HELP 2015-2016 University Catalog Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Graduate Certificate Print-Friendly Page

Banner Code:  SC-CERG-BCB

This program of study is offered by the School of Systems Biology  in the College of Science .

This graduate certificate program addresses the growing national and regional demand for trained computational biologists by combining a solid foundation in biotechnology with computational skills relevant to bioinformatics. With online and in-classroom courses, the flexibility of this certificate’s structure permits students to custom design their curriculum under an advisor’s guidance, making the Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Graduate Certificate  especially relevant for students employed in today’s diverse Northern Virginia high-technology workplace. Ideal candidates for this certificate are those who have a background in biological and computer sciences, and are currently working in or planning to enter the fields of biotechnology or bioinformatics. The certificate is also highly relevant for students who are interested in advancing their career goals but may not have adequate time available to undertake a graduate degree program.

All courses are also offered online, allowing students to participate in class without having to travel to campus. Further information can be found on the Office of Distance Education’s website.

The Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Graduate Certificate  may be pursued on a part-time or full-time basis.

Admission Requirements

Applicants should hold a BA or BS degree in a discipline related to biological or computer science from an accredited university, with a minimum GPA of 3.00. Applicants should have taken courses in molecular biology, computer science, calculus, physical chemistry, or statistics, and should also possess working knowledge of a computer programming language. To apply, prospective students should complete a Mason Graduate Application, supply two copies of official transcripts from each college and graduate institution attended, and a current résumé. TOEFL scores are required of all international applicants.

The certificate program is a professional certification program that charges students at a differential (premium) tuition rate, with an additional $100 per credit added to the standard Mason graduate tuition rate for students who enroll in this certificate program, regardless of in-state or out-of-state status. The differential tuition is used to fund continuing improvements in the COS educational facilities used to support the certificate program. Students may not pursue this certificate concurrently with any other graduate degree program or certificate program offered by COS. In addition, students may not apply previous credit hours to the certificate program from another certificate, degree, or nondegree program because of the differential (premium) tuition rate.

Program Requirements

The Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Graduate Certificate  requires a total of 15 credits, based on the set of core courses supporting the Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, MS  and Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, PhD  degree programs, along with a set of elective courses. Students are required to take three core courses, plus two courses selected from the list of electives indicated below.