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Students
Tuition Fee
Start Date
Medium of studying
On campus
Duration
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Masters
Major
Biomedical Engineering | Computer Science
Area of study
Information and Communication Technologies | Natural Science
Education type
On campus
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
About Program

Program Overview


Bioinformatics Master of Science Degree

Overview

The Bioinformatics Master of Science Degree at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) combines biotechnology, computer programming, and computational mathematics to prepare students to utilize and create technologies that discover, treat, and cure a range of medical illnesses.


Why Pursue an MS in Bioinformatics at RIT?

  • STEM-OPT Visa Eligible: The STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows full-time, on-campus international students on an F-1 student visa to stay and work in the U.S. for up to three years after graduation.
  • Jobs at Industry Leading Companies: Graduates from our bioinformatics program have secured positions at esteemed institutions such as Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Personal Genome Diagnostics, University of Rochester Genomics Research Center, and Asuragen, Inc.
  • Educational Enhancement: Our bridge program supplements your existing education, ensuring a seamless transition into the rigorous curriculum of bioinformatics.
  • Tailored Learning Experience: Delve into a customized curriculum offering a robust blend of biotech and computer programming, providing you with a solid foundation in both fields.
  • Cutting-Edge Research: Engage with faculty actively involved in groundbreaking research spanning molecular evolution, ecological modeling, cancer chromatin, machine learning, genomics, and forensic science.

Careers in Bioinformatics

Graduates of the bioinformatics master’s program have entered laboratories, both in industry and academia, as bioinformaticists. Some have also gone on to leverage their biotechnology experiences as wet lab experimentalists.


Typical Job Titles

  • Researcher
  • Business Intelligence Developer
  • Computational Biologist
  • Bioinformatics Software Engineer
  • RD Bioinformatics and Laboratory Researcher
  • Innovation Consultant
  • Associate Software Engineer

Cooperative Education

Co-ops in the College of Science include cooperative education and internship experiences in industry and health care settings, as well as research in an academic, industry, or national lab.


Curriculum

Bioinformatics, MS degree, typical course sequence

  • First Year
    • BIOL-625: Ethics in Bioinformatics
    • BIOL-630: Bioinformatics Algorithms
    • BIOL-635: Bioinformatics Seminar
    • BIOL-672: Computational Statistics and Data Science Methods
    • BIOL-694: Molecular Modeling and Proteomics
    • BIOL-790: Research and Thesis
    • Graduate Electives
  • Second Year
    • BIOL-790: Research and Thesis

Admissions and Financial Aid

  • Admit Term(s): Fall or Spring
  • Application Deadline: Rolling
  • STEM Designated: Yes
  • Full-time study: 9+ semester credit hours
  • Part-time study: 1-8 semester credit hours

Application Details

  • Complete an online graduate application
  • Submit copies of official transcript(s) (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work
  • Hold a baccalaureate degree (or US equivalent) from an accredited university or college in biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, chemistry, computer science, information technology, statistics, or a related discipline
  • Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae
  • Submit a personal statement of educational objectives
  • Submit two letters of recommendation
  • Entrance exam requirements: GRE required for individuals with degrees from international universities
  • Submit English language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic), if required

Cost and Financial Aid

An RIT graduate degree is an investment with lifelong returns. Graduate tuition varies by degree, the number of credits taken per semester, and delivery method.


Faculty

  • Michael Osier: Associate Professor
  • Feng Cui: Professor
  • Gregory Babbitt: Associate Professor

Research

Faculty in the College of Science receive research grant awards from organizations such as the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health, which provide you with unique opportunities to conduct cutting-edge graduate-level thesis research.


Facilities

  • Bioinformatics Epicenter
  • Greenhouse
  • Life Sciences Laboratory Prep Core Facility

Related News

  • RIT graduate programs rank among best in nation in ‘U.S. News & World Report’ survey
  • Study by RIT scientists indicates SARS-CoV-2 variants are still transmissible between species
  • Dadgar works to make medicine personal

Program Outline

RIT’s bioinformatics master’s degree combines biotechnology, computer programming, and computational mathematics to prepare you to utilize and create technologies that discover, treat, and cure a range of medical illnesses. With a strong foundation in biotechnology, computer programming, computational mathematics, statistics, and database management, you will be well-prepared for academia and careers in the biotechnology, bioinformatics, pharmaceutical, and vaccine industries.

Read More

Students are also interested in: Information Technology and Analytics MS


Careers and Experiential Learning

Typical Job Titles

Researcher Business Intelligence Developer
Computational Biologist Bioinformatics Software Engineer
RD Bioinformatics and Laboratory Researcher Innovation Consultant
Associate Software Engineer

Salary and Career Information for Bioinformatics MS

Cooperative Education

What makes an RIT science and math education exceptional? It’s the ability to complete science and math co-ops and gain real-world experience that sets you apart. Co-ops in the College of Science include cooperative education and internship experiences in industry and health care settings, as well as research in an academic, industry, or national lab. These are not only possible at RIT, but are passionately encouraged.

What makes an RIT education exceptional? It’s the ability to complete relevant, hands-on career experience. At the graduate level, and paired with an advanced degree, cooperative education and internships give you the unparalleled credentials that truly set you apart. Learn more about graduate co-op and how it provides you with the career experience employers look for in their next top hires.

National Labs Career Events and Recruiting

The Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education offers National Labs and federally-funded Research Centers from all research areas and sponsoring agencies a variety of options to connect with and recruit students. Students connect with employer partners to gather information on their laboratories and explore co-op, internship, research, and full-time opportunities.  These national labs focus on scientific discovery, clean energy development, national security, technology advancements, and more. Recruiting events include our university-wide Fall Career Fair, on-campus and virtual interviews, information sessions,  1:1 networking with lab representatives, and a National Labs Resume Book available to all labs.


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About University
PhD
Masters
Bachelors
Diploma
Courses

Rochester Institute of Technology (Dubai)

Overview:

Rochester Institute of Technology (Dubai) is a branch campus of the renowned Rochester Institute of Technology in the United States. Located in Dubai Silicon Oasis, a special economic zone for knowledge and innovation, RIT Dubai offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including engineering, business, computing, and design. The institution is committed to providing students with a high-quality American education in a dynamic and international setting.

Services Offered:

RIT Dubai provides a wide array of services to support student success, including:

Academic Support Center:


  • Offers tutoring, study skills workshops, and other resources to enhance academic performance.

Advising Resources:


  • Provides guidance on academic planning, career exploration, and personal development.

Health and Wellness:


  • Offers access to healthcare services, counseling, and wellness programs.

Athletics and Recreation:


  • Provides opportunities for students to participate in sports, fitness activities, and recreational programs.

Student Leadership:


  • Encourages student involvement in clubs, organizations, and leadership initiatives.

Student Accommodation:


  • Offers on-campus housing options for students.

Parking and Transportation:

  • Provides parking facilities and transportation services for students.

Student Life and Campus Experience:

RIT Dubai fosters a vibrant and inclusive campus community where students can engage in a variety of activities and experiences, including:

Student Life at RIT Dubai:


  • Offers opportunities for students to connect with peers, participate in social events, and explore cultural activities.

New Student Orientation:


  • Provides a welcoming introduction to campus life and resources.

Co-op and Internship Program:

  • Offers students practical work experience through co-op and internship opportunities.

Key Reasons to Study There:

American Degree:


  • RIT Dubai offers a true American degree, recognized globally for its quality and rigor.

State-of-the-Art Campus:


  • The campus features modern facilities and technology to support learning and research.

Co-op and Internship Program:


  • Provides students with valuable work experience and career development opportunities.

Study Abroad Options:


  • Offers students the chance to study at other RIT campuses or partner institutions around the world.

Global Connectivity:

  • RIT Dubai is located in a dynamic and international hub, providing students with diverse perspectives and networking opportunities.

Academic Programs:

RIT Dubai offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including:

Undergraduate Programs:

  • Bachelor of Fine Arts in New Media Design
  • Bachelor of Science in Psychology
  • Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering
  • Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
  • Bachelor of Science in Computing and Information Technologies
  • Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
  • Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
  • Bachelor of Science in Marketing
  • Bachelor of Science in Finance
  • Bachelor of Science in Global Business Management

Graduate Programs:

  • Master of Science in Organizational Leadership and Innovation
  • Masters of Science in Professional Studies: Future Foresight and Planning
  • Masters of Science in Engineering Management
  • Masters of Science in Mechanical Engineering
  • Masters of Science in Professional Studies: Data Analytics
  • Masters of Science in Professional Studies: Smart Cities
  • Masters of Science in Cybersecurity
  • Masters of Science in Electrical Engineering

Other:

  • RIT Dubai has a strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, with dedicated labs and centers supporting student projects and research.
  • The institution boasts a diverse student body representing over 75 nationalities, creating a rich and multicultural learning environment.
  • RIT Dubai has a high employability rate, with over 80% of graduates securing employment within six months of graduation.
  • The institution has a strong network of alumni, providing students with valuable connections and career support.

Total programs
226
Average ranking globally
#442
Average ranking in the country
#132
Admission Requirements

Bioinformatics, MS degree, typical course sequence

Course Sem. Cr. Hrs.
First Year
BIOL-625 3
This course will be focused on individual and organizational responsibilities in bioinformatics research, product development, product commercialization and clinical and consumer genetic testing. (This course is restricted to students in the BIOINFO-MS, BIOINFO-BS/MS program.) Lecture 3 (Fall).
BIOL-630 3
Bioinformatics Algorithms will focus on the types of analyses, tools, and databases that are available and commonly used in Bioinformatics. The labs will apply the lecture material in the analysis of real data through computer programming. (This course is restricted to students in the BIOINFO-MS, BIOINFO-BS/MS program.) Lab 3 (Fall).
BIOL-635 3
The course provides opportunities for students and faculty to develop and share professional interests while discussing current trends and developments in bioinformatics. Material for this course will be drawn from the current scientific literature. (This course is restricted to students in the BIOINFO-MS, BIOINFO-BS/MS program.) Lecture 3 (Fall).
BIOL-672 3
This course will introduce traditional multivariate statistical methods and multi-model inference, as well as iterative computational algorithms (i.e. Bayesian methods and machine learning) appropriate for graduate students conducting or planning to conduct a graduate research project. The course will focus on the proper application of methods to a sample data sets using statistical programming software and graphics and will forego the more in-depth analytical mathematical exposition that you might see in a math course, so that we can cover a larger variety of methods and spend more time implementing them in code. Practical examples will often derive from the fields of biology, environmental science, or medicine, however the statistical methods we cover will also have much broader application within modern data science. The ultimate goal will be to learn when and where to correctly apply a given method to real questions about real data. Class time will be devoted to introductory lecture, programming language demonstrations with a common dataset, and open discussions of potential applications, including in-class studio hours to help with homework. Students should be prepared to learn to write code scripts that will manipulate statistical tests and graphical output. However, no background experience with programming is assumed. All software used in the course is open-source and students will be required to set up and run weekly assignments on their own laptop computer or on a computer borrowed from the library or RIT’s computer lab. (Prerequisites: STAT-145 or equivalent course or graduate student standing.) Lecture 2 (Fall, Spring).
BIOL-694 3
This course will explore two facets of protein molecules: their separation and their structure. The structure component will build upon information from earlier bioinformatics courses. Protein separation techniques will be addressed in lectures with descriptions of 2D gel electrophoresis and chromatography. Algorithms of protein secondary structure prediction will be implemented. Experimental techniques for tertiary structure determination such as NMR will be covered. The course will also include the analysis of inter-molecular interactions, such as ligand/receptor pairing, by employing software that permits modeling of molecular docking experiments. (Prerequisite: BIOL-327 or equivalent course or student standing in BIOINFO-MS.) Lab 2 (Spring).
BIOL-790 2
Masters-level research by the candidate on an appropriate topic as arranged between the candidate and the research advisor. (This course requires permission of the Instructor to enroll.) Thesis (Fall, Spring, Summer).
 
Graduate Electives*
9
Second Year
BIOL-790 4
Masters-level research by the candidate on an appropriate topic as arranged between the candidate and the research advisor. (This course requires permission of the Instructor to enroll.) Thesis (Fall, Spring, Summer).
Total Semester Credit Hours
30

* Any graduate-level course deemed related to the field of Bioinformatics by the Program Director.

Location
Video
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