.jpg){kind=logo}
Master of Science in Bioinformatics
Biological & Life Sciences
↓Biotechnology / Bioinformatics
↓Master in Bioinformatics
↓Master of Science in Bioinformatics
Program Overview
The master of science degree in bioinformatics is offered on a full- and part-time basis, to fulfill the needs of traditional students as well as those currently employed in the field. Graduates develop a strong foundation in biotechnology, computer programming, computational mathematics, statistics and database management, and will be prepared for careers in the biotechnology, bioinformatics, pharmaceutical and vaccine industries. For those who obtain bachelor's and master's degrees, the job market is rich with opportunities.
Most of the individuals now employed in bioinformatics were not specifically trained in this field. Instead, they chose it because the shortage of people with both biology and computer science/information technology expertise offered unusual opportunities for career growth and rewards. At present, most bioinformatics employees have formal training in biology or biotechnology and only limited familiarity with computational tools.
Based on consultation with individuals within the industry nationwide, the credential most in demand in the future will be the master of science degree, particularly when coupled with industry-sponsored research as thesis work. That research will provide exposure to real-world problems, and their solutions, not otherwise attainable in an academic setting.
The objective of the program (Master of Science in Bioinformatics) is to provide students with the capability to enter the bioinformatics workforce and become leaders in the field. This objective is addressed through a curriculum designed to fulfill the needs of students with diverse educational and professional backgrounds. Individuals entering an MS program in bioinformatics typically have degrees in biology, biotechnology, chemistry, statistics, computer science, information technology or a related field. The MS program accommodates this diversity in two ways. First, there is a comprehensive bridge program for students who need to supplement their education before entering the MS program. Second, the MS program itself consists of two tracks, one for students with backgrounds in the life sciences and one for those with backgrounds in the computational sciences. Regardless of the track pursued, students will be prepared to become professional bioinformaticists upon graduation.
Curriculum Review
A minimum of 48 quarter credit hours, including seven core courses, is required for completion of the program (Master of Science in Bioinformatics). A choice of professional graduate electives is available so that each student may pursue areas of personal or professional interest. In addition, every student is required to complete a research project that addresses a relevant and timely topic in bioinformatics, culminating in a thesis. Graduate electives may be chosen from any relevant RIT graduate courses.
Curriculum
Computational science degrees track
1001-700 Cell and Molecular Genetics
1001-701 Cell and Molecular Genetics II
4002-762 Introduction to Bioinformatics Computing
4002-763 Advanced Bioinformatics Computing
1001-722 Bioinformatics Seminar
1001-725 Ethics in Bioinformatics
1001-794 Molecular Modeling and Proteomics
1016-715 Statistical Models for Bioinformatics
Graduate electives (eleven credit hours)
1001-890 Thesis (ten credit hours)
Total 48 credit hours Life science degrees track
4003-709 Programming Language Concepts
4002-720 Data Object Development
4002-762 Introduction to Bioinformatics Computing
4002-763 Advanced Bioinformatics Computing
1001-722 Bioinformatics Seminar
1001-725 Ethics in Bioinformatics
1001-794 Molecular Modeling and Proteomics
1016-715 Statistical Models for Bioinformatics
Graduate electives (eleven credit hours)
1001-890 Thesis (ten credit hours)
Total 50 credit hours
Admission Requirements
Individuals with baccalaureate degrees in biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, chemistry, computer science, information technology, statistics or related disciplines are invited to apply. Admission decisions will be based on a composite of prerequisites, including an undergraduate grade point average of 3.2 or higher, with an average of 3.4 in the field of study. Graduate Record Examination scores may be required in some cases.
Applications are due by February 15th. Later applications will be reviewed on a space-available basis.
English language requirement
All applicants who do not speak English as their primary language are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language. Applicants should have a minimum score of 570 (paper-based) or 230 (computer-based)
If you want more information or have questions, please fill out this form. It takes approximately 45 seconds to complete.
| More information
