Bioinformatics is the area of study where biology, computer science, and mathematics intersect. Bioinformatics is how we make sense of biological data using information technology. With a rapidly growing amount of big data in modern biology, bioinformatics can be used to help uncover information that could potentially lead to a cure for diseases. It could lead to the ability to replicate a biological process through biological analysis and high-performance computing. Bioinformatics professionals are in all sectors, including corporate organizations and government agencies.
An online bioinformatics master’s is a great choice for working professionals who need a flexible advanced degree program that doesn’t require taking time off work to attend class. Professionals who complete their online master’s bioinformatics degree gain the skills and experience needed to make sense of data in modern biology. Many bioinformatics master’s degree programs also teach students the business and management skills employers are looking for.
Methodology
To find our top 10 best bioinformatics master’s programs, we searched College Navigator. We based our ranking on the following considerations:
-Affordability:
Finding an affordable online master’s in bioinformatics is a key factor for students. We reviewed each school’s average graduate tuition rates at College Navigator, a website provided by the National Center for Education Statistics. It provides information on institutions of higher education around the country. We looked specifically at average graduate tuition rates.
Tuition rates for bioinformatics programs can vary depending on:
- program incentives
- online program rates
- financial aid award packages
We recommend consulting with the university directly to learn about specifics related to their program and if they offer any incentives or scholarships to reduce your overall cost.
Average Graduate Tuition
- Less than $10,000 per year= 5 Points
- $10,000 to $15,000 per year= 4 Points
- $15,001 to $20,000 per year= 3 Points
- $20,001 to $25,000 per year= 2 Points
- Greater than $25,001 per year= 1 Point
-Student to Faculty Ratio:
We also looked at a school’s student/faculty ratio and awarded more points to schools with a lower ratio. We believe a lower student to faculty ratio allows students to receive individualized attention and support throughout their master’s in bioinformatics online program. While this may less important in an online environment, not all online learners are independent learners. The availability of individualized support can give students a sense of security and improve student outcomes.
Student to Faculty Ratio
- 10:1 or less= 5 Points
- 11:1 to 20:1= 3 Points
- Greater than 20:1= 1 Point
Below are the best online bioinformatics master’s based on our criteria. We believe our list highlights the best of the best in quality bioinformatics online master’s degree programs. Additionally, if students are interested in this field, they may find it helpful to explore the best data science master’s programs.
Bioinformatics Master’s Online Programs Ranking
#10. Juniata College – Huntingdon, Pennsylvania
Bioinformatics Online Master’s Degree
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $24,800/year
Total Points: 5
Juniata College in Pennsylvania features a best value MS bioinformatics online degree with two distinct program tracks. Students can choose to complete either the computational skills track or the biotechnology track. A comprehensive project-based capstone is required of all students. This experience allows students to complete a bioinformatics analysis of large datasets in different fields. Core bioinformatics online degree courses cover areas like:
- genetic sequence analysis
- molecular biology
- computer science
- biological sciences
Students can explore a variety of internship and employment opportunities with companies like Wright Labs and CSI Contamination Source Identification. A 4+1 program option is also available for students working on their bachelor’s degree at Juniata.
#9. Northeastern University – Boston, Massachusetts
Master of Science program in Bioinformatics
Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $24,294/year
Total Points: 5
The College of Science at Northeastern University offers a top value MS in bioinformatics degree online. It provides cross disciplinary training for cutting edge jobs. Students can attend full or part time and complete their degree in two to three years. A variety of concentration areas are available including:
- Bioinformatics and Chemoinformatics
- Bioinformatics Enterprise
- Data Analytics
- Biotechnology
- Health Informatics
Bioinformatics program course offerings cover areas like:
- bioinformatics computational methods
- molecular biology
- quantitative and computational skills
- data management
Students can gain six months of work experience by completing a co-op position. By taking one additional class, students can earn an additional professional certificate.
#8. Johns Hopkins University – Baltimore, Maryland
MS in Bioinformatics
Student to Faculty Ratio: 6:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $57,415/year
Total Points: 6
The Krieger School of Arts and Sciences at Johns Hopkins University features a high-quality bioinformatics master’s online program where biology meets big data. The 11-course program takes between 16 and 24 months to complete. Both full and part-time program plans are available. Students learn from leading researchers who are making discoveries and publishing their work. The highly customizable program includes courses like:
- molecular biology
- computer science
- data and computer sciences
Students have the option to complete a thesis as their culminating experience.
#7. Brandeis University – Waltham, Massachusetts
Master of Science in Bioinformatics
Student to Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $51,940/year
Total Points: 6
The best value MS in bioinformatics online master’s program from Lewis University is a specialized concentration led by expert faculty. The industry relevant curriculum emphasizes real-world skills and strategies that can be immediately applied to the workplace. Students in the computational biology and bioinformatics program learn how to:
- use data mining to design custom pharmaceuticals
- track the spread of infectious diseases
- understand genomic data
The program will prepare students to leverage the latest cloud computing resources and speech recognition applications. There are no residency requirements, making this a great choice for working professionals.
#6. New York University – New York, New York
Online Master of Science in Bioinformatics
Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $34,704/year
Total Points: 6
New York University Tandon offers a high-quality online bioinformatics master’s degree to meet the demand for highly trained bioinformatic professionals. The 30-credit hour program is delivered through a flexible online learning platform designed for working professionals. Concentration options include laboratory science or translational science. Bioinformatics students take core courses in areas like:
- Statistics and Mathematics for Bioinformatics
- Applied Biostatistics for Bioinformatics
- Biology and Biotechnology for Bioinformatics
Online students have access to job opportunities and internships through aftercollege.com and the NYU CareerNet. They also benefit from a mentorship support program that can help them stay on track throughout their time at NYU.
#5. Lewis University – Romeoville, Illinois
Online M.S. in Data Science in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Concentration
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $14,580/year
Total Points: 7
Lewis University features a top value online master’s in bioinformatics. This 33-credit hour master’s program includes a built-in certificate in computational biology and bioinformatics. Core courses include:
- Data Systems in the Life Sciences
- Data Mining and Analytics
- Statistical Programming
Faculty emphasize real world application and practical skill building so students can immediately apply their knowledge and skills to the workplace. Students use cutting edge cloud computing resources and software like SAS, MS Azure, and AWS. Bioinformatics graduates are prepared for roles like:
- data analyst
- bioinformaticist
- research scientist
#4. George Mason University – Fairfax, Virginia
Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (MS)
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $12,594/year in-state; $33,906/year out-of-state
Total Points: 7
George Mason University offers a budget friendly online master’s in bioinformatics and computational biology. To be successful, students should have an interest or background in biological or computer science. Courses are taught by acclaimed professors and industry experts. The bioinformatics curriculum covers areas like:
- Bioinformatics Programming
- Molecular Cell Biology for Bioinformatics
- Bioinformatics Methods
Students have a variety of elective coursework to choose from, allowing them to customize the program to meet their professional goals. All students must choose between a research project or a thesis as their culminating experience.
#3. University of Maryland Global Campus – Adelphi, Maryland
Biotechnology Master’s Degree with Bioinformatics Specialization
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $8,640/year in-state; $11,862/year out-of-state
Total Points: 8
The innovative online master’s in bioinformatics from the University of Maryland Global Campus gives students the real-world industry experience needed for success. Students will study both Python and Java while conducting data analysis and next generation sequence analysis. Specialized core data analysis courses include:
- Relational Database Systems
- Systems Level Approaches in Bioinformatics
- Data Structures and Algorithms
Students will also learn basic biotechnology concepts and computational methods. Faculty are experienced professionals, having worked for organizations like Monsanto and the National Institutes of Health. Bioinformatics graduates have the knowledge and practical experience needed to work in both the public and private sectors.
#2. University of Maine – Orono, Maine
Professional Science Masters in Bioinformatics
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $8,298/year in-state; $27,054/year out-of-state
Total Points: 8
The Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering at the University of Maine features an affordable online master’s in bioinformatics that gives students real-world, professional skills that are in-demand by top employers. Core classes include:
- Foundations of Biomedical Science and Engineering
- Responsible Conduct of Research
- Metadata Systems
Courses are taught by full-time, research-active faculty who work in collaboration with other top research institutions. Students complete an applied capstone project at their place of employment to showcase their knowledge and skills. The program can prepare students for a variety of careers in:
- sequence assembly
- biotechnology
- medical health informatics
#1. The University of Texas Health Sciences Center – Houston, Texas
Master of Science in Biomedical Informatics-Bioinformatics Track
Student to Faculty Ratio: 5:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $7,304/year in-state; $29,450/year out-of-state
Total Points:10
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Biomedical Information features our top choice for an online master’s in bioinformatics. Students can choose to complete a research or applied track in bioinformatics. The research track includes focus areas in:
- Bioinformatics
- Clinical Informatics
- Health Data Science
- Human Factors Engineering
- Public Health Informatics
Both tracks are CAHIIM accredited and are offered online. Full and part-time students are welcome. All students complete a practicum gaining hands-on field or research experience in a professional environment. Credits are transferable to the doctoral program.
Related Resources:
- 15 Most Affordable Master’s in Data Science Online
- 10 Best Online PhD Programs in Data Science
- 30 Best Master’s in Data Science Degree Programs
