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Overview
The Certificate in Health Data Science (CiHDaS) is a one-year program, ideal for those already working in the biomedical or pharmaceutical industries, focused on applying biostatistics, data science and epidemiological thinking in clinical research settings.The CiHDaS program is intended for 1) Quantitative science learners interested in studying data science with a focus on biomedical applications and 2) Biomedical/quantitative scientists interested in applying data science methods in clinical, epidemiological and biological sciences.Data science and biostatistical tools are increasingly necessary to accommodate the growing emphasis on precision and evidence based-medicine, the widespread analyses of electronic health records, and the improved capabilities to...
The Certificate in Health Data Science (CiHDaS) is a one-year program, ideal for those already working in the biomedical or pharmaceutical industries, focused on applying biostatistics, data science and epidemiological thinking in clinical research settings.
The CiHDaS program is intended for 1) Quantitative science learners interested in studying data science with a focus on biomedical applications and 2) Biomedical/quantitative scientists interested in applying data science methods in clinical, epidemiological and biological sciences.
Data science and biostatistical tools are increasingly necessary to accommodate the growing emphasis on precision and evidence based-medicine, the widespread analyses of electronic health records, and the improved capabilities to collect and store massive datasets.
We also offer a Master’s of Science in Health Data Science (MiHDaS) as a two-year program that includes a capstone research project, teaching and industry experience.
On this page you'll find...
Why choose our program?
Health data science is an evolving discipline that responds to the explosion of available and complex data in biomedicine and other health-related fields. It is a rapidly growing field, and much contemporary health science research is being shaped by the contributions of data science. Data scientists are driving advances in genetics, genomics, biomedical imaging and computational biology. Data scientists also play a key role across biomedical specialties and public health by helping design and analyze clinical trials and observational studies; set regulatory policy; and conceive and execute laboratory experiments. New experts in health data science can maximize the benefit of future health-related research and clinical application.
Program Details
Application & Admission
September 2026: Application period opens for the 2027-28 year
End of January 2027: International student priority deadline (applications received by this date will be reviewed first)
- Applications will be reviewed on a monthly basis following the priority deadline
April 2027: Final application deadline
Program
Mid-July 2027: Admitted students begin courses
Year 1: Students complete coursework requirements
Minimum qualifications for admission are:
- A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited institution in a quantitative or biomedical science-related field
- A GPA of 3.0 or greater.
- International applicants must also demonstrate proficiency in English.
- Learn more about how to meet this requirement on the Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs' International Admission Requirements page.
- Please note that the Health Data Science program minimum internet based TOEFT iBT score is 100.
The following application materials must be submitted to the UCSF Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs' online application:
- Transcripts. Provide transcripts from all institutions of higher learning attended after high school.
- Three Letters of Recommendation.
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae.
- Statement of Purpose. Describe your reasons for interest in the program.
- Personal History Statement. Share any other information that is not included in your CV or elsewhere in your application that might be relevant for the admissions committee to know
- Application Fee
- TOEFL or IELTS Scores (see minimum requirements for international applicants from non-English speaking countries in Applicant Qualifications)
See our HDS Application & Funding page for complete application requirements.
If you are considering applying to the HDS Master's program, we encourage you to get to know us better by watching our info session, signing up to learn more about our program, and following us on LinkedIn.
Through our program, students learn health data science through courses in biostatistics, epidemiology, and ethical research, combined with hands-on programming in R and Python.
The program emphasizes analyzing complex health data and applying machine learning and statistical methods to clinical and public health research.
View a sample plan of study with all required courses and electives.
Program Fees
The Certificate program is a one-year course of study that requires registration for four quarters.
Fees for the Certificate program are posted on the Office of the Registrar student fees page for the current academic year (click on Graduate Division, search Health Data Science - Certificate). The total fees for the one-year program total approximately $50,000 in academic year 2025-26, inclusive of UC Student Health Insurance premiums.
The fees do not include the cost of books, software, supplies, housing, or personal expenses.
Financial Aid
UCSF Student Financial Services offers opportunities for students to apply for federal loans or federal work-study jobs through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Please note that only US citizens and eligible noncitizens are eligible for Federal Financial Aid. Refer to the Federal Student Aid website for additional information regarding eligibility.
Non-US citizens and non-permanent residents are eligible for private educational loans. Please refer to the UCSF Student Financial Services website if you are an AB 540 student or international student.
Find more information about program fees & financial aid on the HDS Application & Funding page.
For admissions-related questions, please email [email protected]
For current students and program-related questions, please email [email protected]
To sign up for our mailing list, visit the HDS Hub
Application & Admission
September 2026: Application period opens for the 2027-28 year
End of January 2027: International student priority deadline (applications received by this date will be reviewed first)
- Applications will be reviewed on a monthly basis following the priority deadline
April 2027: Final application deadline
Program
Mid-July 2027: Admitted students begin courses
Year 1: Students complete coursework requirements
Minimum qualifications for admission are:
- A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited institution in a quantitative or biomedical science-related field
- A GPA of 3.0 or greater.
- International applicants must also demonstrate proficiency in English.
- Learn more about how to meet this requirement on the Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs' International Admission Requirements page.
- Please note that the Health Data Science program minimum internet based TOEFT iBT score is 100.
The following application materials must be submitted to the UCSF Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs' online application:
- Transcripts. Provide transcripts from all institutions of higher learning attended after high school.
- Three Letters of Recommendation.
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae.
- Statement of Purpose. Describe your reasons for interest in the program.
- Personal History Statement. Share any other information that is not included in your CV or elsewhere in your application that might be relevant for the admissions committee to know
- Application Fee
- TOEFL or IELTS Scores (see minimum requirements for international applicants from non-English speaking countries in Applicant Qualifications)
See our HDS Application & Funding page for complete application requirements.
If you are considering applying to the HDS Master's program, we encourage you to get to know us better by watching our info session, signing up to learn more about our program, and following us on LinkedIn.
Through our program, students learn health data science through courses in biostatistics, epidemiology, and ethical research, combined with hands-on programming in R and Python.
The program emphasizes analyzing complex health data and applying machine learning and statistical methods to clinical and public health research.
View a sample plan of study with all required courses and electives.
Program Fees
The Certificate program is a one-year course of study that requires registration for four quarters.
Fees for the Certificate program are posted on the Office of the Registrar student fees page for the current academic year (click on Graduate Division, search Health Data Science - Certificate). The total fees for the one-year program total approximately $50,000 in academic year 2025-26, inclusive of UC Student Health Insurance premiums.
The fees do not include the cost of books, software, supplies, housing, or personal expenses.
Financial Aid
UCSF Student Financial Services offers opportunities for students to apply for federal loans or federal work-study jobs through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Please note that only US citizens and eligible noncitizens are eligible for Federal Financial Aid. Refer to the Federal Student Aid website for additional information regarding eligibility.
Non-US citizens and non-permanent residents are eligible for private educational loans. Please refer to the UCSF Student Financial Services website if you are an AB 540 student or international student.
Find more information about program fees & financial aid on the HDS Application & Funding page.
For admissions-related questions, please email [email protected]
For current students and program-related questions, please email [email protected]
To sign up for our mailing list, visit the HDS Hub
Certificate Requirements
Certificate students are required to complete a minimum of 27.5 units of coursework over a 1-year (4 quarters) period. Students are welcome to take additional elective courses within the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics (DEB). Students are also eligible to enroll in courses through the Stanford Exchange and the SF Consortium programs.
Please note that, as a self-supporting program, the University does not allow Health Data Science students to take additional courses outside of DEB. Elective courses may be drawn from this list of DEB classes.
View a sample plan of study with all required courses and electives.
View the full Health Data Science Bylaws
Events & Information
Upcoming events
Information sessions and other events will be posted here. Check back for registration details.
Watch our most recent information session
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Frequently Asked Questions
Applications are accepted between September and the April deadline for a program start in the summer term, starting in mid-July.
No, this program is an in-person program.
We require a bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) or the equivalent from an accredited institution in a quantitative or biomedical science, or related field. We welcome applicants who come from associated educational and professional backgrounds.
Strengthening your calculus and linear algebra skills is not essential, but with a general/partial understanding in each area you will be more confident in understanding some of the presented methods in a deeper way. Ask about our faculty’s suggested resources by emailing [email protected].
If you completed coursework/degrees outside the United States, you must submit transcripts translated into English. Additionally, if your university does not issue grades on a 4.0 grade point scale, you will need to convert your grades for the application.
International applicants from non-English speaking countries must also demonstrate proficiency in English. There are several ways to demonstrate proficiency which the Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs outlines. Note that the Health Data Science program requires a minimum internet-based TOEFL iBT score of 100.
Yes, students are welcome to take additional elective courses within the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics (DEB). Elective courses may be drawn from this list of DEB Individual Courses. Students are also eligible to enroll in courses through the Stanford Exchange and the SF Consortium programs.
Please note that, as a self-supporting program, the University does not allow Health Data Science students to take additional courses outside of DEB.
See Fees & Financial Aid section above.
These are the eligibility requirements for financial aid. Further information can be found at Student Financial Services, specifically in the Apply for Aid section of the website. If eligible, you may begin applying for financial aid before even committing to our program. You can also explore the different types of aid available on that website.
The program does not have scholarships or grants available to offer to students.
We advise that students allocate ample time in their schedules to devote to class activities and to student preparation/homework/study hours for this full-time program. In general, we recommend not working more than part-time (20 hours/week).
Interested in Health Data Science, but want more than a Certificate?
We also offer a two-year Master's in Health Data Science (MiHDaS) with coursework, capstone research and teaching experience.