Professional Science Master’s in Bioinformatics and Biological Data Science

Develop expertise in the various software tools that help you identify, interpret and analyze biological data with the Professional Science Master’s (PSM) in Bioinformatics and Biological Data Science at Temple’s College of Science and Technology (CST). This 30-credit interdisciplinary graduate degree is designed for those who are currently working in or are seeking positions in the biotechnology, healthcare or pharmaceutical industries. Through the program, you’ll develop a deep understanding of computer programming, genomics and structural biology.

Led by faculty scholars from the departments of Biology, Chemistry, and Computer and Information Science, the professional science master’s program integrates these fields as well as physics and statistics to investigate solutions to biological problems. Program features include

  • access to real-world independent research projects,
  • hands-on training in professional and management skills, and
  • applied focus on responsibility and ethics in research and policy.

With opportunities to conduct research in one of Temple’s many state-of-the-art facilities or an internship at a local biotechnology company, the Bioinformatics and Biological Data Science PSM helps position you for career advancement with real-world experience in this rapidly growing field.

Picture of Kanchan Hole, CST ’18

Kanchan Hole, CST ’18

PSM, Bioinformatics

“I came to the U.S. to study bioinformatics at Temple, and with the support of the program coordinator and faculty, I secured a co-op at Johnson & Johnson during my studies. Since graduating, I’ve been working at Foundation Medicine in Boston, taking on roles in lab operations, product development and R&D. I truly loved the program and believe it was instrumental in helping me build my career in the U.S.”

Program Format & Curriculum

Classes for the Bioinformatics and Biological Data Science PSM are held in the evening to accommodate working professionals on Temple’s Main Campus. The advanced, career-focused curriculum requires 30 credit hours of coursework, including classes in other CST departments, and can be completed in two years.

Classes are a blend of research and seminar courses including

  • Biological Models in Python,
  • Biostatistics,
  • Computational Genomics,
  • Genomics,
  • Global Change Science: Analytics with R, and
  • Structural Bioinformatics I & II.

Students must also successfully complete an internship as part of their final capstone project with a local biotechnology, healthcare or pharmaceutical company or conduct research in the CST labs, under the guidance of a student’s program principal investigator.

Learn more about required courses for the Bioinformatics and Biological Data Science PSM.

Concentrations

You can focus on Bioinformatics and Biological Data Science or you can take one of the following concentrations.

  • Bioinformatics

    Explore a rapidly growing field that brings together elements of biology, chemistry, computer science, physics and statistics. Learn to analyze, understand and communicate the latest discoveries in biochemistry, biophysics and genomics while focusing on how the findings and research affect biotechnology, healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.

    View Concentration Details

  • Biological Data Science

    Advance your knowledge of the various software tools and machine-learning methods that help you identify, analyze and interpret biological and biomedical data. This concentration allows you to evaluate relevant scientific publications and focus on how researchers use found data to solve global problems such as climate change, mass extinction, pandemics and poverty.

    View Concentration Details

+1 Accelerated Degree Programs

Temple undergraduates can pursue dual degrees with an accelerated +1 dual bachelor’s + master’s degree option. The Professional Science Master’s in Bioinformatics and Biological Data Science can be completed through the +1 accelerated pathway if the required qualifications are met by junior year.

  • +1 BA in Biochemistry + Bioinformatics and Biological Data Science PSM
  • +1 BA in Biology + Bioinformatics and Biological Data Science PSM
  • +1 BS in Biology + Bioinformatics and Biological Data Science PSM
  • +1 BS in Data Science with Genomics and Bioinformatics Concentration + Bioinformatics and Biological Data Science PSM
  • +1 BS in Genomic Medicine + Bioinformatics and Biological Data Science PSM
  • +1 BS in Genomic Medicine with Pre-Medicine Concentration + Bioinformatics and Biological Data Science PSM
  • +1 BS in Neuroscience +  Bioinformatics and Biological Data Science PSM

Learn more about +1 bioinformatics accelerated degree programs. If you are a current Temple student interested in one of these +1 programs, please fill out this form.

Related Graduate Degrees

Related Graduate Certificates

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, this Professional Science Master's offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2024–2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,353.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,765.00 per credit

You can view the full cost of attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

Learn more about scholarships and financial aid.

ST-BBDS-PSM

Additional Program Information

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