Our cutting-edge research involves collecting and analyzing biological, medical, and health information for use in a broad range of settings to promote wellness and benefit society. Projects include using data to develop health indicators and improve patient outcomes as well as computational approaches to automatically identify outcomes and scientific claims from literature. Projects also facilitate new knowledge about drug interactions, enhance precision in reviewing medical literature, and combat misinformation.
MS in Bioinformatics—IS Concentration
Prepare for a successful career in managing biological information
The explosion of health, medical, and biological information has created a critical demand for professionals who can turn data into useful knowledge. When you earn the MS in Bioinformatics with our Information Sciences (IS) Concentration, you'll be prepared for a promising career in managing information produced in a range of biomedical settings—and in creating healthcare systems that improve medicine and public health.
Benefit from an interdisciplinary education
At the University of Illinois, you'll have access to a world-class education. The iSchool is one of four campus units to offer the MS in Bioinformatics. This cutting-edge degree allows you to take interdisciplinary courses across campus. As a result, you will be prepared to work as an analyst or researcher in a variety of specialties, including molecular biology, environmental biology, and biomedicine.
What are the core areas of the program?
The program consists of 36 hours of coursework, including electives as well as required courses in:
- Information science (three courses)
- Biology (one course)
- Computer science (one course)
- Fundamental bioinformatics (one course)
A master's thesis is optional.
Partner with distinguished faculty
The MS in Bioinformatics program is taught by our renowned faculty as well as those in the areas of biology, statistics, chemistry, computer science, and health, medical, and bio-informatics. You'll work side by side with these distinguished faculty and researchers, and you'll engage with a diverse group of promising graduate students.
Leverage the iSchool's expertise
As an iSchool student, you'll learn how to use technology to organize and provide access to information as well as how to build and evaluate information systems. You will develop these skills by studying courses in:
- Data Stewardship
- Data Analytics
- Policy and Sociotechnical systems design
You'll leverage this expertise to be competitive for a variety of cutting-edge positions, including:
- Data scientist
- Bioinformaticist
- Bioinformatics Analyst
- Biomarker Data Specialist
