Bioinformatics MS

Major: Bioinformatics
Degree Awarded: Master of Science (MS)
Calendar Type: Quarter
Minimum Required Credits: 45.0
Co-op Option: None
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 26.1103
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 15-1221; 15-1299; 15-2051; 19-4021; 15-1252

About the Program

The Bioinformatics program aims to train professional graduates for bioinformatics specialist roles in healthcare, biomedical research, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries by providing them with interdisciplinary knowledge and experience to develop and apply sophisticated computational methods for the analysis of biomedical data. The program consists of classes and electives included in certificates offered by the School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems (Bioinformatics, Neurotechnologies and Neurosystems), the College of Computing and Informatics (Computational Data Science), and the Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Professional Studies (Drug Discovery and Development).  

Pathways to Completion

As the graphic below indicates, students have defined pathways to earning the MS in Bioinformatics. The program starts with required and elective core classes in bioinformatics, and a choice of either Computational Data Science or Neurotechnology and Neurosystems courses over the first three quarter terms. In the second year, students have the choice to remain in the quarter term system to take the second choice of either Computational Data Science or Neurotechnology and Neurosystems courses, or transfer into the semester-based system to take classes in the Drug Discovery and Development program offered by the College of Medicine. Additional options include concentrations offered by the School and graduate minors across Drexel's academic units. Note - concentrations are not eligible for federal financial aid.

Additional Information

For questions about how to apply to the program, please contact:

Natalia Broz
Associate Director for Graduate Programs
School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems
Email: njb33@drexel.edu

Andres Kriete, PhD
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems
Email: ak3652@drexel.edu

For more information, visit the The School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems website.

Admission Requirements

Acceptance into the MS in Bioinformatics program requires a four-year bachelor's degree in sciences or engineering from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or an equivalent international institution. Regular acceptance typically requires a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0. The average for any graduate work must be at least 3.0.

Applicants must also fulfill the following requirements for consideration:

• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
• References from at least two instructors or professionals
• Essay
• Resume

International applicants (non-United States citizens) must meet the same requirements for admission as students from the United States. Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate the ability to speak, write, and understand the English language by submitting an acceptable score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). An evaluation by World Education Services (WES) is required for transcripts from institutions outside the United States.

Online applications are accepted all year-round, but all admitted students initiate their studies in the following fall term. Students are encouraged to apply no later than July 1 for consideration for admission the following fall term. Students may defer admission by one year.

Degree Requirements

Biomedical Technology Development Concentration (Optional) - Not eligible for Federal Financial Aid

Students enrolled in this concentration will develop an understanding of critical regulatory, economic, and legal issues in addition to the project management skills that facilitate the development of new medical devices and positive working relationships with intellectual property lawyers, insurance companies, and the federal government.

Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Concentration (Optional) - Not eligible for Federal Financial Aid

This concentration is designed to provide students with advanced training in cellular and molecular biology relevant to tissue engineering and behavior of materials used in biomedical applications.

Pediatric Engineering Concentration (Optional) - Not eligible for Federal Financial Aid

This concentration aims to train students: 1) to develop a fundamental understanding of childhood injury and disease, healthcare, and treatment, and 2) to apply scientific and engineering concepts, methods, and approaches to address healthcare challenges with direct relevance to pediatric patients.  

Neuroengineering Concentration (Optional) - Not eligible for Federal Financial Aid

This concentration aims to train students 1) to develop a fundamental understanding of neural systems from cellular, to whole brain level, and 2) operational principles of neurotechnologies that can interface with nervous systems, 3) to apply scientific and engineering concepts to repair nervous system for clinical applications or enhance its functional performance.

Sample Plan of Study

Elective track 1 (All quarter courses):

Elective Track 2 (with semester courses) 

First year, Quarter courses 

Second year, semester courses 

Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems Faculty

Emeritus Faculty