Skip Navigation
Request Info
Apply Now
Request Info
Apply Now
Skip to Menu Toggle Button
Online Biotechnology Master's Degree

Bioinformatics

Biotechnology: Bioinformatics
Master's Specialization
AT A GLANCE
  • 36 credits
  • Transfer up to 12 credits
  • All courses available online
  • Select hybrid courses available
  • Program restrictions apply
TUITION
  • $524 per credit (in-state)
  • $659 per credit (out-of-state)
  • $480 per credit (military)
  • Other fees may apply
Apply Now
Next Session Starts
August 16

Learn the tools to unlock the next big discovery while gaining real-world industry experience.

Bioinformatics blends biology, computer science, and mathematics in order to analyze the massive quantities of big data being generated today. With an online master’s degree in biotechnology with a bioinformatics specialization from University of Maryland Global Campus, you can prepare to become a qualified bioinformatics professional for public- or private-sector organizations and join the teams doing crucial work in this industry. 

Total Credits Required: 36

Initial Requirement

  • (0 Credits, UCSP 615)
    (to be taken within the first 6 credits of study)

The UCSP 615 requirement may be waived if you previously earned a graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution. For more information, contact your academic advisor.

Core Courses

  • (3 Credits, BIOT 640)
  • (3 Credits, BIOT 630)
  • (3 Credits, BIOT 645)
  • (3 Credits, BIOT 643)

Specialization Courses

  • (3 Credits, BIFS 613)
  • (3 Credits, BIFS 614)
  • (3 Credits, BIFS 617)
  • (3 Credits, DBST 651)
  • (3 Credits, BIFS 618)
  • (3 Credits, DBST 652)
  • (3 Credits, BIFS 619)

Capstone Course

  • (3 Credits, BIOT 670I)

  • (3 Credits, BIOT 601), if required, may be taken concurrently with (3 Credits, BIOT 640).
  • (3 Credits, BIOT 640) must be taken as the first program course.
  • You must complete all core courses with the BIOT designator in the order listed before starting any specialization coursework.
  • (3 Credits, STAT 200) or an equivalent statistics course (with a minimum grade of C for an undergraduate course, B for a graduate course) is prerequisite to (3 Credits, BIFS 613).
  • (3 Credits, BIFS 617) is prerequisite to (3 Credits, BIFS 618) and (3 Credits, BIFS 619).
  • (3 Credits, BIOT 670I) must be taken after you complete 30 credits of program coursework toward the M.S. in Biotechnology. The course is not offered in summer. Check the Schedule of Classes to learn more about the availability of the capstone course.

General Master's Degree Requirements

  • You must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher at all times.
  • All degree requirements must be fulfilled within five consecutive years.
  • Any transfer credits must have been earned within the above five-year time frame to be applied toward a graduate degree.
  • Please review the overall master’s degree requirements for additional considerations.

This is our recommended course sequence to progress through this program. This sequence incorporates course prerequisites and program requirements but does not list course alternatives that may be available. We recommend you take a maximum of 6 credits per term. You cannot take a prerequisite with its subsequent course during the same session. Your plan will be unique and dependent on multiple factors, including the number of credits you transfer to this program.

Contact an advisor if you any questions about this plan, course alternatives, or your course load limit.

Sequence Course
1 (0 Credits, UCSP 615)
2 (3 Credits, BIOT 640)
3 (3 Credits, BIOT 630)
4 (3 Credits, BIOT 645)
5 (3 Credits, BIOT 643)
6 (3 Credits, BIFS 613)
7 (3 Credits, DBST 651)
8 (3 Credits, DBST 652)
9 (3 Credits, BIFS 614)
10 (3 Credits, BIFS 617)
11 (3 Credits, BIFS 618)
12 (3 Credits, BIFS 619)
13 (3 Credits, BIOT 670I)

Search Course Catalog

These requirements are for students who enroll in the 2023–2024 academic year. For prior year requirements, visit our catalog archive.

Read the Catalog

Master’s Degree Requirements

In addition to the specific course requirements outlined on each master's degree webpage, UMGC maintains certain requirements for all master’s degrees.
See Requirements

Program Highlights

Develop skills and gain knowledge through coursework that draws from the expertise and experience of our respected faculty.

Gain Hands-On Experience
Work on a team for a sponsoring organization and tackle a real project.
Evaluate Processes
Learn to use biostatistics, databases and data structures, and algorithms.
Develop Research
Align and analyze DNA, RNA, and protein sequences.
Proactively Solve Problems
Write computer scripts to automate complex tasks and analyze biological data.
Analyze Data
Analyze big data, next-generation sequencing data, and scientific data.
Learn Coding
Use techniques in Python and Java.

Industry Snapshot

This program is designed to help prepare you for a high-demand job in bioinformatics in a public or private-sector organization. Potential employers include corporate organizations and government agencies as well as academic institutions.

Noel N. (right), San Juan, PR

287K
Biotechnology Jobs
There are more than 287,000 people employed in the biotechnology industry in the United States as of 2020.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | “Biotechnology in the US Employment Statistics 2005-2026" | 2020

You might be interested in similar programs

Compare All Programs
Current Program
Biotechnology: Bioinformatics
Master's Specialization
Bioinformatics
Graduate Certificate
Biotechnology: Biotechnology Management
Master's Specialization

Compare All Programs

Special Designations

Professional Science Master's Degree

Professional Science Master’s Degree

Professional Science Master’s Degree logo

Professional Science Master’s Degree

This program has received a special designation as Professional Science Master’s Degree program through the Council of Graduate Schools.

Professional Science Master's (PSM) programs are designed for students who are seeking a graduate degree in science or mathematics and understand the need for developing workplace skills valued by top employers.

Additional Program Information

  • You must complete a molecular biology course, with a minimum grade of C for an undergraduate course or B for a graduate course, to be accepted into this program; upon submission of an official transcript, you may be accepted into the degree program without a molecular biology course, but you must take either a college-level molecular biology course or (3 Credits, BIOT 601) before the required program core.
  • If you have no prior coursework in statistics, you must take (3 Credits, STAT 200) (or equivalent) before taking (3 Credits, BIFS 613).

We recommend you have previous experience statistics and programming. Strong writing skills are encouraged.

  • 2019, Top Online Master's in Biotechnology Programs, UMGC's Master of Science in Biotechnology, OnlineMasters.com
 

Contact Us

Our helpful admissions advisors can help you choose an academic program to fit your career goals, estimate your transfer credits, and develop a plan for your education costs that fits your budget. If you’re a current UMGC student, please visit the Help Center.

Personal Information
Please provide your First Name.
Please provide your Last Name.
Contact Information
Please recheck your email address.
Please provide a valid E-Mail Address.
This field is required.
Please provide a valid ZIP Code or APO/FPO.
Additional Information
 

By submitting this form, you are giving your express written consent without obligation for UMGC to contact you regarding our educational programs and services using e-mail, phone, or text, including automated technology for calls and/or texts to the mobile number(s) provided. For more details, including how to opt out, read our privacy policy or contact an admissions advisor.

Please wait, your form is being submitted.

By using our website you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more about how we use cookies by reading our Privacy Policy.