MS in Individualized Genomics and Health
The Master of Science in Individualized Genomics and Health program prepares students for a career in the applications of bioinformatics tools in the health care field. This emerging field requires a workforce with multi-disciplinary skills in bioinformatics, bioscience, regulatory science, policy, and ethics. Students can meet their individual career goals through the selection of a concentration or get a more tailored experience by choosing their own set of six elective classes.
This 10-course degree program can be completed part time or full time, either online, or through a combination of onsite and online courses.
Admissions Criteria for All Advanced Academic Programs
PROGRAM-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the materials and credentials required for all programs, the Master of Science in Bioinformatics requires an undergraduate degree in the biological sciences or engineering with a grade point average of at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Meeting the minimum GPA requirement does not guarantee admission. Additional requirements:
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose:Please provide a statement, up to one page in length, describing your personal background and/or a part of your life experience that has shaped you or your goals. Feel free to elaborate on personal challenges and opportunities that have influenced your decision to pursue a graduate degree at Johns Hopkins.
- Program-Specific Prerequisite Courses:
- One semester of organic chemistry
- One semester of biochemistry
- One semester of cell biology
- One semester of molecular biology
- One semester of biostatistics
Program Requirements
Students in the MS in Individualized Genomics and Health program must complete ten courses:
- Six required core courses
- Four electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses - Required: | 24 | |
| Epigenetics, Gene Organization & Expression | ||
| Human Molecular Genetics | ||
| Genes & Disease | ||
| Introduction to Bioinformatics | ||
| Ethical,Legal & Regulatory Aspects of the Biotechnology Enterprise | ||
| Genomic and Personalized Medicine | ||
| Electives (Four required) | 16 | |
| Total Credits | 40 | |
Electives
Choose any graduate-level course from the Biotechnology Center.
MS in Individualized Genomics and Health With Thesis Option
Students interested in pursuing the MS in Individualized Genomics and Health with the thesis are required to take 11 courses. The thesis requires a two-semester research project. Students complete AS.410.800 Independent Research in Biotechnology, and then AS.410.801 Biotechnology Thesis the following semester. Students interested in this option should consult with the program adviser.
Concentrations (optional)
Students wishing to focus on a specialized discipline within the MS in Individualized Genomics and Health program may enroll in one of three concentrations after being accepted into the program:
- Laboratory Diagnostics
- Genomics
- Regulatory/Policy
Laboratory Diagnostics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Electives | ||
| Select three of the following: | 12 | |
| Clinical & Molecular Diagnostics | ||
| Recombinant DNA Laboratory | ||
| Next Generation DNA Sequencing and Analysis | ||
| Gene Expression Data Analysis and Visualization | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Genomics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Electives | ||
| Select three of the following: | 12 | |
| Practical Computer Concepts for Bioinformatics | ||
| Bioinformatics: Tools for Genome Analysis | ||
| Next Generation DNA Sequencing and Analysis | ||
| Gene Expression Data Analysis and Visualization | ||
| Cancer Genomics | ||
| Practical Introduction to Metagenomics | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Regulatory/Policy
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Electives | ||
| Select three of the following: | 12 | |
| Food And Drug Law | ||
| Biomedical Software Regulation | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the program should be able to:
- Employ the molecular and genetic basis for disease to explain the underlying causes
- Analyze big data sets to parse information and find patterns in data
- Apply statistical methods to large biological datasets
- Apply practices and skills from the various subfields of biotechnology
- Discuss the ethical issues surrounding human genetic research
- Develop skills to meet individual career goals in genomics and life sciences