Delivery
On-Campus
Bioinformatics, M.S.
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Program Overview
Shape the Future of Science and Technology
Interested in joining a forward-thinking community at the intersection of biology, chemistry, mathematics, statistics, computing, informatics and engineering? The M.S. in Bioinformatics program at Charlotte strives to empower ambitious individuals with the skills to develop, evaluate and deploy cutting-edge bioinformatics applications. At Charlotte you will prepare for a thriving career in the biotechnology sector, where the demand for life scientists with quantitative and computational expertise is rapidly growing.
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What is Bioinformatics?
A unique master’s degree merging the biological sciences and computer technology, the M.S. in Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary program at the intersection of the disciplines of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Statistics, Computing and Informatics, and Engineering. The M.S. program is structured to provide students with the skills and knowledge to develop, evaluate, and deploy bioinformatics and computational biology applications.
“Every faculty member in the department goes out of their way to see students succeed. The concepts we learn in each class are quickly put into practice to solve real world scenarios. It doesn’t matter if it is biology, statistics, chemistry, or computer science… all subjects are well covered and interwoven to give us the best possible academic formation.”
Juan Bolanos, M.S. Bioinformatics Student
Application Deadlines
| Applicant types | fall admissions | spring admissions |
|---|---|---|
| Priority Decision | March 1 | October 1 |
| Regular Decision | August 1 | December 1 |
| International Students | March 1 | October 1 |
*Application deadline to be nominated for a Graduate School Grant award is March 15th
Admission Requirements
In addition to the general requirements for admission to the Graduate School, the following are required for study toward a Master’s of Science in Bioinformatics: Under most circumstances, students admitted to the program will have:
- A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, or another related field that provides a sound background in life sciences, computing, or both.
- A STEM background with at least 1 math course
- A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale) and 3.0 in the major.
- Three letters of recommendation (We recommend that at least 1 come from one of your professors.)
- 1 Page Statement of Purpose
**For International Applicants**
- An English language proficiency score (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo) is required if the previous degree was from a country where English is not the common language.
- A Foreign credential evaluation
- To allow sufficient time to arrange travel and obtain necessary documents, the suggested application deadlines for international students are March 1 (Fall) and October 1 (Spring).
Sample Course List
Core Courses
All students must take the 16 credits of core courses (BINF 6200, BINF 6101, BINF 6112, BINF 6211, BINF 6201, BINF 6115, and a core elective). Students who have previously taken a course with a syllabus that closely follows one of the Core Courses may then substitute an advanced elective for the required Core Course. This is up to the discretion of the Graduate Program Director and the specific course instructor.
Fall Courses (*Offered both Fall and Spring Semesters)
- BINF 6200 Statistics for Bioinformatics (3)*
- BINF 6201 Molecular Sequence Analysis (3)*
- BINF 6112 Bioinformatics Programming II (3)*
- BINF 6155 Introduction to UNIX Computing (1)* (Online)
Spring Courses (*Offered both Fall and Spring Semesters)
- BINF 6101 Energy and Interaction in Biological Modeling (3)
- BINF 6112 Bioinformatics Programming II (3)*
- BINF 66115 Introduction to UNIX Computing (1)*
- BINF 6211 Design and Implementation of Bioinformatics Database (3)
- BINF 6201 Molecular Sequence Analysis (3)*
- BINF 6200 Statistics for Bioinformatics (3)*
Plus one of the following Core Electives:
Fall Courses
- BINF 6202 Computational Structural Biology (3)
- BINF 6205 Computational Molecular Evolution (3)
- BINF 6210 Machine Learning
Spring Courses
- BINF 6203 Genomics (3)
Gateway Courses
The department offers two intensive graduate-level courses designed to provide accelerated training in a second discipline that complements the student’s undergraduate training. Students entering the program without preparatory coursework in computing or biology may need to take the Gateway course(s) that is appropriate for their background. These courses are not required core courses for all students, but are designed to satisfy core course prerequisites for students who have not encountered the material presented in a previous course. For students entering from computing backgrounds, BINF 6100 should be chosen, while students entering from biological science backgrounds should choose BINF 6111. Gateway courses count towards elective credit.
BINF 6100 Biological Basis of Bioinformatics (3) Fall only OR BINF 6111 Bioinformatics Programming I (3) Fall and Spring
Professional Preparation Requirement
Students are required to take 3 credit hours of elective courses designed to prepare them to function effectively and ethically in a professional environment:
BINF 5171 Business of Biotechnology (3) Fall only OR BINF 5191 Biotechnology and the Law (3) Spring only
Elective Courses
Nine credit hours of required coursework can be satisfied by elective courses. The Program Graduate Coordinator reviews the student’s plan of study each semester.
Bioinformatics Electives
Any courses with BINF numbers are open to M.S. students seeking to complete their coursework requirements. When taken, the Gateway Courses BINF 6111 and BINF 6100 go towards elective credits. Core electives (see Core Requirements above) can also be taken to go towards bioinformatics general electives.
Fall Courses
- BINF 6205 Computational Molecular Evolution (3)
- BINF 6350 Biotechnology and Genomics Lab (3)
- BINF 6202 Computational Structural Biology (3)
- BINF 6210 Machine Learning for Bioinformatics (3)
- BINF 6380 Advanced Bioinformatics Programming (3)
Spring Courses
- BINF 6310 Advanced Statistics for Genomics (3)
- BINF 6203 Genomics (3)
Other Requirements
Bioinformatics Seminar and Research Experience
In addition to 30 hours of formal coursework, students are required to enroll in the Bioinformatics Program seminar (BINF 6600) for at least one semester (1 credit hour) and to enroll in either Principles of Team Science (BINF 5900) or an internal or external internship (BINF 6400).
Plus one of the following:
BINF 5900 Principles of Team Science (3) Spring only
BINF 6400 Internship Project (3) Fall only
*The internship is completed in the summer prior to the fall internship course.
Tuition
Current tuition rates are available through Niner Central. There are several sources of funding available to assist in paying for a graduate program at UNC Charlotte.
Use our Cost Calculator to get a clear picture of the estimated costs for UNC Charlotte’s graduate programs. Share your information to receive tips, updates and resources on making your graduate education more affordable.
Wondering if you are considered in-state or out-of-state for tuition? Learn more about residency requirements.
Where Bioinformatics Comes Together
At Charlotte, research isn’t siloed. Our students and faculty connect every corner of the field to redefine what’s possible in bioinformatics.
Where Real-World Research Takes Root
With more than 20 advanced research labs, our faculty and students push the boundaries of discovery across genomics, modeling, systems biology, and more, turning bold questions into real-world breakthroughs in science and technology.
Innovative Student Research in Action
Our students aren’t waiting to make an impact. See how they’re leading research alongside expert faculty in state-of-the-art labs.
Bioinformatics Faculty Who Lead and Lift
Our faculty understand what it takes for living systems to thrive and bring that same insight to student success. Their dedication to research and mentorship is moving the field forward, preparing the next generation of scientists to lead it.
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Faculty Highlight
CRACKING THE VIRAL CODE
“We’ve proven the effectiveness of bioinformatics and genomics as scientifically important fields of study. Through CIPHER, we continue to build upon this work to have an even greater impact on society and public health.”– Dan Janies – CIPHER Co-director
Ready to Turn Your Curiosity Into Impact?
The M.S. in Bioinformatics at Charlotte prepares you to lead in a fast-growing field, combining data, discovery and hands-on research experience to solve complex problems and create meaningful change.
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