Master of Science in Bioinformatics

The M.S. in Bioinformatics addresses the growing need for professionals with an educational background that blends biology with computer science and mathematics. This combination of skills is needed both in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, as well as in biomedical research.

Prerequisites

Applicants should have a bachelor's degree from an accredited University, in Biology or Computing/STEM. Applicants with relevant professional experience may also be accepted. Further information can be found in the program's webpage.

Degree Requirements

The program requires the completion of 30 credits. The requirement is satisfied by taking 10 courses. 

Students who want to pursue research can earn up to 6 of the 30 required credits by taking the CS 700B Master's Project possibly followed by CS 701B Master's Thesis. These have special requirements described in the section 'Master's Project and Thesis Policies'. 

Core Courses
Data Analytics with R Program
Introduction to Biostatistics
Core Electives
At least three courses from this list:
Foundations of Computer Science &1
Python and Mathematics for Machine Learning &1
Introduction to Big Data
Machine Learning
Approaches to Quantitative Analysis in the Life Sciences
Statistical Methods in Data Science
Advanced Statistical Learning
Prin of Bioscience Processing
Critical Thinking for the Life Sciences
Cell Biology: Methods & Appl
Molecular Bio Of Eukaryotes
Cell Molec Dev
Other NJIT Electives
Computational Systems Biology
Neural Engineering
Biomechanics of Human Structure and Motion
Advanced Physical Chemistry
Biochemistry
Data Management System Design
Advanced Database System Design
Image Processing and Analysis
Data Mining
Artificial Intelligence
Deep Learning
Computer Vision
Applications of Database Systems
Advanced Machine Learning
Data Mining and Management in Bioinformatics
Pattern Recognition and Applications
Information Retrieval
Digital Signal and Data Processing
Random Signal Analysis
Analytical Computational Neuroscience
Systems Computational Neuroscience
Foundations of Mathematical Biology
Regression Analysis Methods
Clinical Trials Design and Analysis
Survival Analysis
Probability Distributions
Statistical Inference
Graduate Capstone Project &2
Rutgers-Newark Electives
Cell Biology: Methods & Appl
Molecular Bio Of Eukaryotes
Microbial Ecology
Topics in Cell Biology
Biology Of Cancer
Pharmacology
Genom Proteomics & Bioinformat
Intro To Biomedical Sciences
MS Project and Thesis
Master's Project
Master's Thesis
&

1. CS 506 and DS 637 are introductory-level graduate courses recommended to students who want to build background in fundamental topics and introductory programming. 
2. Counting YWCC 691  towards the elective credits requires the program director’s prior approval. In addition, it needs to be completed either with an external partner (industry, lab, or government), or with a faculty only if the same faculty is not the student’s MS project or MS thesis advisor.


Master's Project and Thesis Policies

The contents of this section apply only to students who elect to do a Master's Project (CS 700B)  or a Master's Thesis (CS 701B).

Students must first identify a research advisor holding an appointment at the ranks of Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Professor, or Distinguished Professor.

In order to identify a research advisor, students are encouraged to directly contact professors. Professors may not always have availability for conducting an MS project/thesis. Students are therefore encouraged to start looking for an advisor as early as possible, especially if they are considering pursuing a Master’s Thesis that takes two semesters. 

The students must be in close coordination with their research advisor who will determine the topic of the Project/Thesis and guide them to take specific elective courses that will prepare them for the research.

The Project or Thesis must be related to Bioinformatics.

Registration

  •  Master’s Project: With permission of their research advisor students must register in the CS 700BMaster's Project course. To register for a Master's Project, students must have completed at least 9 credits and must be in good standing. 

  • Master’s Thesis: With permission of their research advisor, students must first register in the CS 700B Master's Project course. They must receive a satisfactory (S) grade in CS 700B before CS 701B Master's Thesis registration in the immediately following semester, with the same advisor. The MS topic should be continuation of the work done in CS 700B.

Thesis Requirements

  • An MS Thesis Committee must be formed, according to these requirements set forth by the Office of Graduate Studies.
  • A written thesis must be submitted. The thesis must adhere to the style requirements set forth by the Office of Graduate Studies.  
  • An oral defense is required. The defense must take place before the last day of the Examination period.