Online Master's Degrees in Bioinformatics - Accredited Programs
MHA Search
Bioinformatics is a specialty in the healthcare industry that focuses on solving complex biological problems. In Towards Data Science, a PhD student of the discipline describes bioinformatics as a field that develops and applies various computational methods to analyze biological data such as protein samples, cell populations, and genetic sequences.
The purpose of this work is to discover new types of biology and make predictions that can improve human health. The methods of computation used by bioinformatic scientists include mathematical modeling, analytical methods, and simulation.
Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary specialty that combines several different, but complementary, fields to solve complex biological problems. Some of these fields include biology, physics, biomedical engineering, chemistry, genetics, genomics, neurology, biostatistics, mathematics, and computer science.
Bioinformatics scientists break down the human body into small groups of cells involved in various types of complex processes. They study human DNA to understand the symptoms and causes of current diseases and predict future conditions. Bioinformatics scientists use cutting-edge technologies to do this. One of the most common techniques is called next-generation sequencing, a high-throughput sequencing (HTS) method.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) regularly shares data on the occupational outlook of medical scientists, which includes bioinformatics scientists, among many other types of medical scientists. Opportunities for medical scientists are expected to grow 6 percent between 2019 and 2029, nearly double the average growth projected among all U.S. occupations during that time.
The BLS lists a median annual salary for medical scientists of $88,790 with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $49,020 and the highest 10 percent earning more than $159,680. Typically a doctoral degree is required in biology or a related life science field for these positions, but some positions may accept a master’s degree.
A similar occupation category that also includes bioinformatics scientists is computer and information research scientists. This career pathway requires a master’s degree in computer science with coursework in a related field of study. For example, a biomedical scientist may have a master’s degree in computer science and substantial coursework in biology as well as laboratory science experience.
The BLS (2020) predicts that computer and information research scientist careers will grow at a rate of 15 percent between 2019 and 2029, creating 5,000 fresh new positions in that decade. Computer and information research scientists earn median annual salaries of $122,840 and most positions require a master’s degree.
People who choose this career path have strong scientific skills and a desire to help others through their research. Most have already worked in healthcare for several years. Since the profession typically requires at least a master’s degree, many schools now offer the opportunity to earn credentials online. This option is ideal for those looking to advance their career or change their career course altogether.
| Featured Bioinformatics Programs | ||
|---|---|---|
| Johns Hopkins University - Advanced Academic Programs | MS Bioinformatics | View Full Profile |
| The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences | MSHS - Biomedical Informatics | View Full Profile |
Featured Online Master’s Programs in Bioinformatics
Below are nine schools from locations across the country that offer online master’s degrees (or related programs) in bioinformatics.
The bioinformatics degree at Johns Hopkins University combines engineering and bioinformatics to create a rigorous academic program. Students learn to analyze sequencing data and interpret complex biological information using bioinformatics software.
The program consists of 11 courses of four credits each. Some of the classes that online students can expect to complete include genomic sequencing, molecular biology, proteomics, microarray analysis, and computational modeling. The program was created with working professionals in mind and courses can be taken online or on-campus, with the option of completing the program entirely online. On-campus classes are taught during the evenings and on weekends.
Prospective students must have met several prerequisites before applying to this program. These include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college, a minimum 3.0 grade point average (GPA, two semesters of organic chemistry, one semester of biochemistry, Java C++ or C proficiency, and one course each in probability and statistics, data structures, and calculus.
Prospective students also need to include a 500-word statement of purpose, professional resume, and official transcripts of previous college work with their application. The program does not require prior work experience or a GMAT/GRE.
- Location: Baltimore, Maryland
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Format: Online
- Tuition: $1,168.75 per credit
- Program length: One year or up to five years
George Washington University offers an online master of science in health sciences (MSHS) in biomedical informatics program. All courses in this 100 percent online program are delivered in a flexible, asynchronous format so that students can earn their graduate degree while keeping up with their personal and professional commitments. This program does not require any campus visits. The program faculty includes experienced and knowledgeable professors.
Applicants to the program must have a bachelor’s degree, a grade point average of 3.0 or above, a written personal statement, a completed application, a current resume, two letters of recommendation, official transcripts from every college and university attended, and English language proficiency for international students.
Comprising 36 credit-hours, the curriculum consists of courses such as high-performance computing, topics in healthcare leadership, issues and trends in health systems, biostatistics for clinical translational research, epidemiology for clinical and translational research, and principles of medical informatics.
The program teaches students how to apply data science for improving healthcare, demonstrate data analysis, data manipulation, and develop programming skills. They also learn how to provide care that is focused solely on patients and design solutions to the gamut of healthcare problems.
Graduates of the program are well-equipped to work in a variety of settings. They can take up roles such as health information consultant, clinical informatics specialist, health informatics director, informatics nurse, and chief medical information officer. Apart from an MSHS, George Washington University also offers an online BSHS in biomedical informatics.
- Location: Washington, DC, United States of America
- Accreditation: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
- Expected Time to Completion: 18 to 24 months
- Estimated Tuition: $1,040 per-credit-hour
George Mason University offers a master’s degree in bioinformatics and computational biology for professionals interested in pursuing careers in this field and learning about the latest bioinformatics technology. It provides students with computational bioinformatics skills and a biotech background to prepare them for a demanding, yet rewarding, career. Due to its proximity to the nation’s capital, the school has partnerships with organizations such as the Food and Drug Administration, the United States Department of Agriculture, and the National Institutes of Health.
The breakdown of the 31 credits includes 12 credits of core courses, a three-credit advanced class, a one-credit seminar course, three to six credits research course, and nine to 12 credits of elective courses. Molecular cell biology and bioinformatics programming are two examples of core courses. While the entire program can be completed online, most courses are delivered synchronously, meaning students must plan to attend virtual instructor-led classes on a regular basis.
Application requirements include official college transcripts, a goals statement, a professional resume, three letters of recommendation, and submission of GRE scores. Students may also need to complete some prerequisite courses if they do not already have a strong foundation in calculus, chemistry, physics, biochemistry, molecular biology, and physical chemistry.
- Location: Fairfax, Virginia
- Accreditation: Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Format: Online
- Tuition: $797 per credit for in-state residents or $1,675 per credit for out-of-state residents
- Program length: Two to three years
Northeastern’s bioinformatics master’s program provides students with an interdisciplinary education across research, theory, and innovation. It’s designed to set them up for a successful career in bioinformatics. Students should expect to learn about biology, computer science, and information technology as they relate to bioinformatics.
Once accepted, students can choose from six optional concentrations: bioinformatics and chemoinformatics; bioinformatics enterprise; data analytics; health informatics; medical health informatics; and omics (the analysis of large data sets).
The program can be completed entirely online with a full- or part-time commitment and an optional co-op position. The co-op work experience provides students with supervised, real-world experience towards the end of the degree program. Some of the most recent co-op partners include Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Courses required for this degree fall under the categories of computational methods, research and seminar, statistics and programming, co-op work experience, and electives. Computational methods courses include ethics in biological research and bioinformatics seminar, worth two credits each. The courses for the research and seminar include bioinformatics programming and statistics for bioinformatics, both of which are four-credit classes. Students also complete 12 semester-hours of electives. Examples of these courses include stem cells and regeneration, biological imaging, and immunology.
Application requirements for the bioinformatics master’s degree program include transcripts from previous colleges, a personal statement, two letters of recommendation, and proof of English proficiency via a degree earned at an English-speaking institution. The school recommends submitting a GRE score but does not require it.
- Location: Boston, Massachusetts, and Seattle, Washington
- Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges
- Format: Online
- Tuition: $1,615 per credit
- Program length: Two to three years
This 30-credit master’s in bioinformatics was ranked the second best online graduate information technology program by the U.S. News and World Report. In the program, students learn about genomics, proteomics, and sequence and pathway analysis. They also learn how to program with Python, Perl, and R and how to use some of the most innovative and cutting-edge genome informatics tools and algorithms.
Prospective students can also begin their studies with the school’s online Tandon Bridge program, from which nine credits can be applied towards this master’s program. Students who choose this bridge program option benefit from a fee waiver to the master’s program and do not have to submit GRE scores for admission.
Students must complete nine credits of core courses, 15 credits of electives, and a capstone project. They have the option to take two guided studies in bioinformatics or a research project for the capstone requirement. Core courses include data structures and algorithms for bioinformatics, proteomics, and functional prediction bioinformatics. Examples of elective courses include systems biology, next-generation sequence analysis, and bioinformatics problem-solving.
In addition to a bachelor’s degree and 3.0 GPA, students may need to take specific prerequisites depending on their previous major. Other requirements include a personal statement, professional resume, official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a GRE score for full-time applicants only.
- Location: Brooklyn, New York
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Format: Online
- Tuition: $1,850 per credit
- Program length: As little as a year-and-a-half and up to five years
The professional science master program at the University of Maine instructs students in several interdisciplinary areas. These include computer science, mathematics, molecular and cell biology, and spatial information science and engineering. Students applying to the program should have a strong background in molecular and cell biology already.
The 30-credit program is broken down into 15 credits in bioinformatics, nine credits of enrichment courses, and six credits of applied field experience. Examples of courses during the first term include information systems programming, responsible conduct of research, and biostatistics, computational biology, or genetics. The applied field experience combines computer science, mathematics, and biomedical sciences into a project that is relevant to each student’s employment.
To apply to this program, prospective students should submit a letter of interest, GRE scores, three letters of recommendation, and official academic transcripts. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher in previous college coursework.
- Location: Orono, Maine
- Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges
- Format: Online with field study
- Tuition: $461 per credit for in-state students, $576 per credit for out-of-state students
- Program length: Two years
The curriculum for UMGC’s biotechnology master’s degree with a specialization in bioinformatics was designed with input from scholars, industry experts, and employers. The program focuses on how important big data is to modern biology and how to uncover cures, therapies, and new diseases through the use of data. Students learn to code in Perl and Java, and how to analyze big data, scientific data, and next-generation sequencing data.
The program requires the completion of 36 credits and all courses are available online; some courses may be available in a hybrid format. The core courses include bioprocessing and the business of biotechnology, introduction to bioinformatics, societal issues in biotechnology, and techniques of biotechnology. Students must also take seven specialization courses and complete a capstone project.
Students who do not have a background in molecular biology must complete an introductory course before officially starting the program. Other admission requirements include the completion of a bachelor’s degree at an accredited institution and the submission of official transcripts. Master’s degree programs at this school don’t require submission of GRE scores.
- Location: Largo, Maryland
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Format: Online
- Tuition: $480 per credit for in-state students or $694 per credit for out-of-state students
- Program length: Up to five years
Professors to Know in Online Master’s Programs in Bioinformatics
-
Albert-Laszlo Barabasi PhD, Northeastern University
Dr. Albert-Laszlo Barabasi is a distinguished professor and the Robert Gray Dodge Professor of Network Science at Northeastern University. He is also the director of the Center for Complex Network Research.
Dr. Barabasi is well-known in the bioinformatics field as he consults with Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital and is a member of the Center for Cancer Systems Biology at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. He earned his doctorate degree in physics from Boston University and his master’s degree in theoretical physics from Eotvos University in Budapest, Hungary.
He created and operated the Barabasi Laboratory to study how networks are formed, what they look like, and how they change. He discovered that specific natural networks follow a blueprint similar to those created by humans. This discovery created scale-free networks and dynamic network modeling, which have positively impacted research across every area where these networks exist.
-
Mgavi Elombe Brathwaite New York University
Mgavi Elombe Brathwaite is the bioinformatics program manager and an academic adviser at the Tandon School of Engineering at NYU. He has more than 20 years of experience in bioinformatics, computational biology, and sequence analysis. Before coming on staff at NYU, he held positions across the public and private sectors at IBM's Center for Computational Biology, Columbia University's Genome Center, and the National Institute on Aging, among others.
As a reputable leader in next-generation sequence analysis, computational biology, and systems biology, Professor Brathwaite has been instrumental in developing the bioinformatics program at NYU and has published several articles and studies on bioinformatics. He obtained his undergraduate degree in chemistry at Lincoln University, and his master's in plant genomics at Tuskegee University.
-
Sherry Ogg, PhD Johns Hopkins University
Dr. Sherry Ogg is a senior lecturer at the Center for Biotechnology Education at Johns Hopkins University. She teaches courses on advanced cell biology, agricultural biotechnology, molecular biology, introduction to bioinformatics, and biofuels for Johns Hopkins' online advanced academic program in biotechnology.
Dr. Ogg obtained her doctorate in animal science from the University of Maryland, her master’s degree in agricultural and animal science from California State University, and her bachelor’s degree in dairy science from Delaware Valley College. She also completed a postdoctoral fellowship in the department of animal sciences at the University of Maryland.
