The master of science in bioinformatics and molecular biochemistry is a unique program that integrates bioinformatics with research applications in genomics, biochemistry, and molecular medicine. The program is one of the first in the U.S. devoted exclusively to teaching important genome-wide approaches to medicine and biology.
The program take a novel and focused approach to learning innovative bioinformatics technologies for analyzing high-throughput data from genomics and proteomics in a backdrop of biochemistry. Advanced biochemistry and molecular medicine courses provide strong foundational knowledge in biochemistry and biochemical genetics and medicine that paves the way for understanding the role of bioinformatics and utilizing bioinformatics-based approaches to research and clinical applications.
The curriculum covers topics such as leveraging genomic and other -omic data for biomedical knowledge discovery in the era of personalized medicine through large-scale data analysis, and the development of relevant algorithms and software.
Students gain practical experience through hands-on projects that solidify learning. Students are offered the option of preparing a thesis by completing a research project at GW or other participating facilities at the NIH, FDA, or Children’s National Medical Center. Alternatively, the non-thesis option requires a hands-on practicum at participating institutions.
Upon graduation, students are prepared for careers in fields such as advanced biomedical research, genomics, bioinformatics, medicine, public health to law, and policy.
Students in the program are admitted to the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences (CCAS), are governed by CCAS graduate policies and regulations, and receive a CCAS degree. However, faculty from GW's School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS) teach the program's exclusively SMHS curriculum. Additional program information is available on the SMHS website.
This is a STEM designated program.
Visit the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences website for application requirements.
Supporting documents not submitted online should be mailed to:
Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Office of Graduate Studies
The George Washington University
801 22nd Street NW, Phillips Hall 107
Washington DC 20052
For additional information about the admissions process visit the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences Frequently Asked Questions page.
Contact for questions:
askccas@gwu.edu
202-994-6210 (phone)
Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday
The following requirements must be fulfilled:
The general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate Programs.
Thesis option—30 credits, including 15 credits in required courses, 6 credits in thesis, and 9 credits in elective courses.
Non-thesis option—30 credits, including 15 credits in required courses and 15 credits in elective courses.
Course List | Code | Title | Credits |
| BIOC 6221 | Proteins, Pathways, and Human Health | |
| BIOC 6223 | Bioinformatics | |
| BIOC 6227 | Biochemistry Seminar | |
| BIOC 6228 | Research Essentials and Bioscience Careers | |
| BIOC 6230 | New Technologies in Scientific Research | |
| BIOC 6243 | Applied Bioinformatics | |
| BIOC 6246 | Advanced Genomic Data Analysis | |
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| BIOC 6999 | Thesis Research (taken for a total of 6 credits) | |
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Students who wish to pursue the thesis option should contact the department for additional information.
