2011-2012 University Catalog 
  
2011-2012 University Catalog

Bioinformatics Management, MS


Banner Code:  SC-MS-BNFM

This degree addresses the regional and national need for technically trained managers who will be able to lead teams of bioinformaticians in both the public and private sectors. The degree combines a solid foundation in bioinformatics research, tools, and techniques, with the management skills needed to address the associated legal, ethical, managerial, and business issues. The MS in bioinformatics management is intended for:

  • Students seeking advancement in their current bioinformatics careers that requires an advanced degree in bioinformatics combined with management expertise.
  • Students with a general background in biological science or computational methods who are planning to enter the field of bioinformatics as managers and would like to strengthen their bioinformatics and managerial expertise.

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

Admission Requirements

Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in biology, computer science, or a related field, with a GPA of at least 3.00 in their last 60 credits of study. Applicants should have taken courses in molecular biology, computer science, calculus, physical chemistry, and statistics. Students with deficiencies in one or more of these areas may be required to take additional courses from the undergraduate curriculum. To apply, prospective students should forward a completed Mason graduate application, two copies of official transcripts from each college and graduate institution attended, a current résumé, and an expanded goals statement to the COS Graduate Admissions Processing Center. Applicants should also include three letters of recommendation and an official report of scores obtained on the GRE-GEN exam. The GRE requirement will be waived if the student holds a master’s degree from a U.S. institution. TOEFL scores are required of all international applicants.

Degree Requirements


Candidates must successfully complete 30 credits as follows:

Bioinformatics Core Courses (15 credits)


Foundational courses in modern biotechnology, tools and methods for bioinformatics analysis, and methods for creating customized bioinformatics tools.

Management Core Courses (12 credits)


Foundational courses in management theory related directly to the management of scientific programs and personnel.

Capstone research project (3 credits)


Focusing on bioinformatics management issues and techniques.

Total: 30 credits