Online Master’s in Bioinformatics Programs
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For the 2023-2024 academic year, we have 112 schools in our MHAOnline.com database and those that advertise with us are labeled “sponsor”. When you click on a sponsoring school or program, or fill out a form to request information from a sponsoring school, we may earn a commission. View our advertising disclosure for more details.
“[The field of bioinformatics is] driven by curiosity and creativity, aiming to unlock new knowledge and develop cutting-edge solutions. The blend of computational skills with biological understanding equips graduates to tackle complex problems and drive progress in areas such as infectious diseases, public health, genetic diseases, agriculture, green technology, and beyond.”
Shivani Dhir, MBA, Assistant Dean of Digital Learning, NYU Tandon School of Engineering
Bioinformatics is a specialty in the healthcare industry that focuses on solving complex biological problems. The National Human Genome Research Institute describes bioinformatics as a scientific subdiscipline involving computer technology to collect, store, analyze and disseminate biological data and information, such as DNA and amino acid sequences or annotations about those sequences.
This work aims to discover new types of biology and make predictions that can improve human health. The methods of computation used by bioinformatic scientists include mathematical modeling, analytical methods, and simulation.
Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary specialty combining several different but complementary fields to solve complex biological problems. These fields include biology, physics, biomedical engineering, chemistry, genetics, genomics, neurology, biostatistics, mathematics, and computer science.
Bioinformatics scientists break down the human body into small groups of cells involved in various complex processes. They study human DNA to understand the symptoms and causes of current diseases and predict future conditions. Bioinformatics scientists use cutting-edge technologies to do this. One of the most common techniques is next-generation sequencing, a high-throughput sequencing (HTS) method.
People who choose this career path have strong scientific skills and a desire to help others through their research. Most have already worked in healthcare for several years. Since the profession typically requires at least a master’s degree, many schools now offer the opportunity to earn credentials online. This option is ideal for those looking to advance their career or change their course.
| Featured Bioinformatics Programs | ||
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| Johns Hopkins University - Advanced Academic Programs | MS Bioinformatics | View Full Profile |
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For the 2023-2024 academic year, we have 112 schools in our MHAOnline.com database and those that advertise with us are labeled “sponsor”. When you click on a sponsoring school or program, or fill out a form to request information from a sponsoring school, we may earn a commission. View our advertising disclosure for more details. |
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Meet the Expert: Shivani Dhir, MBA
Shivani Dhir is the assistant dean of digital learning at NYU Tandon School of Engineering and oversees the digital learning portfolio. She has over a decade of higher education strategy and leadership experience managing graduate and professional programs at NYU and Cornell and industry-wide expertise, having led the higher education vertical at a digital marketing agency.
Dhir holds a BA from the College of Arts & Sciences at NYU and an MBA from the Stern School of Business at NYU. She currently serves as an adjunct professor in the technology management and innovation department.
MHAOnline.com: What is something you wish the public understood about master’s in bioinformatics degree programs?
Dhir: At Digital Learning, we believe a master’s in bioinformatics is, at its core, about using innovative, interdisciplinary approaches to solve some of the most pressing challenges in medicine and biology. Bioinformatics combines elements of computer science, statistics, and biology, allowing students to explore the vast datasets generated by modern research and translate them into meaningful insights.
It’s a field driven by curiosity and creativity, aiming to unlock new knowledge and develop cutting-edge solutions. The blend of computational skills with biological understanding equips graduates to tackle complex problems and drive progress in areas such as infectious diseases, public health, genetic diseases, agriculture, green technology, and beyond. It’s a dynamic field for unconventional engineers that bridges the gap between data and discovery.
MHAOnline.com: What advice would you give to aspiring master’s in bioinformatics students?
Dhir: I’ll start by highlighting a bioinformatics alumna, Jade Wang, who went on to work for the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. In 2023, Wang was recognized by Mayor Adams with the NYC Hayes Innovation Prize for forward-thinking solutions to the city’s most pressing challenges. Wang developed and championed the analytical tools necessary to decipher and translate gigabytes of whole genome sequence data, which was used to inform disease outbreak response actions taken in NYC during the pandemic.
Wang attributes her success, in part, to the invaluable skills she learned in pipeline development, automation, R programming, and interpreting biological data as an online graduate student at NYU Tandon.
This leads to my first piece of advice: embrace your interdisciplinary curiosity. Bioinformatics thrives at the intersection of various fields, so be prepared to step out of your comfort zone and explore areas like machine learning, data science, and population genetics.
Second, Wang’s recognition speaks to the importance of being industry-ready. Seek opportunities for hands-on projects, internships, or experiential learning spaces that let you apply what you’ve learned to real-world problems. When considering a graduate program, you should look for schools that will expand your network of professionals and connect you with industry experts and faculty who will keep you engaged with the latest research, insights, and opportunities.
Featured Online Master’s Programs in Bioinformatics
Below are ten schools from locations nationwide that offer online master’s degrees (or related programs) in bioinformatics.
The bioinformatics degree at Johns Hopkins University combines engineering and bioinformatics to create a rigorous academic program. Students learn to analyze sequencing data and interpret complex biological information using bioinformatics software.
The program consists of 11 courses of three to four credits each. Some of the classes that online students can expect to complete include molecular biology, epigenetics, gene organization & expression, introduction to bioinformatics, practical computer concepts for bioinformatics, protein bioinformatics, molecular phylogenetic techniques, next-generation DNA sequencing and analysis, gene expression data analysis and visualization, and genomic and personalized medicine.
The program was created with working professionals in mind. Courses can be taken online or on-campus, and the option of completing the program entirely online is available. On-campus classes are taught during the evenings and on weekends.
Prospective students must have met several prerequisites before applying to this program. These include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college, a minimum 3.0 grade point average (GPA, two semesters of organic chemistry, one semester of biochemistry, Java C++ or C proficiency, and one course each in probability and statistics, data structures, and calculus.
Prospective students must also include a 500-word statement of purpose, professional resume, and official transcripts of previous college work with their application. The program does not require prior work experience or a GMAT/GRE.
- Location: Baltimore, MD
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: 16 to 24 months
Brandeis University offers an online master of science degree in bioinformatics,, preparing students to thrive in rewarding pharmaceutical and biotechnology careers and helping them deepen their programming knowledge in this fascinating field. Applicants to this program must have completed undergraduate-level coursework in statistics, probability, or biostatistics and molecular biology or biochemistry. GRE or GMAT scores are not required for admission.
The program, which comprises 30 credits, includes core courses such as bioinformatics scripting and databases with Python, molecular biology, genetics, and disease, biological sequence analysis, mathematical modeling for bioinformatics, molecular profiling and biomarker discovery, and biomedical statistics with R. In addition to these, students must complete four electives in subjects such as structural bioinformatics, cheminformatics, special topics in bioinformatics, and computational systems biology.
- Location: Waltham, MA
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Format: Online
- Expected Time to Completion: 15 to 36 months
George Washington University offers an online master of science in health sciences (MSHS) in biomedical informatics program. All courses in this 100 percent online program are delivered in a flexible, asynchronous format so that students can earn their graduate degree while keeping up with their personal and professional commitments. This program does not require any campus visits. The program faculty includes experienced and knowledgeable professors.
Applicants to the program must have a bachelor’s degree, a grade point average of 3.0 or above, a written personal statement, a completed application, a current resume, two letters of recommendation, official transcripts from every college and university attended, and English language proficiency for international students.
Comprising 36 credits, the curriculum consists of courses such as high-performance computing, topics in healthcare leadership, issues and trends in health systems, biostatistics for clinical translational research, epidemiology translational research, and principles of medical informatics.
The program teaches students how to apply data science to improve healthcare, demonstrate data analysis and manipulation, and develop programming skills. They also learn how to provide care that is focused solely on patients and design solutions to a wide range of healthcare problems.
The program’s graduates are well-equipped to work in a variety of settings. They can take roles such as health information consultants, clinical informatics specialists, health informatics directors, informatics nurses, and chief medical information officers.
- Location: Washington, DC
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
In New York University’s 30-credit master’s in bioinformatics program, students learn about genomics, proteomics, and sequence and pathway analysis. They also learn how to program with Python, Perl, and R and how to use some of the most innovative and cutting-edge genome informatics tools and algorithms. The program includes two concentration options in laboratory science and translational science.
Prospective students can also begin their studies with the school’s online Tandon Bridge program, which is ideal for students lacking a bioinformatics degree or other substantial related experience. Students who choose this bridge program benefit from a fee waiver to the master’s program and do not have to submit GRE scores for admission.
For the master’s degree, students must complete 18 credits of core courses, six credits of concentration courses, and six credits of electives. Core courses include algorithms and data structures for bioinformatics, problem solving for bioinformatics, biology and biotechnology for bioinformatics, applied biostatistics for bioinformatics, and machine learning and data science for bioinformatics.
The laboratory science concentration includes courses in proteomics and next-generation sequence analysis for bioinformatics. The concentration in translational science includes courses in translational genomics and computational biology, population genetics, and evolutionary biology for bioinformatics.
In addition to a bachelor’s degree and 3.0 GPA, students may need to take specific prerequisites depending on their previous major. Other requirements include a personal statement, professional resume, official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a GRE score for full-time applicants only.
- Location: Brooklyn, NY
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Format: Online
- Expected Time to Completion: As little as a year-and-a-half and up to five years
Lewis University offers a master’s degree in data science with a concentration in computational biology and bioinformatics. Students enrolled in this program learn to solve current complex healthcare problems and analyze bioinformatics big data and biological markers.
The master’s program comprises 33 credits, and the bioinformatics concentration includes four three-credit courses. These include introduction to computational biology; data systems in the life sciences; research in biotechnology; and data science projects for life scientists.
Students can also take the computational biology and bioinformatics concentration as a stand-alone graduate certificate program. Students who complete this certificate program can apply all credits towards the school’s master’s degree in data science. This certificate instructs students on creating software to analyze bioinformatics and big data. It prepares participants to pursue careers in biotechnology, botany, genetics, information technology, database administration, and several others.
Applicants to the program must submit official transcripts from previous colleges, a two-page letter of intent, two letters of recommendation, and a professional resume. Additionally, all applicants must have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college with at least a 3.0 grade point average. Lewis University doesn’t require previous healthcare administration work experience or a GMAT/GRE submission.
- Location: Romeoville, IL
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Format: Online
- Expected Time to Completion: 18 to 24 months
George Mason University offers a master’s degree in bioinformatics and computational biology for professionals interested in pursuing careers and learning about the latest bioinformatics technology. It provides students with computational bioinformatics skills and a biotech background to prepare them for a demanding yet rewarding career.
Due to its proximity to the nation’s capital, the school has partnerships with organizations such as the Food and Drug Administration, the United States Department of Agriculture, and the National Institutes of Health.
The breakdown of the 31 credits includes 12 credits of core courses, a three-credit advanced class, a one-credit seminar course, three to six credits research course, and nine to 12 credits of elective courses. Core courses include bioinformatics methods, molecular cell biology for bioinformatics, bioinformatics programming, and systems biology. While the entire program can be completed online, most courses are delivered synchronously, meaning students must plan to attend virtual instructor-led classes regularly.
Application requirements include a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA, official college transcripts, a goals statement, a professional resume, three letters of recommendation, and submission of GRE scores. Students may also need to complete some prerequisite courses if they do not already have a strong foundation in calculus, chemistry, physics, biochemistry, molecular biology, and physical chemistry.
- Location: Fairfax, VA
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Format: Online
- Expected Time to Completion: Two to three years
Northeastern’s bioinformatics master’s program provides students with an interdisciplinary education in research, theory, and innovation. It’s designed to prepare them for a successful career in bioinformatics. Students should expect to learn about biology, computer science, and information technology related to bioinformatics.
Once accepted, students can choose from seven optional concentrations: bioinformatics and chemoinformatics; bioinformatics enterprise; biotechnology; data analytics; health informatics; medical health informatics; and omics (the analysis of large data sets).
The program can be completed entirely online with a full- or part-time commitment and an optional co-op position. The co-op work experience provides students with supervised, real-world experience towards the end of the degree program. Some of the most recent co-op partners include Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Courses required for this 32-credit degree include computational methods, research and seminar, statistics and programming, co-op work experience, and electives. Research and seminar courses include ethics in biological research and biotechnology enterprise, which are worth two credits each. The courses for statistics and programming include bioinformatics programming and statistics for bioinformatics, both of which are four-credit classes. Students also complete a 12-credit concentration or 12 semester hours of electives. Examples of these electives include stem cells and regeneration, biological imaging, and immunology.
Application requirements for the bioinformatics master’s degree program include transcripts from previous colleges, a personal statement, two letters of recommendation, and proof of English proficiency via a degree earned at an English-speaking institution. The school recommends submitting a GRE score but does not require it.
- Location: Boston, MA
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Format: Online
- Expected Time to Completion: Two to three years
The professional science master’s program in bioinformatics at the University of Maine instructs students in several interdisciplinary areas. These include computer science, mathematics, molecular and cell biology, and spatial information science and engineering. Students applying to the program should have a strong background in molecular and cell biology already.
The 30-credit program is broken down into 17 credits in core courses, seven credits of electives, and six credits of applied field experience. Examples of courses include information systems programming, responsible conduct of research, introduction to bioinformatics, foundations of biomedical science & engineering, metadata systems, information systems programming, data mining, and molecular genetics. The applied field experience combines computer science, mathematics, and biomedical sciences into a project relevant to each student’s employment.
To apply to this program, prospective students should submit a letter of interest, three letters of recommendation, and official academic transcripts. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher in previous college coursework and a professional background in mathematics, information science, computer science, or cellular and molecular biology.
- Location: Orono, ME
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Format: Online with field study
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
The curriculum for UMGC’s biotechnology master’s degree with a specialization in bioinformatics was designed with input from scholars, industry experts, and employers. The program focuses on how important big data is to modern biology and how to uncover cures, therapies, and new diseases through the use of data. Students learn to code in Perl and Java and how to analyze big data, scientific data, and next-generation sequencing data.
The program requires the completion of 36 credits. All courses are available online, and some may be available in a hybrid format. The core courses include bioprocessing and the business of biotechnology, introduction to bioinformatics, societal issues in biotechnology, and techniques of biotechnology. Students must also take seven specialization courses and complete a capstone project.
Students who do not have a background in molecular biology must complete an introductory course before officially starting the program. Other admission requirements include the completion of a bachelor’s degree at an accredited institution and the submission of official transcripts. Master’s degree programs at this school don’t require submission of GRE scores.
- Location: Adelphi, MD
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Format: Online
- Expected Time to Completion: Up to five years
The University of Texas School of Biomedical Informatics at Houston offers a master of science program in biomedical informatics with two track options: a research track and an applied biomedical informatics track. Accredited by CAHIIM, both these tracks provide students with the skills and knowledge required for delivering innovative solutions to real-world problems in health information technology and can be completed entirely online. With both part-time and full-time options, credits earned in this program are transferable to the doctoral program.
The research track focuses on collecting and processing biomedical and health data into health information and knowledge, which is then applied to support clinical decision-making. Courses in this 39-credit track include an introduction to biomedical informatics, foundations of biomedical information sciences, statistical methods in biomedical informatics, foundations of pharmacogenomics, and current topics in genomics.
The applied track focuses on educating and training future leaders, problem solvers, and innovators. Students in this track will utilize data, knowledge, and information to design, implement, and evaluate health information solutions to improve human health. Courses in this track include legal and ethical aspects of health informatics, health information visualization and visual analytics, change management in health informatics, and foundations of electronic health records and clinical information systems.
Both tracks require students to complete a practicum during their academic program.
- Location: Houston, TX
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
- Format: Online
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
