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Bioinformatics Graduate Certificate

  • Get Started

    No Application Required

  • Format

    Online and On Campus Options

  • Tuition

    $12,880

  • Number of Required Courses

    4

DNA and RNA helix

Learn to identify, compile, analyze, and communicate complex biological and genetic data.

Apply this knowledge to initiatives include areas such as human genome analysis, disease research, and drug discovery and development.

What You'll Learn

  • Understand the latest bioinformatics tools and topics, such as information DNA sequencing and assembly; BLAST output; probability and statistics; sequence alignment; ORF prediction; functional genomics; phylogenetics; sequence, gene, and protein databases; and social and ethical considerations.
  • Enhance skills in computer science and programming through use of algorithms, data structures, string manipulation, encapsulation, resource management, security, software engineering, and web development.
  • Develop competency with programming languages such as Java, Python, R, C++, and SQL.
  • Acquire knowledge in a focused topic area, such as bioinformatic algorithms, genomics, medical informatics, and proteomics.

Our Community at a Glance

Through this professional graduate certificate you will work with peers in the fields of medical science and research, genetics, molecular and cellular biology, scientific programming, and software development.

  • 1/4

    Applied Their Certificate to ALM Degree

  • 84%

    Working Full Time

  • 50%

    Pursued Certificate to Deepen Expertise or Advance Career

Earning Your Certificate

To meet the requirements for the certificate, you must:

  • Complete the four certificate courses for graduate credit.
  • Earn at least a B grade in each course.
  • Complete the courses within three years.

Learn more about pursuing a certificate and the process of requesting your certificate.

Certificate Course Requirements

  • 1 molecular biology course* (this should be your first course)
  • 1 introduction to bioinformatics course
  • 1 programming course*
  • 1 elective course

*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 graduate_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.

Search for Courses

You can browse courses by term — fall, spring, or summer — in the DCE Course Search & Registration platform.

Upcoming Term: Summer 2024

Summer course registration is open through June 20. Learn more about how to register

Fall 2024 courses and registration details will be live in June.

Cost

Affordability is core to our mission. When compared to our continuing education peers, it’s a fraction of the cost.

Our Tuition (2023-24 rate) $3,220 per course
Average Tuition of Peer Institutions $5,476 per course
Average Total Cost $12,880