Learn to analyze Big Data to solve biological problems
This fully-online program is a concentration within the M.S. Biological Sciences Program. The concentration is a 1.5-year program with courses starting in the Fall of every year and ending the Fall of the second year (3 semesters). The Bioinformatics concentration shares a core curriculum with all concentrations in the MS Biological Sciences Program.
This MS concentration heavily emphasizes computation, line command coding, and programming as it applies to biological problems and questions. The curriculum is ultimately designed to prepare graduates for successful employment in the broad field of computational biology.
Concentration learning outcomes
- Demonstrate proficiency in handling and analyzing biocentric data in at least one specialty area of bioinformatics
- Construct line command and application coding in various programming languages to manipulate large biological datasets
- Develop an understanding on how biological and genetic data and their analyses by bioinformatics tools has a growing impact on modern society and daily lives
- Navigate and apply diverse, modern biological databases and software
- Apply current basic bioinformatics and genomics (genotypic) methods to solve actual (phenotypic) biological problems
Quick Facts
Curriculum
NSU’s M.S. in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Bioinformatics is a lock-step program with 30 total credits to complete. You will be required to complete the curriculum in the order set in the curriculum plan.
Start Dates
The M.S. in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Bioinformatics start date: Fall start only.
Delivery Options
Classes for the M.S. in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Bioinformatics are offered fully online.
Tuition
Application Deadline
Fall 2025 Application Deadline is Friday, July 18th, 2025.
Career Outcomes
Biological Sciences - Bioinformatics Curriculum
For specific course requirements, refer to the “M.S. in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Bioinformatics Program" in NSU's Halmos College of Arts and Sciences Graduate Student catalog.
The academic program and curriculum requirements listed on this page are from the NSU Halmos College of Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Catalog. Students are bound by policies and curricula published in the catalog in effect the semester they enter the university unless an agreement is made with appropriate NSU administration officials allowing them to abide by policies published in a later catalog.
Prerequisite Coursework
- Biology: Two semesters (or equivalent) with lab
- Biostatistics or Applied Statistics: One semester (or equivalent)
- General Chemistry: One semester (or equivalent) with lab
- Mathematics (college level): One semester (or equivalent)
- Upper-Level Coursework in Programming, Genomics, Bioinformatics, or Data Science: One semester (or equivalent)
- Note: Other upper-level science coursework can possibly substitute for this requirement. Consult the admissions office beforehand.
Admissions Requirements
- NSU Graduate Application
- Baccalaureate degree from an accredited academic institution
- Official Transcripts from all educational institutions attended since high school
- Minimum cumulative GPA to be considered for admission: 3.00
- Submit a Resume OR Curriculum Vita
Graduate Open House
Join us on Tuesday, October 15th at 5:30 PM EST to learn more about Biological Sciences, including careers within the field, NSU graduate degree offerings, and the application process.
This event is free and open for all to attend. You may register for the Open House HERE.
Program directors and department faculty from the Department of Biological Sciences and NSU Halmos College of Arts and Sciences Graduate Admissions will be in attendance to answer your questions about your program(s) of interest.
Program Director and Admissions Staff
Matthew Johnston, Ph.D.
Emily Schmitt Lavin
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