Bioinformatics is a discipline that combines the knowledge and applications of biology with the tools and techniques of computer science. The Master’s Program in Bioinformatics & Computational Biology is designed to provide students with a high-quality training and education that prepares them for careers in science, industry and health care. The program’s curriculum has been designed accordingly and provides the theoretical background, practical training and, with the completion of the required internship, the “real-life” experience to pursue these goals.

The Professional Science Master’s Program in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology was initiated at USF in 2001. This program has been developed to provide a novel interdisciplinary and concentrated program of study that is designed for students interested in either industrial applications or future doctoral or professional programs. The courses integrate modern teaching methods with extensive student participation, and are designed to improve the students’ oral presentation and writing skills, which are critical to their future professional development. This broad theoretical background is further enhanced by the practical training, directed research, and internships.

The rigorous nature of the program allows students to demonstrate their full academic ability for future graduate programs or employment opportunities. As a result, graduates of the Bioinformatics Program at USF are finding themselves in industrial settings or continue their education pursuing PhD programs, dental schools, medical schools, pharmacy schools, veterinary schools or other professional programs. For students seeking a bioinformatics degree in Florida, the USF Master’s program in Bioinformatics & Computational Biology will be the perfect fit.

Our program is actively recruiting motivated domestic and international students interested in gaining a broad theoretical background and building essential research and communication skills. With its plentiful on-campus courses, our curriculum is friendly not only to the domestic students, but also to the students studying with international visas. Interested students are encouraged to contact the program Director, Prof. Vladimir N. Uversky, via e-mail: vuversky@usf.edu.