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Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (Graduate Certificate)

Program Summary

100% Online

Credits: 15 total

Degree: Graduate Certificate

College/School: College of Science

Start Date: 8/25/2025

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Program Description

Through collecting, storing, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting complex biological data, scientists in the field of bioinformatics and computational biology make critical contributions to disease detection, drug design, forensics, agriculture, and environmental sciences through the combination of biological analysis and high-performance computing. This program addresses the growing national and regional demand for trained computational biologists, combining a solid foundation in biotechnology with computational skills relevant to bioinformatics. Ideal candidates have a background in biological and computer sciences.

Career Opportunities

Graduates from this program have been offered positions and research opportunities at world-class institutions including NIH, NCI, The John Hopkins University, FDA, USDA, J. Craig Venter Institute, the FBI, University of Georgia, and Baylor University. Many graduates have also found positions overseas in India, China, and Mexico.

Check out the International Society for Computational Biology website for current job postings in the field of bioinformatics. Graduates of this program are prepared for the following positions:

  • Biological Software Engineer
  • Biostatistician
  • Computational Biologist
  • Data Analyst
  • Data Manager
  • Pharmaceutical Scientist
  • Research Scientist
  • Scientific Programmer

As a Mason student, you may also contact Mason Career Services for more career information and counseling.

Courses

Program requirements are subject to change; please refer to the Mason Course Catalog for the most up-to-date requirements.

Details

 Who should apply?

Ideal candidates for this certificate have a background in biological and computer sciences, and are either currently working in or planning to enter the fields of biotechnology or bioinformatics. Completion of this certificate will enhance the careers of individuals already working in the field and is designed for those who may not have adequate time to undertake an entire graduate degree program.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Please refer to the Students Accounts Office website for more information on tuition and fees.

For information on loans and scholarships, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid. For information regarding grants, tuition waivers and other merit aid, please inquire with your graduate department.

Why choose George Mason?

  • This 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.
  • In this program, you will receive the most up-to-date, advanced bioinformatics education available in the region.
  • Courses in this program are taught by acclaimed professors and experts in the field, including Patrick Gillevet, Saleet Jafri, Dmitri Kilmov, Donald Seto, Jeffrey Solka, and Iosif Vaisman, as well as faculty from other departments.
  • Online coursework allows you to participate in class without traveling to campus.
  • This certificate is a useful intermediate step toward future enrollment in the Bioinformatics MS program.

Ready to Apply?

All applicants should review School of Systems Biology Application Information. For international applicants, see guidelines for International Graduate Requirements.

Prerequisites

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree in a discipline related to biological and/or computer science from a US institution that is accredited by one of the organizations found here
  • Achieve a minimum GPA of 3.0 in undergraduate courses
  • Demonstrate completion of courses in molecular biology, computer science, calculus, and/or statistics
  • Possess a working knowledge of a computer programming language

Application Materials

  • Graduate application
  • Application fee
  • In-state tuition form (if applicable)
  • Two official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
  • Goals statement
  • Resume
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If you have any questions during the application process, please contact COS Graduate Admissions at [email protected] or (703) 993-3430.

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Contact

Department Contact

School of Systems Biology
Email: [email protected]

College Contact

College of Science (COS)
Graduate Admissions
Phone: (703) 993-9532
Email: [email protected]

Program Website:

Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (Graduate Certificate)

Department Website:

College of Science