MS in Bioinformatics
The Master of Science in Bioinformatics (M.S.) prepares our graduates with the skills to immediately contribute in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and biomedical fields.
Why choose Rowan's bioinformatics program?
The Master of Science in Bioinformatics (M.S) prepares our graduates with the skills to immediately contribute in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and biomedical fields. Bioinformatics is a multidisciplinary field of study that focuses on the use of computational information tools in the investigation and analysis of biological, biomedical, and biochemical systems.
The industry uses information generated in the lab or clinic for future applications, research, and development.
Our program provides hands-on experience, giving you the opportunity to work on novel research. This includes advanced training in theory and laboratory settings, which allows you to diversify into other biomedical research fields. This program includes the following three focus areas: Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, and Computer Science.
Key considerations
Quick Facts
Credits
Application Deadlines
Fall Entry Term
Studying bioinformatics at Rowan
What You'll Learn
The M.S. in Bioinformatics program consists of 30 semester hours (s.h.). Both a thesis and a non-thesis track are available.
The following courses make up the M.S. in Bioinformatics program.
- 30 Semester Hours
- Foundation Courses: Yes
- Graduation / Exit / Thesis Requirements: Yes
Required Courses: 12 S.H.
| Course Number | Title | S.H. (Credits) |
| CHEM 07595 | Bioinformatics - Advanced Biochemical Applications | 3 |
| BIOL 05555 | BIOL 05555 | 3 |
| CS 07595 | Advanced Topics In Computer Science | 4 |
| BINF 07500 | Bioinformatics Seminar | 3 |
Restrictive Electives: Choose 9-12 S.H. (Thesis Track) or 18 S.H. (Non-Thesis Track)
Biological Sciences
| Course Number | Title | S.H. (Credits) |
| BIOL TBD | Evolution | 4 |
| BIOL TBD | Environmental Microbiology | 4 |
| BIOL TBD | Developmental Biology | 4 |
| BIOL TBD | BIOL TBD | 4 |
| BIOL TBD | Special Topics in Biology | 4 |
| BIOL TBD | Microbiology | 4 |
| BIOL TBD | Ecology | 4 |
| BIOL TBD | Human Genetics | 4 |
| BIOL TBD | Molecular Genetics | 4 |
Biochemistry
| Course Number | Title | S.H. (Credits) |
| CHEM 07531 | Special Topics in Biochemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 07570 | Organic Spectroscopy | 3 |
| CHEM 07568 | Medicinal Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 07557 | Chemical Biology | 3 |
| CHEM 07560 | Advanced Biochemistry Lecture | 3 |
| CHEM 09510 | Instrumental Analysis | 3 |
Computer Science
| Course Number | Title | S.H. (Credits) |
| CS 07523 | Advanced Software Engineering | 3 |
| CS 07540 | Advanced Design And Analysis Of Algorithms | 3 |
| CS 07570 | Information Visualization | 3 |
| MIS 02599 | Special Topics in Management Information Systems | 3 |
Required Thesis Track Courses: 9 S.H.
| Course Number | Title | S.H. (Credits) |
| BINF 07501 | MS Thesis Research 1 | 3 |
| BINF 07502 | MS Thesis Research 2 | 3 |
| BINF 07503 | MS Thesis Research 3 | 3 |
Note: The courses listed above are not official and are subject to change. For an official list of available courses please visit the Rowan University Academic Catalog.
Admission Requirements
The following is a list of items required to begin the application process for the program. Applications will be reviewed by the admissions committee, according to the chosen application track. Promising applicants for the Thesis Track will be invited for an interview with the admissions committee prior to final acceptance decision. Thesis Track applicants may be offered acceptance to the Non-Thesis Track if their applications or interviews are determined to be uncompetitive for the Thesis Track. Admissions decisions for the Non-Thesis Track will not require an interview. Priority will be given for Thesis Track M.S. applications completed on or before February 15. Non-Thesis Track M.S. applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Upon receipt of the materials below, a representative from the Rowan Global Admissions Processing Office will contact you with confirmation or will indicate any missing items.
- Completed Application Form
- No application fee required
- Bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) from an accredited institution of higher learning
- A Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Computer Science, or related field is highly recommended
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended (regardless of number of credits earned)
- Current professional resume
- Typewritten statement of professional objectives (including motivation for application to the program)
- Two letters of recommendation from professional sources that speak to the applicant's academic aptitude
- Minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
- Thesis Track only: Interview (Applicants will be contacted directly by the Faculty Admission Committee regarding the interview. The interview can be in person or via telephone.)
- TOEFL (International)
- WES (International)
Tuition and Aid
At Rowan University, we pride ourselves on being vigilant and frugal about tuition. We work hard to provide quality education while seeking to reduce the barrier that college costs can present students.
We know paying for tuition can be a challenge. That is why Rowan provides students with the financial resources needed to put their education first by offering grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships.
Careers and outcomes
Graduates with a bioinformatics master’s degree from Rowan will be prepared for research and development, data science, and information technology careers in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and biomedical industries; software and health insurance organizations; and in academia.
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