Engage in cutting-edge learning with the Master of Science in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology.
The MS in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology provides education in the theory and practice of the major current areas in the field including problem contexts, mathematical and statistical foundations, computational approaches, communication, and ethical, privacy and legal considerations. In addition to the fundamentals of bioinformatics and computational biology, the program covers relevant probability and statistics, data structures and algorithms, and machine learning. Students who successfully complete the MS in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology will be able to identify, choose, describe, explain, and apply bioinformatics and computational biology methods to problems in biology and biomedical research. The program is offered through the Science Academy in the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences.
The MS in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology is a 30-credit graduate program designed for working professionals and can be completed in less than two years. Instruction is provided by UMD faculty and experts in the field. The program features instructional delivery through face-to-face instruction at the UMD College Park campus, mostly in the evenings. The Science Academy has run a Master of Professional Studies (MPS) degree since Fall 2023. Current MPS students should follow the MS curriculum plan of study and contact the Science Academy with any advising questions or concerns.
Application Deadlines
Fall 2025
International: February 28, 2025
Domestic: May 30, 2025
Any student applying for admission to a graduate program at the University of Maryland must meet the following minimum admission criteria as established by the Graduate School.
- Earned a four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution, or an equivalent degree from a non-U.S. institution.
- Earned a 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) in all prior undergraduate and graduate coursework.
General Requirements:
- Statement of Purpose
- Transcript(s)
- TOEFL/IELTS/PTE (international graduate students)
Program-Specific Requirements:
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) (optional)
- CV/Resume
- Description of research/work experience
- Prior coursework establishing quantitative ability (including calculus II, linear algebra, statistics, etc.)
- Education or work experience in biological/biomedical sciences, mathematics, statistics and/or computer science fields
- Proficiency in programming languages, demonstrated either through prior programming coursework or substantial software development experience
The MS in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology is a 30-credit, 10-course, non-thesis graduate program. The program provides education in the theory and practice of the major current areas in the bioinformatics and computational biology fields. Elective courses in the Data Science and Machine Learning programs may also be available.
Sample Plan of Study (Part-time, two 3-credit courses per semester)
| Semester 1 (fall) |
|
| Semester 2 (spring) |
|
| Semester 3 (summer) |
|
| Semester 4 (fall) |
|
| Semester 5 (spring) |
|
| Semester 6 (summer) |
|
| Semester 7 (fall) |
|
Sample Plan of Study (Full-time, three 3-credit courses per semester)
| Semester 1 (fall) |
|
| Semester 2 (spring) |
|
| Semester 3 (summer) |
|
| Semester 4 (fall) |
|
Electives include:
BIOI 621: Genome Assembly and Annotation
BIOI 622: Metagenomics Data Analysis
2024 MS Academic Planning Guide
Learn more about the courses
Find up to date tuition and fee information here for the MS in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology.
