COURSE CURRICULUM

The MS in Bioinformatics curriculum at Rochester Institute of Technology is structured over two years, combining core coursework, electives, and either a professional project or research thesis to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. In the first year, students begin with foundational courses such as Bioinformatics Seminar and Computational Statistics and Data Science Methods, along with graduate electives to build expertise in programming, data analysis, and biological systems. In the spring semester, the focus shifts to specialized subjects like Bioinformatics Algorithms and Molecular Modeling and Proteomics, which deepen understanding of computational techniques used in genomics and protein analysis. At this stage, students choose between a professional pathway, involving a bioinformatics project, or a research pathway, involving thesis work. In the second year, students continue their chosen track, either completing additional electives for career-oriented training or advancing their research through thesis work. The program concludes with either a final project or thesis, allowing students to apply their skills to real-world biological data problems. Overall, the 30-credit curriculum is flexible and designed to prepare graduates for careers in biotechnology, healthcare, research, and data science by integrating computational methods with life sciences.