Master of Science in Bioinformatics – Portland

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Bioinformatics provides cross-disciplinary training that prepares graduates to succeed in multiple roles in this new and growing field. 

Combining challenging academics in biology, computer science, and information technology with real-world experience, the Master of Science in Bioinformatics helps students integrate the knowledge, skills, experience, and confidence they need to achieve their goals and make a difference in the world. The program consists of core coursework in computational methods, programming, and statistics, enhanced by electives in molecular biology, biochemistry, molecular modeling, web development, database design and management, data mining, and other related topics. It is structured to provide students with the skills and knowledge to develop, evaluate, and deploy bioinformatics and computational biology applications. The program is designed to prepare students for employment in the biotechnology sector, where the need for knowledgeable life scientists with quantitative and computational skills has exploded in the past decade. 

All Roux Institute programs provide content relevant to the urgent and emerging needs of industry in Maine and the rapidly evolving regional, national, and global economy. Opportunities for experiential learning will be concentrated in Portland, the state of Maine, and the Northeast region. Students are encouraged to pursue co-ops and special virtual Experiential Network projects with the institute’s founding corporate partners, a group of leading employers in Maine. 

  • Portland

    Location

  • Full-Time
    Part-Time

    Commitment

  • 2-3 years

    Duration of Program

Unique Features

  • Courses run in the evening to accommodate working professionals.
  • Students gain up to six months of work experience through co-op positions.
  • 94% employment after graduation in industry or research in the past three years.
  • The program is delivered through a hybrid model of online and on-site learning.
  • Choose from seven concentrations for further specialization:
    • Bioinformatics and Chemoinformatics
    • Bioinformatics Enterprise
    • Biotechnology
    • Data Analytics
    • Health Informatics
    • Medical Health Informatics
    • Omics

Program Objectives

  • Attain core knowledge in bioinformatics programming.
  • Integrate knowledge from biological, computational, and mathematical disciplines.
  • Gain professional work experience via co-op.

Scholarships and aid

$53.8K

Tuition

Estimated Total Tuition

This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2021-2022 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.

Generous scholarships

The Roux Institute is currently offering generous scholarships to meet the financial needs of all students through its Alfond Scholars Initiative. Each award is determined by an individual assessment. And Northeastern alumni receive a Double Husky Scholarship —a tuition discount of 25 percent.

Learn more about the Alfond Scholars Initiative

Corporate tuition benefits

Many employers subsidize education for their employees. Speak with yours about any tuition benefits your company may offer.

Special military scholarships

For military veterans and servicemembers, a limited number of donor-funded scholarships are available even after all other aid has been awarded to help with commuting costs, childcare, and other costs of living.

Learn more about military scholarships

Federal aid

You can apply for federal aid grants and loans through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

Learn about the FAFSA

Admission Requirements

  • Online application
  • Application fee
  • Transcripts from all institutions attended, reflecting conferral of bachelor’s degree
  • Personal statement
  • Resumé
  • 2 letters of recommendation
  • English language proficiency:
    • Degree earned or in progress at a U.S. institution
    • Degree earned or in progress at an institution where English is the only medium of instruction
    • Official exam scores from either the TOEFL iBT (institution code is 3682), IELTS, PTE exam, or Duolingo English Test. Scores are valid for 2 years from the test date.

Learn more about applying to the College of Science.

Admission Dates

Learn more about applying to the College of Science and our admissions deadlines.

Program Curriculum

Please view the Course Catalog for information regarding the program curriculum.

Experiential Learning

Learning integrated with professional experience is a hallmark of Northeastern and the Roux Institute. Students gain a clear understanding of real-world industry needs in Portland, the state of Maine, and the Northeast—and valued workplace skills like communication and teamwork—through assignments at companies and nonprofit organizations. Students can complete a six-week virtual project relevant to their studies through the university’s Experiential Network (XN) of employers, or even for their own company. Or they can apply for four- and six-month, full-time co-op positions. All opportunities enable students to build their resumés, expand their professional networks, and chart a path to in-demand careers.