HELP 2011-2012 University Catalog Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Graduate Certificate Print-Friendly Page

Banner Code:  SC-CERG-BCB

This graduate certificate program addresses the growing national and regional demand for trained computational biologists by combining a solid foundation in biotechnology with  computational skills relevant to bioinformatics. With many of the courses offered in a Distance-Learning format, the flexibility of the certificate structure permits students to custom design their curriculum under an advisor’s guidance, making the  certificate in bioinformatics especially relevant for students employed in today’s diverse Northern Virginia high-technology workplace. Ideal candidates for this certificate are those who have a background in biological and computer sciences, and are currently working in or planning to enter the fields of biotechnology or bioinformatics. The certificate is also highly relevant for students who are interested in advancing their career goals but may not have adequate time available to undertake a graduate degree program.

This program of study is offered by the School of Systems Biology in the College of Science .

Admission Requirements

Applicants should hold a BA or BS degree in a discipline related to biological or computer science from an accredited university, with a minimum GPA of 3.00. Applicants should have taken courses in molecular biology, computer science, calculus, physical chemistry, or statistics, and should also possess working knowledge of a computer programming language. To apply, prospective students should forward a completed Mason graduate application, two copies of official transcripts from each college and graduate institution attended, and a current résumé to the COS Graduate Admissions Processing Center. TOEFL scores are required of all international applicants.

The certificate program is a professional certification program that charges students at a differential (premium) tuition rate, with an additional $100 per credit added to the standard Mason graduate tuition rate for students who enroll in this certificate program, regardless of in-state or out-of-state status. The differential tuition is used to fund continuing  improvements in the COS educational facilities used to support the certificate program. Students may not pursue this certificate concurrently with any other graduate degree program or certificate program offered by COS. In addition, students may not apply previous credit hours to the certificate program from another certificate, degree, or non degree program because of the differential (premium) tuition rate.

Program Requirements

The certificate in bioinformatics and computational biology requires a total of 15 credits, based on the set of core courses supporting the MS and PhD degree programs in bioinformatics and computational biology, along with a set of elective courses. Students are required to take three core courses, plus two courses selected from the list of electives indicated below.