M.S., Computer Science Bio/Cheminformatics Option 

Admissions Criteria and Requirements
Applicants for admission to the Master of Science Program with a Bio/Cheminformatics option typically have an undergraduate degree in computer science or a related discipline such as mathematics, physics, biochemistry or engineering. Students wishing to enroll in the master's program in Computer Science with Bio/Cheminformatics option must demonstrate competency in the knowledge areas listed below. Competency in these areas is usually demonstrated by producing a transcript of previous academic experience which contains related courses passed with a B or better, or by earning a B or better in the courses listed below. Competency in the biology and chemistry area may be demonstrated by successfully passing a CLEP exam. Additional information regarding these exams may be obtained at the CollegeBoard website.

Sc.D., Computer Science, Bio/Cheminformatics Option
Students who are interested in pursuing the Bioinformatics option within the Doctor of Science Degree in the Miner School of Computer & Information Sciences are admitted through the Miner School of Computer & Information Sciences and must adhere to the department's Graduate Academic Policies and Procedures along with Graduate Admissions requirements.

Sc.D. Candidacy Requirements
In addition to acceptance into the program, in order to be admitted to candidacy, a student must:

  • Complete the degree requirements for the MS in CS (Bio/cheminformatics option.
  • Pass the departmental qualifying exams which may include the addition of a fourth qualifying exam in an area covering Bio/Cheminformatics.

Sc.D. Course Requirements

Major and Minor Area Courses:  (12 credits, 4 courses)
The major and minor area course requirements for the Sc.D. degree are in addition to the master's degree.  The primary purpose of these major and minor courses is to provide breadth of knowledge. Therefore, students are encouraged to select courses from a variety of areas which for Bioinformatics students will help build a high level of biomedical computing expertise. Database I is required for all Doctorate students in the Bio/Cheminformatics option. This course may be taken as one of a course pair (or prior to a student’s matriculation in the program).

Electives (Bio/Cheminformatics Courses, 6 credits, 2 courses)

Bio/Cheminformatics students are required to take 2 courses (6 credits) in the approved Bio/Cheminformatics elective list.  These courses will be in addition to the three courses (9 credits) taken at the master’s degree level. These electives will be chosen under the direction of an advisor, from the approved list of courses.

Total Course Credits:  18

Dissertation
The dissertation will be supervised by faculty from the Miner School of Computer & Information Sciences along with appropriate multidisciplinary faculty (which may include Biological Sciences, Mathematics, Statistics and Chemistry). 

Sc.D. Thesis:  24

Program total:  42 credits

Application forms and additional information may be obtained at the Graduate Admissions website.

If you require further assistance, please, do not hesitate to contact any  faculty member.