Bioinformatics is a relatively new discipline that seeks to apply computational approaches and technologies to solve complex problems in the Life Sciences. Expertise in this multidisciplinary approach is essential to the development of new advances in such diverse areas as medicine and health, agriculture, and environmental protection. The Bioinformatics program at GW draws from the existing strengths in genomics and bioinformatics at the McCormick Genomic and Proteomic Center. One of the main goals of this center is to train the next generation of bright minds.
The MS Degree
This M.S. Bioinformatics Track program offers the option to obtain a Master's Degree with or without a thesis. Eligible candidates can complete their thesis research at GW or at nearby institutes (acceptance by the institute is required) such as the Children's National Health System, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI).
Both program options (thesis and non-thesis) consist of three sections: (A) a core section of required courses, (B) an elective section consisting of courses that will be designed around a student's specific background and objectives, and (C) an investigative section that consists of thesis or non-thesis options.
All graduate programs require that students maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or above in all enrolled courses. Students can choose either a 1-year or a 2-year program.