Curriculum Overview
The Cedars-Sinai Master of Science in Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (MSMRM) program spans five trimesters, offering a curriculum that integrates technical and theoretical knowledge with clinical applications. In the first year, students engage in didactic courses, seminars, journal clubs and lab rotations, providing a solid foundation in MR physics, biomedical imaging and biomedical signals. These experiences immerse students in both research and clinical work, fostering hands-on learning in an academic medical environment.
As students progress to the second year, they participate in clinical and internship rotations, along with a preparatory workshop for the American Board of Medical Physics (ABMP) certification. The curriculum emphasizes the translational aspects of imaging research, helping students integrate their skills into practice. A thesis research project caps the program, preparing graduates for roles as clinical MR scientists, scientists or associates. This program is also ideal for current healthcare professionals and those pursuing PhD or MD degrees, providing advanced training through substantial collaborative research projects.
Curriculum Information
Course Catalog
MRM 510 - Seminar/Journal Club - Series I -The Structured Journal Club is a required monthly course in years one and two. It focuses on MRI literature, analysis, and presentation skills.
MRM 511 - Introduction to Human Physiology & Anatomy - Introductory course on human anatomy and physiology, covering major organ systems including circulatory, nervous and respiratory.
MRM 512 -Biomedical Imaging - Overview of biomedical imaging principles, covering X-ray, CT, PET, SPECT, ultrasound, MR and optical imaging used in clinical and research settings.
MRM 513 -Principle of Biomedical Signals & MR Imaging -Signals and systems theory applied to medical imaging, covering image processing, system modeling, noise, resolution, artifacts and reconstruction.
MRM 517 - MRI Lab Rotation I - Students will conduct advanced MRI research in areas such as neuroimaging, spectroscopy, cardiac, diffusion and ultra-high field MRI.
MRM 520 - Seminar/Journal Club Series II - The Structured Journal Club is a required monthly course in years one and two. It focuses on MRI literature, analysis, and presentation skills.
MRM 521 - MR Imaging: Clinical Applications - Covers advanced MRI techniques—BOLD, diffusion, perfusion, fMRI, spectroscopy, molecular MRI—linking theory to clinical and biomedical applications.
MRM 624 - MR Technical Developments & Advanced Imaging - Introduction to MRI physics and advanced MR imaging, covering pulse sequences, image reconstruction, coil design and hands-on lab practice.
MRM 527 - MRI Lab Rotations II - Students earn variable credits conducting advanced MRI research in neuroimaging, spectroscopy, cardiac, diffusion, and ultra-high field MRI.
MRM 528 - Clinical Rotation I - Clinical course introducing students to MRI practice, observing studies, assisting technologists and learning safe patient interaction skills.
MRM 530 - Seminar/Journal Club Series III - The Structured Journal Club is a required monthly course in years one and two. It focuses on MRI literature, analysis, and presentation skills.
MRM 533 - Advanced Imaging and AI - Covers medical image analysis, including segmentation, registration, modeling and computational tools for disease diagnosis, treatment and monitoring.
MRM 535 - MRI: Experimental Design and Planning - Covers MR site management, safety, patient care and professional practices, plus experimental design, statistics, imaging basics and data analysis.
MRM 537 - MRI Lab Rotations III - Students earn credits conducting advanced MRI research in neuroimaging, spectroscopy, cardiac, diffusion and ultra-high field MRI.
MRM 538 - Clinical Rotation II - Clinical course introducing students to MRI practice, observing studies, assisting technologists and learning safe patient interaction skills.
MRM 610 - Seminar/Journal Club Series IV - The Structured Journal Club is a required monthly course in years one and two. It focuses on MRI literature, analysis, and presentation skills.
MRM 618 - Clinical Rotation III - Clinical course introducing students to MRI practice, observing studies, assisting technologists and learning safe patient interaction skills.
MRM 619 - Thesis/Project I - The Master's Thesis allows students to demonstrate mastery of MR in Medicine knowledge and skills. Completion and defense are required for graduation.
MRM 620 - Seminar/Journal Club Series V - The Structured Journal Club is a required monthly course in years one and two. It focuses on MRI literature, analysis, and presentation skills.
MRM 627 - Internship Rotation - Provides hands-on industry experience, linking classroom learning to real-world applications, career exploration and professional networking.
MRM 629 - Thesis/Project II - The Master's Thesis allows students to demonstrate mastery of MR in Medicine knowledge and skills. Completion and defense are required for graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore answers to commonly asked questions to help you navigate the program.
All courses are required.
Yes, students learn the clinical applications of MR through substantial collaborative research projects and must complete a thesis research project.
No.
20 months.
Yes.
Students have access to state‑of-the-art MR imaging equipment at Cedars-Sinai. A complete portfolio of clinical 1.5T and 3T MR systems are housed in the S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center, and the Imaging Core houses the latest 3T MR systems, including the first simultaneous hybrid PET/MR system on the West Coast, which are used for research and clinical purposes.
A 9.4T MR system for small animals is also available in the Imaging Core, where translational ("bench to bedside") medicine is practiced daily. Students will also have access to cutting‑edge image analysis and post-processing workstations and software. More information on the Imaging Core.
Cedars‑Sinai Medical Center is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
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Master of Science in Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Cedars-Sinai Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
8687 Melrose Ave.
SuiteG‑700
West Hollywood, CA 90069