Certificate Overview
The Bioinformatics Graduate Certificate builds your fluency in the computational methods used to extract meaning from biological data. In four online courses, you’ll explore topics like sequence analysis, genomics, proteomics, and medical informatics, with hands-on work in Python, R, and SQL.
Designed for professionals seeking to apply quantitative and programming approaches to biological problems, this fully online certificate prepares you to work at the intersection of life sciences and technology in courses taught by leaders from the biotech and life sciences industry and faculty from Harvard.
92%
Of certificate earners would recommend the program
85%
Said the certificate prepared them for their next career steps
Skills You'll Gain
Through the Bioinformatics Graduate Certificate, you’ll learn to:
- Analyze biological and genetic data using bioinformatics tools and methods.
- Apply computational techniques such as algorithms, data structures, and statistical analysis to life sciences problems.
- Work with programming languages commonly used in bioinformatics, including Python, R, and SQL.
- Interpret results from techniques such as sequence alignment, genomic analysis, and database queries.
- Synthesize complex findings to support research in areas like genomics, proteomics, and medical informatics.
Career Outcomes
Bioinformatics is a rapidly growing field necessary for understanding complex biological processes important to the life sciences. As data-driven approaches revolutionize healthcare, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals, the need for professionals with bioinformatics training has surged. Roles in bioinformatics are highly sought after in areas such as genomics, personalized medicine, drug discovery, and agricultural biotechnology.
Bioinformatics Graduate Certificate earners are employed at organizations like:
- Broad Institute
- Camp 4 Therapeutics
- ICON
They hold such titles as:
- Medical Scientist
- Software Developer
- Biochemist
- Clinical Research Coordinator
- Computer Systems Engineer
Courses
The Bioinformatics Graduate Certificate includes four online courses:
- 1 molecular biology course* (taken as your first course)
- 1 bioinformatics course
- 1 programming course*
- 1 elective course
Selecting courses. Multiple course options are available during fall, spring, and summer terms. Offerings vary by term. Explore current options in the DCE Course Search & Registration platform.
Petitioning for course exemptions
- Molecular biology course: If you earned a bachelor’s or advanced degree in biology, you may petition to be exempted from this course. We will not grant exemptions for a minor in biology. If granted an exemption, you will take a second elective to complete the certificate.
- Programming course: If you have taken a course in Java, Python, or another programming language, you may petition to be exempted from this course. If granted an exemption, you will take a second elective to complete the certificate.
- To petition for an exemption, email Certificates@Extension.Harvard.edu. The petition should include:
- A short explanation about the exemption being requested and why.
- Evidence of degree or course, such as a scanned copy of a transcript (unofficial is acceptable).
- Indication of which additional elective you plan to take in place of the exempted requirement.
Upcoming Term: Fall 2026
Enroll in your first certificate course this fall — no application required.
Pre-registration opens July 6. Registration opens July 20 at 9 a.m. ET.
Featured Faculty
Michael Agostino, Ph.D.
Retired Senior Bioinformatics Analyst, Pfizer
Frederick R. Bieber, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Pathology, Harvard Medical School
Soohyun Lee, Ph.D.
Senior Bioinformatics Scientist, Exact Sciences
David J. Malan, Ph.D.
Gordon McKay Professor of the Practice of Computer Science, Harvard University
Amy Tsurumi, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School
Stackable Certificates and Degrees
Stackable credentials allow you to earn multiple credentials by completing courses that meet overlapping requirements.
If you pursue the master’s degree in biotechnology, you can earn this graduate certificate along the way by completing courses that fulfill both certificate and degree requirements.
This approach allows you to build specialized bioinformatics expertise while making measurable progress toward your graduate degree.
Tuition
Support and Resources
Access to career resources, including webinars, advising, and career fairs
Weekly virtual office hours with the student advising team
Affiliate membership in the Harvard Extension Alumni Association
Earning Your Certificate
If you take two courses per semester, you can complete your certificate in 8 months. If you prefer a more flexible pace, you have up to three years to finish.
There is no formal application required. You simply register for each course.
To meet the requirements for the certificate:
- Complete the four certificate courses for graduate credit.
- Earn at least a B grade in each course.
Complete all courses within three years of starting your first eligible certificate course.
Learn more about pursuing a certificate and the process of requesting your certificate.
FAQs
How will a bioinformatics certificate support my career?
The bioinformatics graduate certificate gives you the skills you need to analyze and interpret complex biological data. Through this online program, you’ll become proficient in cutting-edge bioinformatics tools and topics like DNA sequencing and assembly, sequence alignment, functional genomics, and phylogenetics. You’ll also build expertise in essential programming languages, including Java, Python, R, C++, and SQL — key skills for managing and analyzing large biological datasets. This specialized training opens doors to a variety of roles in medical science, genetics, molecular and cellular biology, scientific programming, and software development.
Do I need a background in biology?
While prior exposure to biology is helpful, the program is designed to introduce key biological concepts alongside computational methods. Students from technical backgrounds can build domain knowledge as they progress through the coursework.
Do I need prior programming experience?
Yes. This certificate assumes some prior experience with programming or computational thinking. You’ll work with tools and languages such as Python and R to analyze biological data, so familiarity with basic programming concepts is recommended.
Who is this certificate designed for?
This certificate is designed for learners with an interest in both computing and the life sciences. It is well suited for software developers, data analysts, and technical professionals looking to apply computational methods to biological data. Individuals with a science background who are seeking to strengthen their data and programming skills would also find it valuable.
Will this program prepare me for work in biotechnology or pharmaceuticals?
Yes, the program offers focused bioinformatics training that is highly relevant to both the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. The curriculum includes topics such as DNA sequencing, functional genomics, and the use of bioinformatics algorithms, all of which are integral to research and development in these sectors.
