Highly motivated Georgetown College of Arts & Sciences students can complete the requirements for the M.S. in Bioinformatics in one semester after completing their bachelor’s program.
The Master of Science in Bioinformatics program encompasses the most recent development and application of computational tools and techniques for the collection, analysis, management, and visualization of biological data, as well as modeling and simulation methods for the study of biological systems. It prepares students for careers in the fields of bioinformatics, molecular biology, computational biology, systems biology, medical informatics, and biotechnology.
The program includes hands-on computer labs, experience-building projects, and a bioinformatics internship. The 16-week internship provides opportunities to work with Georgetown’s prestigious bioinformatics faculty or bioinformatics professionals in the leading bioinformatics, biomedical and biotechnology institutions in the Washington, D.C., area.
Application
Undergraduate students in the College of Arts & Sciences who meet the master’s program admission requirements are eligible to apply to this accelerated program by July 1 after their junior year. Students who wish to apply should inquire with their undergraduate advising dean and the director of the M.S. in Bioinformatics.
For more information about our program and admissions, please contact us.
Timeline
Undergraduates start taking master’s courses in their senior year, earning the master’s degree in the fall after completing their bachelor’s degree.
Note: Some programs will have different distributions of undergraduate and master’s courses to accommodate schedule conflicts.
Example Degree Plan
The degree plan below shows how you as an accelerated student can start taking graduate-level courses during your senior year in order to complete the 30-credit master’s program in the fall semester after your bachelor’s. Up to 50% of the graduate credits for the master’s degree may be taken during senior year.
Senior – Fall
| Course Name | Graduate Credit(s) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate courses | — |
| BINF 5240 Bioinformatics Computing | 5 |
| 5 Graduate Credits |
Senior – Spring
| Course Name | Graduate Credit(s) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate courses | — |
| BINF 5740 Bioinformatics Seminar Series II | 1 |
| BINF 5800 Systems Biology & Bioinformatics | 3 |
| BINF 7950 Internship Prep/Proposal | 1 |
| Spring graduate elective(s) | 5 |
| 10 Graduate Credits |
- Note: Full-time undergraduate status requires a minimum of 12 total credits. Graduate credits count toward this total.
- Upon completion of the undergraduate degree requirements, you will receive your bachelor’s degree and may participate in Commencement with your undergraduate class. Contact your advising dean for more information.
Master’s – Summer (Optional)
You may take BINF 7951 Internship (0-0.25 graduate credits) during the summer after Senior Spring, if you wish. The internship is about 20 hours per week.
Master’s – Fall
Complete the Biomedical Graduate Education Orientation at the start of the semester.
| Course Name | Graduate Credit(s) |
|---|---|
| BINF 5210 Bioinformatics | 4 |
| BINF 5730 Seminar I | 1 |
| BINF 5860 Molecular Biology for Bioinformatics | 3 |
| BINF 7951 Internship (required if not taken in Summer) | 0-0.25 |
| Fall graduate electives | 7-8 |
| 15-16 Graduate Credits |
- Students pay the per-semester flat rate.
- Students must complete a total of 30 graduate credits in order to graduate.
- Note: The internship is about 20 hours per week and will require careful scheduling with electives.
- Follow the Biomedical Graduate Education Graduating Student Checklist to apply for graduation and to register for Commencement the following spring if you wish to attend.
Master’s Courses
Visit M.S. in Bioinformatics Courses to browse our required and elective courses.
Learn More
Accelerated Programs FAQ
Answers to questions about the accelerated program.
Program Highlights
Find out what sets our program apart in preparing students for impactful careers.
Career Readiness
Our students benefit from the services of the Biomedical Graduate Education career office, including one-on-one advising, skills workshops, leadership programs and more.