Online Professional Science Master’s in Bioinformatics
The PSM in Bioinformatics is a 100% online program that teaches students how to apply mathematical, statistical, and computational approaches to understand and analyze complex biological data. The program develops interdisciplinary knowledge across the fields of mathematics, computer science, spatial information science and engineering, and molecular and cell biology.
Why a Professional Science Master’s?
A Professional Science Master’s provides advanced training in Bioinformatics while simultaneously developing skills applicable to real-world, professional environments. Instead of a thesis, students complete an applied project that can be conducted at their place of employment. Projects have ranged from analyzing new datasets for research labs to implementing analysis workflows for researchers.
Curriculum
The curriculum is designed to help students understand programming and computer languages, develop computational skills, and get additional cell and molecular biology training.
Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. Other courses may be substituted for the listed core and plus element courses with permission.
Core Courses
The following core courses are required (17 credits):
- BMB 502: Introduction to Bioinformatics (3 credits)
- BMS 605: Responsible Conduct of Research (1 credit)
- BMS 625: Foundations of Biomedical Science & Engineering – Biostatistics/Computational Biology Module (2 credits)
- BMS 625: Foundations of Biomedical Science & Engineering – Genetics Module (2 credits)
- DIG 510: Metadata Systems (3 credits)
- SIE 507: Information Systems Programming (3 credits)
- SIE 557: Database System Applications (3 credits)
Applied Project
The applied project, also known as applied field experience, is an individual project analyzing data sets in the area of bioinformatics using skills gained throughout the coursework. The project can be conducted at the student’s convenience at their place of employment in coordination with a faculty member. Students will present their completed projects before a committee of faculty and industry leaders.
Plus Elements (Electives)
Choose 3 courses (7 credits):
- AVS 554: DNA Sequencing Analysis Lab (2 credits)
- BMS 525: Molecular Genetics (3 credits)
- BUA 601: Strategic Data Analysis (3 credits)
- BUA 645: Enterprise Architecture (3 credits)
- BUA 649: Management Policy (3 credits)
- CIS 450: Data Mining (3 credits)
- DIG 500: Introduction to Digital Curation (3 credits)
- DIG 550: Digital Preservation (3 credits)
- ECE 543: Microelectronic Devices I (3 credits)
- ECE 550: Electromagnetic Theory (3 credits)
- ECE 583: Coding Theory (3 credits)
- MBA 620: Law, Business and Society (3 credits)
- MBA 626: Management of Contemporary Organizations (3 credits)
- MBA 651: Financial Management (3 credits)
- MBA 676: Data Management and Analytics (3 credits)
- MBA 678: Predictive Analytics (3 credits)
- NUR 505: Nursing Research (3 credits)
- NUR 693: Ethical Inquiry in Health Care (3 credits)
- SIE 505: Formal Foundations for Information Systems (3 credits)
- SIE 525: Information Systems Law (3 credits)
- SIE 550: Design of Information Systems (3 credits)
- SIE 558: Real-time Sensor Data Streams (3 credits)
Admissions
Transfer Credits
Graduate coursework from another institution can be transferred into the student’s program. Courses considered for transfer will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Requirements
- Undergraduate degree in the sciences, engineering, or a related discipline
- Professional background in cellular and molecular biology, mathematics, computer science, or information science
Application Materials
The admission evaluation process begins as soon as we receive all of your application materials. We evaluate candidates holistically, looking at the whole individual and what they can contribute to the program. Before you apply, please review the application instructions. When you’re ready to apply, please submit the following:
- An online application
- An essay describing your motivation for pursuing an advanced degree, career goals, and research experience
- Three letters of recommendation from professional or academic references
- Official academic transcripts
- TOEFL scores if appropriate
- Any other relevant information, such as a CV or résumé, that will aid in the evaluation of the applicant
Candidates may potentially be interviewed to learn more about their goals and the ability to succeed in the program.
Contact Us
Have questions about earning your PSM in Bioinformatics online with UMaine? Contact Todd Cooley, UMaineOnline Advisor, at 207.581.3072 or at todd.cooley@maine.edu.
Careers
PSM in Bioinformatics graduates are transforming the landscape of business, technology, and science as part of a growing trend in an emerging cross-disciplinary approach between the scientific and technical fields. The professional component of the program prepares you for leadership roles in commercial, government, and non-profit industries and its interdisciplinary approach gives you the skills needed for a diverse range of careers such as:
- Sequence Assembly
- Genomic Sequence Analysis
- Functional genomics
- Genotyping
- Proteomics
- Pharmacogenomics
- Database Administration
- Biotechnology
- Computational Biology
- Infectious Diseases
- Environmental Science
- Forensics
Faculty
Students have access to full-time, research-active faculty members with expertise in a broad range of biomedical research topics including bioinformatics. They work in collaboration with other investigators at leading research institutions like the Jackson Laboratory, Mt. Desert Island Biological Laboratory, and the Maine Medical Center Research Institute. Our faculty is passionate about supporting students and making an effort to be flexible to engage with their students on their schedules.
