Program Overview

Introduction to the Graduate Certificate in Bioinformatics

The Graduate Certificate in Bioinformatics is a program designed for recent graduates and professionals who have a bachelor's degree or equivalent in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) field. This certificate program provides a mechanism to obtain a credential in the field of bioinformatics in one or two academic terms.

About the Certificate

Bioinformatics is the science that combines computers with the latest discoveries in biochemistry, biophysics, and genomics. It is a rapidly growing field that brings together elements of biology, chemistry, computer science, physics, and statistics. Bioinformatics specialists are employed to process and analyze the high volume of genomic and proteomic data generated from large-scale sequencing and related efforts that form the foundation of personalized medicine.

Program Requirements

• The program requires 12 credits of core coursework.
• The classes are taught by the same faculty as those for the Bioinformatics and Biological Data Science PSM program.
• Certificate students take the same core courses as PSM students but without committing to a capstone project or the full 30 credits needed to earn a graduate degree.
• The Bioinformatics graduate certificate program credentials students in the field through a curriculum chosen according to the student's interest or gap in knowledge.

Time Limit for Certificate Completion

• The time limit for certificate completion is 2 years.
• The program can be completed on a full- or part-time basis.
• Note: International students may not be eligible to apply for a student visa based on admission to the certificate program.

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

• Application deadline: March 1
• Applications are processed on a continual basis.
• Ordinarily, the applicant is informed of an admissions decision within four to six weeks of receipt of all supporting application documents.
• Late applications may be considered for admission.
• Requirements for admission consideration:
  • A strong background in one or more STEM fields.
  • A bachelor's degree or equivalent in a STEM field.
  • A statement of goals (approximately 500 to 1,000 words) describing interest in the Bioinformatics certificate, career goals, and academic and professional achievements.
  • An interview may be required on a case-by-case basis.

Certificate Requirements

• Number of credits required to complete the certificate: 12
• Required courses:
  • Select four from the following:
    • BIOL 5312: Biostatistics
    • MATH 5033: Introduction to Stochastic Processes
    • BIOL 5403: Genomics
    • BIOL 5411: Structural Bioinformatics I
    • BIOL 5509: Computational Genomics
    • BIOL 5514: Biological Models in Python
    • CHEM 5412: Structural Bioinformatics II
    • BIOL 5323: Global Change Science: Analytics with R
    • CIS 5528: Predictive Modeling in Biomedicine
• GPA required to be awarded the certificate: 3.0 minimum

Transfer Credit

• Graduate credits from an accredited institution may be transferred into the Bioinformatics graduate certificate program.
• The credits must be equivalent to coursework offered by the Biology Department at Temple University.
• A grade of "B" or better must have been earned for the credits to transfer.
• The maximum number of credits a student may transfer is 6.