Accelerated Master’s degree in Bioinformatics
Bioinformatics is a modern interdisciplinary field using computing, mathematical modeling and/or statistical analysis applied to biological or medical data, often every large (“BIG”) data. This is very much a growing field with much potential for the future, and excellent job prospects in academia, the pharmaceutical and biotech industry and hospitals.
With increasing electronic health records, multiple biomarker and genetic datasets accessible, a Masters in Bioinformatics is also useful training for future physicians.
The University of Michigan’s Bioinformatics Graduate program started in 2002, and has graduated more than 35 MS students, more than 60 PhD students. Currently, there are about 20 MS students and more than 40 PhD students in the program.
In 2016, the Bioinformatics Graduate Program, which is housed in the Medical School, will allow for the first time interested Junior Undergraduate students to apply for an accelerated degree in Bioinformatics, an AMDP, which will allow such students to receive their undergraduate degree as well as an MS in Bioinformatics in 5 years.
The deadline for applications in April 1, but as the program is new, we highly recommend to ask for an advising session with a Bioinformatics as well as one of your home department faculty. Please contact Julia Eussen (jneussen@umich.edu)
Highlights:
- you have to be a major in Biology, CMB, LSI, math or CSE
- you have to have a GPA of at least 3.2
- no GRE is required
- up to 15 credits can be transferred from your undergraduate major
- of these 15, up to 9 credits can be double counted for major electives and the MS
- you will do original research under supervision, either in a U of M lab for credit, or during paid summer internships
- courses are listed at
http://www.ccmb.med.umich.edu/graduate-program/degrees/masters-degree
We highly recommend contacting the program early for advising.
