Program Overview
The Master of Science in Bioinformatics supports the education of students interested in a career in bioinformatics or clinical research. Our graduates master core competencies in biological research, clinical and population health research, or research to develop innovative information systems. We work passionately to equip the next generation of health researchers by emphasizing patient-oriented research in the context of state-of-the-art medical informatics.
Who Are Our Students?
Our students have earned a bachelor’s degree from a nationally accredited university. Many of our students have also earned a graduate degree or a graduate level professional degree in various fields. Their diverse backgrounds include biology, computer science, mathematics, and other allied health professions. Often our students have limited clinical experience and need exposure to the skills necessary to thrive in the evolving field of clinical research.
What Our Students Do After Graduation
Graduates will participate in and/or direct domestic and international research projects, public health activities, and clinical practice with evidenced-based orientations.
Other ways graduates will impact the health of their community:
- Design databases, plan new clinical trials, and conduct decision analyses based on existing clinical data.
- Implement electronic health record systems.
- Research and publish on the role of biomedical informatics in genetic research.
- Work across disciplines such as engineering, computer science, and health care.
- Contributing to advances in biomedical informatics.
Our Collaborative Approach
The Master of Science in Bioinformatics program offers five emphasis areas, so students can select a degree program tailored to their career goals.
Clinical Research
Clinical Research concentrates on the creation and understanding of data generated by real-world patient care, study designs, and the statistical methodology that transforms data into knowledge to improve patient outcomes and healthcare delivery.
Computational
Computational concentrates on the development and use of the next generation of bioinformatics analytics, tools, and software.
Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Epidemiology and Biostatistics concentrates on the application of observational and experimental study designs and statistical methodology to transform diverse data into knowledge to improve population health.
Genomics
Genomics concentrates on the use of existing software for biological analysis and the analysis of a diverse set of biological data.
Individualized Informatics
Individualized Informatics gives students the flexibility to complete a bioinformatics curriculum that best meets their academic and career goals.
Independent Research (Thesis and Capstone)
Students may elect to complete an independent research project as a part of their MS.
A thesis seeks to generate new knowledge via mentored student research, proposing and testing a hypothesis, rather than describing a phenomenon. Capstone projects may include application of existing knowledge, methodologies and tools toward a real-life problem, development of tools (software, algorithm to facilitate research).
THESIS AND CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE PROJECT
Alternatively, we also offer the option of choosing no thesis for all our emphasis selections. This allows students to graduate in their desired emphasis without the thesis or capstone requirement.
Apply Today
For additional information about this department and/or its programs, please reach us by email at informatics@umkc.edu or call us at 816-235-1828.