Priority Admission Application Deadlines: http://www.grad.usf.edu/majors
Contact Information
College: Medicine
Department: Medical Sciences
Contact Information: http://www.grad.usf.edu/majors
Other Resources:
http://gradaffairs.health.usf.edu/Bioinformatics.html
The Master’s Degree Program in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology at the University of South Florida represents a multi-college partnership and a truly interdisciplinary collaboration. The major is designed to meet the increasing demand for trained people in this emerging area, which crosses the traditional fields of biological, mathematical and computer sciences. The major, therefore, builds on and complements the current strengths of the university. The goal of the Master’s Degree Program in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology is to provide students enrolled in the major with high quality training and education that will prepare them for careers in science, industry, health care and education. The curriculum has been designed accordingly and provides the theoretical background, the practical training and, with the internships, the “real life” experience, which will equip students with the essential tools for a successful career in the field.
Admission Information
Must meet University Admission and English Proficiency requirements, as well as requirements for admission to the major, listed below.
- Bachelor’s in biological or chemical sciences, or related field, preferred
- Graduate Record Examination*
- Two (2) letters of recommendation
- Personal statement in 1000 words or less describing primary career goals and indicating how the major would suit the student’s interests and serve his/her professional goals
- Complete transcripts of undergraduate work and any previous graduate work
- International students need a course-by-course transcript evaluation, see Office of Admissions
*The GRE may be waived in special circumstances where the applicant can demonstrate substantial bioinformatics experience. This experience includes (but is not limited to) 2-3 years of research experience in academic or industrial settings working on bioinformatics analysis of biological data, or software development (preferentially in biological or bioinformatics fields), or participation in research projects leading to published papers. The decision on the waiving of GRE will be at the Graduate Director’s discretion.
Prerequisites:
A good foundation in biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, mathematics or computer sciences; or at least one year of studies in those disciplines, would be the optimal preparation for admission. Applicants who do not have this background, but who have substantial knowledge in one of these disciplines are encouraged to apply to the Graduate Certificate in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology. The Certificate has less stringent entrance requirements (GRE not required), provides the foundation for admission requirements for the major, and allows credit hours be transferred to the major, with approval.
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