MS in Applied Clinical Informatics

Application and Admission MS-ACI

No computer science degree is required to apply to the MS in Applied Clinical Informatics program—just a strong interest in informatics and data. Two years of relevant post- undergrad experience is preferred. Standardized tests aren’t required but are recommended if available.

Applying to MS-ACI at Vanderbilt

Are you ready to advance your career in clinical informatics? Follow the steps below to ensure your application is complete.

Admissions Criteria and Process

  • Required Admissions Materials

    Your application must include:

    • Statement of purpose
    • Standardized test scores (GRE, MCAT, or equivalent)
    • Transcripts from all degree programs
      • Unofficial transcripts may be uploaded for initial review.
      • If accepted, official transcripts must be sent directly from your institution to Vanderbilt before your first term begins.
    • Curriculum Vitae (CV) including:
      • Education and training
      • Honors and awards
      • Professional experience
      • Relevant publications and presentations
    • Three professional letters of recommendation
    • Responses to the following three essay questions:
      • Describe your previous experience related to clinical informatics and how it influenced your decision to pursue this field.
      • How will this program help you reach your personal, academic, or career goals?
      • Identify a major advancement in health informatics in the last decade—how has it impacted patient care or outcomes?
  • Application Instructions

    Complete the online application and select the following options:

    • Program to which you are applying: Medicine – Non MD
    • Program: Master of Science in Applied Clinical Informatics
    • Degree: MS-AC
  • Application Deadlines

    Once your application is complete, it will be reviewed promptly. If accepted, you will receive an email from the program director with next steps and a deadline to accept your offer.

    Important dates:

    August 1 – Application Cycle Starts

    February 15 – Early Application Deadline

    May 15 – Final Application Deadline

  • Additional Guidelines for International Students

    International Applicants:

    • Are required to attend one- to two-day sessions every semester via a conferencing platform during the hours set by the program (regardless of time zone differences).
    • Must complete synchronous course requirements via a video conferencing platform on Thursday evenings from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. CST each week.
    • May also be required to provide scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), which is administered by the Educational Testing Service in Princeton, New Jersey. The Program requires applicants to meet or exceed a score of 600. International applicants who have obtained at least a master’s level degree from an accredited US university are not required to provide TOEFL scores.

    Because of the program’s primarily online format, international students on student visas (F or J) are ineligible to participate in the program in person.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition and student fee amounts for the upcoming academic year are determined every April by the Vanderbilt Board of Trust. View the Cost of Attendance for the MS-ACI Program.

For the most up to date information, please visit the following websites:

Student Accounts
Vanderbilt University Student Handbook
Student Financial Aid (or contact Heather Boutell, Director of Financial Aid)

Additional Board Certification Information for Vanderbilt MS-ACI

ABMS certification: If you're a physician interested in board certification through the American Board of Medical Specialties, review the eligibility criteria listed on the American Board of Preventive Medicine website.

Start Your Application