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Master of Imaging Science

Master of Imaging Science Program

Broadening the Scope of a Growing Field

The Master of Imaging Science program at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine addresses the growing recognition of imaging science as a distinct specialty in biomedical research and clinical care.

Imaging technologies provide critical diagnostic and research functions in uncovering and solving health care mysteries through a variety of modalities including ultrasound technology, radiation technology (such as x-rays and CT scans), and MRI technologies. Students will learn the functions and uses behind various modalities used to allow physicians and patients to observe internal organs, detect cancers, monitor image-guided surgeries, and more.

Our unique MIS program:

  • Provides innovative and comprehensive education across the full range of biomedical imaging science at a national leader in health care and health sciences.
  • Prepares graduates for leadership roles in applying imaging in academic, clinical, and industrial settings in health care and beyond.

 

Learning in Innovative Environments

Within the context of a leading medical research and teaching center and a dedicated Institute of Imaging Science, graduates of the master’s program in Imaging Science will train in both preclinical and clinical environments in order to:

  • Develop the ability to implement technical advances in one or more specific imaging technologies, combining principles of physics, engineering, computer science, and mathematics to collect, produce, and analyze images.
  • Understand the uses and practical limitations of the major imaging modalities in use today. They will understand the fundamental principles of image formation, contrast mechanisms, and image analysis for each modality.
  • Apply expertise in the use and interpretation of multiple imaging modalities in preclinical and/or clinical applications, as well as current research directions.

A Look Into the Program

Hear more by viewing the recording of our most recent information session with program leadership.

Apply for Full Time or Part Time Enrollment

Full-time MIS students earn their degrees within twelve months, fast-tracking their imaging science careers. Vanderbilt University School of Medicine’s part-time option allows MIS students to earn their degrees while maintaining their busy lives: work, family, and other obligations that might not fit within a full-time program. Part-time students can use employee tuition benefits for VU and VUMC employees if they qualify.

Apply by April 30th for full-time (12 months) or part-time (24 months) enrollment.

Qualifications and Admissions Criteria

Applicants should have an undergraduate Bachelor’s degree in a basic, applied, biological, physical, computer, or social-behavioral sciences from an accredited university. Mathematical aptitude and basic programming skills are highly encouraged. Our own experiences confirm that students with backgrounds in physics, chemistry or engineering are successful as imaging scientists after appropriate training.

Applications must be submitted online, with the following requirements:

  • Complete the online application for Vanderbilt University, selecting the following options:
    • Area of Study: Medicine-Non MD
    • Program: Master of Imaging Science
    • Degree: MIS
  • Documentation of completed undergraduate degree, and transcripts showing a minimum final GPA of 3.0
  • Statement of intended course of study (i.e., full-time or part-time enrollment)
  • Statement of Purpose, including connection to any research experience (1-page limit)
    • In cases where the background in math or computing is not clear from the transcript, applicants should clarify what education they have had in calculus, vector or linear algebra and other topics in math and/or computing within the Statement of Purpose.
  • Letters of Recommendation (two minimum)
  • General Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores are recommended, but not required.
  • TOEFL/IELTS scores less than 2 years old are required for applicants whose native language is not English. If you have received (or will receive) an undergraduate degree from a college or university where English is the primary language of instruction, and if you have studied in residence at that institution for at least three years, you are exempt from the English Language Test requirement and are not required to submit a language test score. This requirement may also be waived for students who have completed one year of full-time study with a minimum GPA of 3.0 at an accredited university in the United States. Minimum required scores:
    • Paper based TOEFL: 550
    • Computer based TOEFL: 213
    • Internet based TOEFL iBT: 80
    • IELTS: 7

Official GRE / TOEFL / IELTS Scores should be sent to Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, institution code 1871 (department code is not required)