Johns Hopkins University Online MS in Bioinformatics
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The Johns Hopkins University (JHU) Advanced Academic Programs (AAP), located in Baltimore, Maryland, offers an online master of science (MS) in bioinformatics, which is a collaboration between the School of Engineering and the School of Arts and Sciences. Students take a combination of courses from both schools.
The program draws together bioinformatics, biosciences, and computer science to create a degree that covers an integrated variety of topics. Those covered include molecular biology, structural biology, genomic sequencing, genomic analysis, computational modeling, microarray analysis, and more.
The curriculum prepares graduates to analyze complex sequences of data and program software, as well as to interpret biological data for application. Prospective students must hold a BS in engineering or biological sciences.
What to Expect from the JHU Online MS in Bioinformatics
Admission Requirements: Applicants to the online MS in bioinformatics must have a BS in biological sciences or engineering with a GPA of at least 3.0. Prerequisites to the program include two semesters of organic or bio-organic chemistry, biochemistry, introduction to programming, data structures, calculus, and probability and statistics. Prospective students who do not meet prerequisite requirements may be admitted provisionally and have one year to complete the prerequisite courses.
Prospective students must submit an online application and fee, a 500-word statement of purpose, a resume or CV, unofficial copies of transcripts, and a mailed copy of official transcripts. International students must submit TOEFL test scores and a course-by-course evaluation from an approved agency. No work experience, recommendations, or GMAT/GRE is required for these programs. A GMAT/GRE may be requested by the program committee if additional information is needed.
Study Plan: Students may begin courses for the MS in bioinformatics or graduate certificate in the fall, spring, or summer. Students may graduate from the MS in bioinformatics in as little as one year; the average is two to three years. They may take up to five years to complete the MS degree.
Curriculum: The MS in bioinformatics consists of 42 credits. Core courses include molecular biology; epigenetics, gene organization and expression; either principles of database systems or practical computer concepts for bioinformatics; either foundations of algorithms or algorithms for bioinformatics; and either introduction to bioinformatics or biological databases and database tools.
Students then choose four concentration classes from an extensive list including genomic and personalized medicine; principles of bioinformatics; computational aspects of molecular structure; methods in proteomics; and several others.
Students also select one elective from the computer science courses and one from biotechnology. Examples from computer science include XML design paradigms, web application development with Java, software systems engineering, and more. Examples from biotechnology include advanced cell biology, recombinant DNA laboratory, genes and disease, and more. Students may choose an independent research project as one of their electives or a thesis option which includes an independent research project and one semester of a thesis course, making the program 12 courses instead of 11.
Online Experience: JHU online courses use a combination of Blackboard and Adobe Connect. Classes for these degrees are all asynchronous. There are some optional synchronous activities such as guest speakers, exam reviews, and office hours with faculty. All synchronous activities are recorded for those who are unable to attend. Not all courses are available online; however, a complete program is still offered. Content is delivered using PowerPoint, streaming video, text notes, narrated PowerPoint, discussion boards, web-conferencing, downloadable course assignments, and web-based exams and quizzes. All online courses are taught twice on campus before being recorded for online programs to guarantee the same material is taught online as on campus. Online students have access to 24/7 technical support, admissions counseling, career counseling, and academic counseling.
On-Site Requirements: There are no onsite requirements for the program. Students are welcome to visit campus anytime and participate in graduation.
Paying for the JHU Online MS in Bioinformatics
JHU Online MS in Bioinformatics tuition numbers are listed in the tables below, and do not include additional fees. Prospective students should contact the admissions department of the JHU Krieger School of Arts and Sciences for cost clarifications and updates.
JHU offers financial aid in the form of tuition support and monthly stipends from their academic departments. Graduate students can also fill out the FAFSA for federal grants and loans, as well as securing private loans, stipends, and scholarships. Graduate students must be enrolled at least half-time (i.e., 4.5 credits per term) to qualify for federal loans. Students can find out more by calling the JHU Financial Aid Office. Bioinformatics students are also encouraged to speak with their employer about tuition reimbursement programs if available.
Johns Hopkins University - Advanced Academic Programs MS Bioinformatics
For the 2023-2024 academic year, we have 112 schools in our MHAOnline.com database and those that advertise with us are labeled “sponsor”. When you click on a sponsoring school or program, or fill out a form to request information from a sponsoring school, we may earn a commission. View our advertising disclosure for more details.
- Learn to interpret complex biological information and analyze sequencing data using bioinformatics software
- Study topics such as molecular biology, proteomics, and genomic sequencing
- Combines bioinformatics and engineering to create a rigorous program
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 42 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in as little as 1 year, but average is 2-3 years, and students have up to 5 years to complete. |
| 100% Online? | Yes |
| Program Accreditation | None |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's degree or higher |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | No |
| Work Experience Required? | No |
| Credit Hours | 42 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $1,272.50 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $53,424.00 |
Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the rates for part-time students. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Estimated total tuition does not include additional fees, unless otherwise specified. Please check here for any tuition updates.
