M.S. in Bioinformatics
Academic Advisor: https://computing.njit.edu/advising
Master of Science in Bioinformatics
The interdisciplinary M.S. in Bioinformatics program (MS-BNFO) addresses the rapidly evolving intersection of biological sciences, computational methods, and artificial intelligence. The curriculum provides a strong foundation in computational tools for analyzing complex biological data, preparing graduates for careers in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, as well as biomedical research. Students can specialize further in biostatistics or computational neuroscience, developing expertise in applying data science techniques to biological challenges.
Prerequisites
Applicants should have a bachelor's degree from an accredited University, in Biology or STEM. Applicants with relevant professional experience may also be accepted. Further information can be found in the program's webpage.
Specialized Learning Paths
The MS in Bioinformatics program includes courses from three related graduate certificate programs:
One of these certificates can be earned alongside the MS degree with an appropriate selection of courses.
Degree Requirements
The program requires the completion of 30 credits. The requirement is satisfied by taking 10 courses.
Students who want to pursue research can earn up to 6 of the 30 required credits by taking the BNFO 700B Masters Project possibly followed by BNFO 701B Masters Thesis. These have special requirements described in the section 'Master's Project and Thesis Policies'.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Introductory Courses | ||
| Take at most two: | ||
| Foundations of Computer Science | ||
| Python and Mathematics for Machine Learning | ||
| Approaches to Quantitative Analysis in the Life Sciences | ||
| Required Courses &1 | ||
| Foundations of Bioinformatics I | ||
| Foundations of Bioinformatics II | ||
| Machine Learning for Bioinformatics | ||
| Genomic Data Analysis | ||
| Data Analytics with R Program | ||
| Introduction to Biostatistics | ||
| Biology and Rutgers-Newark Electives | ||
| Prin of Bioscience Processing | ||
| Cell Biology: Methods & Appl | ||
| Molecular Bio Of Eukaryotes | ||
| Cell Molec Dev | ||
| Biology Of Cancer | ||
| Genom Proteomics & Bioinformat | ||
| Intro To Biomedical Sciences | ||
| Computer Science Electives &2 | ||
| Foundations of Computer Science | ||
| Data Management System Design | ||
| Advanced Database System Design | ||
| Data Mining | ||
| Introduction to Big Data | ||
| Machine Learning | ||
| Biostatistics Essentials Electives &2 | ||
| Clinical Trials Design and Analysis | ||
| Survival Analysis | ||
| Probability Distributions | ||
| Introduction to Biostatistics | ||
| Statistical Inference | ||
| Statistical Methods in Data Science | ||
| Neuroscience Electives &2 | ||
| Biological Imaging Techniques | ||
| Neural Engineering | ||
| Intro to Comp Neuroscience | ||
| Computational Systems Biology | ||
| Other NJIT Electives | ||
| Critical Thinking for the Life Sciences | ||
| Biochemistry | ||
| Data Visualization and Interpretation | ||
| Deep Learning | ||
| Analytical Computational Neuroscience | ||
| Systems Computational Neuroscience | ||
| MS Project and Thesis | ||
| Masters Project | ||
| Masters Thesis | ||
- &
1. The following substitutions are allowed whenever these required courses are not offered: (BNFO 615,DS 675), (BNFO 620, BNFO 700B),(MATH 663, MATH 661). In particular, MATH 661 can be taken by online students. Please consult with YWCC academic advisors.
2. Students are advised to check the catalogs of the corresponding certificate program and consult with YWCC academic advisors to determine a selection of courses that earn this certificate.
Master's Project and Thesis Policies
The contents of this section apply only to students who elect to do a Masters Project (BNFO 700B) or a Masters Thesis (BNFO 701B).
Students must first identify a research advisor holding an appointment at the ranks of Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Professor, or Distinguished Professor.
In order to identify a research advisor, students are encouraged to directly contact professors. Professors may not always have availability for conducting an MS project/thesis. Students are therefore encouraged to start looking for an advisor as early as possible, especially if they are considering pursuing a Master’s Thesis that takes two semesters.
The students must be in close coordination with their research advisor who will determine the topic of the Project/Thesis and guide them to take specific elective courses that will prepare them for the research.
Registration
-
Master’s Project: With permission of their research advisor students must register in the BNFO 700BMaster's Project course. To register for a Master's Project, students must have completed at least 9 credits and must be in good standing.
-
Master’s Thesis: With permission of their research advisor, students must first register in the BNFO 700B Masters Project course. They must receive a satisfactory (S) grade in BNFO 700B before BNFO 701B Masters Thesis registration in the immediately following semester, with the same advisor. The MS topic should be continuation of the work done in BNFO 700B.
Thesis Requirements
- An MS Thesis Committee must be formed, according to these requirements set forth by the Office of Graduate Studies.
- A written thesis must be submitted. The thesis must adhere to the style requirements set forth by the Office of Graduate Studies.
- An oral defense is required. The defense must take place before the last day of the Examination period.
