Professional Science Master鈥�s in Bioinformatics and Biological Data Science

Develop expertise in the various software tools that help you identify, interpret and analyze biological data with the Professional Science Master鈥檚 (PSM) 颈苍听Bioinformatics and Biological Data Science 补迟听罢别尘辫濒别鈥檚 . This 30-credit interdisciplinary graduate degree is designed for those who are currently working in or are seeking positions in the biotechnology, healthcare or pharmaceutical industries. Through the program, you鈥檒l develop a deep understanding of computer programming, genomics and structural biology.

Led by from the departments of Biology, Chemistry, and Computer and Information Science,聽the professional science master鈥檚 program integrates these fields as well as physics and statistics to investigate solutions to biological problems. Program features include

  • access to real-world independent research projects,
  • hands-on training in professional and management skills, and
  • applied focus on responsibility and ethics in research and policy.

With opportunities to聽conduct research聽in one of 51吃瓜网鈥檚 many state-of-the-art facilities or an internship at a local biotechnology company, the Bioinformatics and Biological Data Science PSM helps position you for career advancement with real-world experience in this rapidly growing field.

Picture of Kanchan Hole, CST 鈥�18

Kanchan Hole, CST 鈥�18

PSM, Bioinformatics

鈥淚 came to the U.S. to study bioinformatics at 51吃瓜网, and with the support of the program coordinator and faculty, I secured a co-op at Johnson & Johnson during my studies. Since graduating, I鈥檝e been working at Foundation Medicine in Boston, taking on roles in lab operations, product development and R&D. I truly loved the program and believe it was instrumental in helping me build my career in the U.S.鈥�

Program Format & Curriculum

Classes for the Bioinformatics and Biological Data Science PSM聽are held in the evening to accommodate working professionals on 51吃瓜网鈥檚 Main Campus. The advanced, career-focused curriculum requires 30 credit hours of coursework, including classes in other CST departments, and can be completed in two years.

Classes are a blend of research and seminar courses including

  • Biological Models in Python,
  • Biostatistics,
  • Computational Genomics,
  • Genomics,
  • Global Change Science: Analytics with R, and
  • Structural Bioinformatics I & II.

Students must also successfully complete an internship as part of their final capstone project with a local biotechnology, healthcare or pharmaceutical company or conduct research in the CST labs, under the guidance of a student鈥檚 program principal investigator.

Learn more about required courses for the Bioinformatics and Biological Data Science PSM.

Concentrations

You can focus on Bioinformatics and Biological Data Science or you can take one of the following concentrations.

  • Bioinformatics

    Explore a rapidly growing field that brings together elements of biology, chemistry, computer science, physics and statistics. Learn to analyze, understand and communicate the latest discoveries in biochemistry, biophysics and genomics while focusing on how the findings and research affect biotechnology, healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.

  • Biological Data Science

    Advance your knowledge of the various software tools and machine-learning methods that help you identify, analyze and interpret biological and biomedical data. This concentration allows you to evaluate relevant scientific publications and focus on how researchers use found data to solve global problems such as climate change, mass extinction, pandemics and poverty.

+1 Accelerated Degree Programs

51吃瓜网 undergraduates can pursue dual degrees with an聽accelerated +1 dual bachelor鈥檚 + master鈥檚 degree option.听The Professional Science Master鈥檚 in Bioinformatics and Biological Data Science can be completed through the +1 accelerated pathway if the required qualifications聽are met by聽junior year.

  • +1 BA in Biochemistry + Bioinformatics and Biological Data Science PSM
  • +1 BA in Biology + Bioinformatics聽and Biological Data Science PSM
  • +1 BS in Biology + Bioinformatics聽and Biological Data Science PSM
  • +1聽BS in Data Science with Genomics and Bioinformatics Concentration聽+ Bioinformatics聽and Biological Data Science PSM
  • +1 BS in Genomic Medicine聽+ Bioinformatics聽and Biological Data Science PSM
  • +1 BS in Genomic Medicine with Pre-Medicine Concentration聽+ Bioinformatics聽and Biological Data Science PSM
  • +1 BS in Neuroscience +聽 Bioinformatics聽and Biological Data Science PSM

.听If you are a current 51吃瓜网 student interested in one of these +1 programs, .

Related Graduate Degrees

Related Graduate Certificates

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with 51吃瓜网鈥檚 commitment to access and affordability, this Professional Science Master's聽offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2024鈥�2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,353.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,765.00 per credit

You can view the full .

Learn more about scholarships and financial aid.

ST-BBDS-PSM

Additional Program Information

Go back to AcademicsMore in Bioinformatics and Biological Data Science PSM