The MS in Bioinformatics aims to train professional graduates for bioinformatics specialist roles in healthcare, biomedical research, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. This flexible, part-time master's program provides students them with interdisciplinary knowledge and experience to develop and apply sophisticated computational methods for the analysis of biomedical data.

To earn a master's degree in Bioinformatics, you will need a four-year bachelor's degree in sciences or engineering from a regionally accredited institution in the U.S. or an equivalent international institution. Typically, students enrolling in the bioinformatics graduate program have a background in:

Bioinformatics at Drexel

The MS program in Bioinformatics has its foundations in extensive bioinformatics activities at the School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems. The program provides knowledge in machine learning, data analysis, systems biology, genome information engineering, as well as gene sequencing technologies.

Unlike other programs, the MS degree in Bioinformatics from Drexel University combines course offerings from other colleges, allowing specializations in Data Science offered by the College of Computing and Informatics (CCI), Drug Discovery and Development offered by the Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Professional Studies, and Neurotechnology and Neurosystems offered by the School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems.

The program also provides opportunities to engage in genomics, gene therapy, and drug development in biotech, pharma, and biomedical research and healthcare institutions located in and around the Philadelphia area.

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Why Study Bioinformatics?

If you are interested in computers, programming, healthcare, biomedical research, pharmaceutical, and/or biotechnology industries, the MS in Bioinformatics may be a good fit for your career goals.

Bioinformatics Master's Program Plan of Study

Classes required for this full-time and part-time degree are currently defined by one required and additional elective certificates (choose 2 out of 3 currently offered). Part-time students only enrolling in certificates can stack them up sequentially, but are advised to apply to the required Bioinformatics Certificate first before enrolling in any elective certificates.

Certificate in Bioinformatics (required)

The Certificate in Bioinformatics program at the School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems emphasizes a systems engineering approach to provide a foundation in systems biology and pathology informatics. Students are provided with hands-on experience in the application of genomic, proteomic, and other large-scale information to biomedical engineering as well as experience in advanced computational methods used in systems biology: pathway and circuitry, feedback and control, machine learning, and biostatistics.

Certificate in Computational Data Science (elective)

The Certificate in Computational Data Science is offered by the College of Computing and Informatics (CCI) in the emerging field of data science, with a focus on computational and systems issues.

This certificate program combines practically focused, yet technically rigorous training in machine learning, data-intensive computing, large-scale data management, algorithmic and data ethics, data visualization and cognitive systems.

Certificate in Drug Discovery and Development * (elective)

The Certificate in Drug Discovery and Development program is offered by the School of Biomedical Science and Professional Studies and provides in-depth exposure to the multiple elements involved in the discovery and development of prescription medications. This program has been designed to help students establish an enduring and productive career within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry. It covers all aspects of drug discovery and development ranging from the identification and validation of molecular drug targets through to regulatory approval and commercialization. Students will also be exposed to critical clinical, legal and business aspects associated with the successful development of a marketed drug. There is also an extensive range of elective courses that provide specialized training in specific elements of the discovery and development process.

* Of note, the Drug Development Certificate will require students to be enrolled in a semester program, while all other certificates are offered on a quarter term basis.

Certificate in Neurotechnologies and Neurosystems (new elective)

The certificate in Neurotechnologies and Neurosystems, offered by the School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, is designed for engineers pursuing careers at the intersection of device development, neuroscience and computation. The program is open for all students with previous undergraduate degrees in an engineering discipline.
The program is based on recent technological and scientific advances and provides participants with specific courses and experiences promoting the development of their skills, with the option to specialize either in the neuro-device and -technology sector, or specialize in neuroscience to decipher a better understanding of neuronal systems. This also includes skills at the interface of both technologies and science, such as analysis of complex neural data sets, understanding of how the nervous system interacts with technology, and demonstrate how it is being applied in clinical and research settings. Students will complete a sequence of two required introductory courses and at least two elective course to focus their education on their interests, helping to ensure the graduate’s professional success.

Bioinformatics Job Market

In May 2019, the most recent month for which complete government data was available, bioengineers have a bright outlook earning a median of $94,280 annually. Source [O*Net Online].