Degree Programs

MS in Genome Bioinformatics

The Master of Science in Genome Bioinformatics program prepares students for careers analyzing the human genome both in academia and in pharmaceutical and genomic testing industries. Graduates will meet the growing need for computational analysts with expertise in manipulating, annotating, and interpreting human genome data.

Students can take advantage of resources and research opportunities afforded by other health science schools, especially Pitt Medicine, where researchers are carrying out cutting-edge genomic studies using next-generation sequence data and bioinformatics tools and methods.

Graduates are experts in applying computation tools for studying and interpreting the human genome in a future where genomics is central to precision medicine and biomedical research.

Program Requirements

Curriculum

Coursework for students in the MS in Genome Bioinformatics program is typically undertaken across two years (four semesters) with an industry internship after the first year.

View Curriculum

Industry Internship

Students participate in a summer internship in an industry partner in their area of interest, developing sought-after skills in preparation for entering the job market. This experience provides real-world data to be analyzed as part of the thesis project. Students work with faculty mentors to develop and implement an analysis pipeline for their data.

Student Handbook

The Student Handbook is the official source of guidelines for graduate students in the Department of Human Genetics. Requirements of the Master of Science in Genome Bioinformatics (MSGB) program and duties of MSGB students are described in detail.

Current

Past Years

MS in Genome Bioinformatics Competencies

The goal of the MS in Genome Bioinformatics program is to prepare students for careers analyzing the human genome both in academia and in pharmaceutical and genomic testing industries. Toward this end, students will gain proficiency in the knowledge and skills required to manipulate, annotate, and interpret human genome data. These educational goals are organized into eight program-specific competencies. After successful completion of the MS in Genome Bioinformatics program, students will be able to:

Process genetic and genomic data
Construct pipelines for high-throughput analysis of data
Annotate analysis results using contemporary bioinformatic resources

Communicate analysis methods and results to stakeholders
Describe data structures for holding genetic and genomic data
Describe the methods for generating genomic data

Analyze genetic and genomic data to address research questions
Visualize quality metrics and analysis results

Human Genetic Competencies

In addition to gaining expertise in genome data analysis and interpretation, students completing the MS in Genome Bioinformatics program will gain proficiency in the foundations of the field of Human Genetics. Specifically, after completing the program, students will be able to:

Describe basic genetic mechanisms and how they affect proteins, chromosomes, cells, individuals, and populations of organisms in normal and disease states

Describe mechanisms by which genes and the environment interact to affect the distribution of health and disease in human populations

Describe the importance of ethical principles, diversity, and inclusion in genetics research

Application Deadlines

Applications for the MS in Genome Bioinformatics are due by January 15 for fall admission. For spring admission, we will consider on a case-by-case basis. Please contact Noel Harrie (nce1@pitt.edu) for further information.

Using SOPHAS, the centralized application service for graduate schools of public health.

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