already earned a Master's degree. However, if you have a PhD, we do not require your GRE results.

    I do not currently have a graduate degree but took the GRE 8 years ago. ETS does not keep them more than 5 years so I cannot have them send you my scores. Do I need to retake the GRE?

    Yes, you will need to retake the GRE.

    Can I transfer course credits from another university?

    This only applies to the Master's program as there is not a set requirement of credit hours for the PhD program. However, 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.

    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 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 Ph.D. program. You can apply here as a non-matriculated student (Non-Degree Seeking).

    Have more questions? Please reach out to: 

    Barbara Saffel

    Program Manager

    801-213-3730

    barbara.saffel@utah.edu

    Eli Covarrubias

    Graduate Student Coordinator

    801-213-3364

    eli.covarrubias@utah.edu