Program Overview
Bioinformatics, M.S. - COLSA, UNH
The Bioinformatics Master's at UNH prepares students for careers in biotechnology and pharmaceutical research. Students develop advanced computational skills and learn to analyze complex biological data sets.
Program Overview
The curriculum combines biological sciences with data analysis techniques, supporting roles in biomanufacturing and pharmaceutical development. Coursework builds expertise in both computational methods and biological systems, equipping students for success in the growing field of biological data science.
Program Details
- Degree: Master of Science
- Location: Durham, NH
- Courses: 6-8
- Credit: 30 hrs
- Full-time: 1-2 yrs
- Part-time: Varies
Curriculum and Requirements
Program Description
The Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences (MCBS) in the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture (COLSA) offers the professional M.S. in Bioinformatics. This non-thesis degree program addresses the growing workforce and educational needs of the life science industries.
Distinctive Features of the Program
The program is founded on the existing academic rigor of the thesis-based graduate programs offered in MCBS and on the substantial innovative experiential learning opportunities enabled by existing biotechnology-relevant Centers.
Admission Requirements
- GPA > 3.0 in prior academic programs, and/or excellent relevant work experience
- Demonstration of English proficiency for non-native, English-speaking applicants
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal statement specifying the applicant's professional development and career plan
- Required prerequisite courses: introductory biology, genetics, organic chemistry
- Strongly recommended prerequisite courses: genetics, cell biology, math/statistics
Requirements for the Program
Required Core Curriculum
The required core curriculum courses consist of:
- Genomics and Bioinformatics
- Programming for Bioinformatics
- Design, Analysis, and Interpretation of Experiments
- Applied Bioinformatics
Elective Courses
In addition to the Core requirements, each student will develop a curriculum plan with the Admissions Committee and their Faculty Advisor that includes elective courses and workshops.
Capstone Experience
In consultation with the Faculty Advisor and with the approval of the Graduate Program Coordinator, students will design a Capstone experience that is consistent with their career development plans.
Student Learning Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes
All MCBS graduate students will be able to:
- Critically apply theories, methodologies, and knowledge to address fundamental questions in their primary area of study
- Pursue research of significance in the discipline
- Demonstrate skills in oral and written communication
- Follow the principles of ethics in their field
- Demonstrate the value of their discipline to the academy and community at large
Graduates of the Bioinformatics M.S. Degree Program
Graduates will be able to:
- Identify and/or develop appropriate bioinformatics workflows to address research questions for big data sets in the biological sciences
- Implement appropriate software tools and statistical analyses packages
- Manage large-scale datasets for projects, document workflows, and manage version control
- Effectively communicate methodologies and results to project team members, collaborators, and the general public
Application Requirements and Deadlines
Deadlines
Applications must be completed by the following deadlines:
- Fall: May 1
- Spring: October 1
- Summer: N/A
Application Requirements
- Application fee: $65
- Campus: Durham
- New England Regional: CT, MA, RI, VT
- Accelerated Masters: Yes
Transcripts
If you attended UNH or Granite State College (GSC) after September 1, 1991, and have indicated so on your online application, we will retrieve your transcript internally.
Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation are required.
Personal Statement/Essay Questions
Prepare a brief but careful statement regarding your reasons for doing graduate work in this field, including your immediate and long-range objectives.
Resume
Current resume limited to no more than one page.
Additional Department Requirements
Please note that the GRE is no longer required. No GRE score is needed to apply.
Important Notes
All applicants are encouraged to contact programs directly to discuss program-specific application questions.
