Bioinformatics

Enter the booming, high-demand and high-salary field of bioinformatics and enjoy the unique combination of computer science and biology.

Bioinformatics is a subdiscipline of biology and computer science concerned with the acquisition, storage, analysis, and dissemination of biological data, most often DNA and amino acid sequences. Mathematics course work is also represented, as an understanding of statistics is necessary when working as a bioinformatics scientist. This is truly a unique and interdisciplinary degree. This degree is designed as a gateway for students who will pursue graduate programs (MS and PhD) in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology. Students will also have the training to enter the work force as system analysts working with large data sets in clinical research, government research labs, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. Our faculty conduct bioinformatics research with a focus on image processing (MRI and histology images), and also genomics and molecular genetics (for example, studying genes associated with behavior/neural processing in mammals or genes involved in regulation drought-tolerance in crops). 

Related Careers

• Research assistant, $49,030
• Computer, Info. Research Scientist, $126.830
• Data analysis, $65,270
• Computer occupations, $91,250

Career data and salary information is from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

“After much work I am now confident in my bioinformatics skills, which will be very useful in my future. Knowing how to analyze genomes myself using Linux and BASH scripting will hopefully set me apart in the field of biology, especially genetics. With the progression of genetic analysis into computer-based programs and analysis, this research has prepared me for my future as a scientist." - Drew Simpson ‘19

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