Master of Science in Bioinformatics

The Master of Science in Bioinformatics is focused on preparing students to take on research in one of four key areas: drug design, integrated bioinformatics and genomics, computational biology, and biomedical informatics. This degree is offered jointly by UA Little Rock and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). Combining the academic, clinical, and research resources of UAMS with the computational, scientific, academic, and research capabilities of UA Little Rock, this program prepares students to function in an interdisciplinary research environment.

Degree Requirements

Students must complete 35 credit hours that are built around four cores.

Core Courses (four classes, 15 credits):

  • BINF 5445 Bioinformatics Theory and Applications (4 credits)
  • BIOL 5415 Biometry (4 credits) or BIOS 5013 Biostatistics I (3 credits)
  • BIOL 5417 Molecular Biology (4 credits)
  • One course selected from: CPSC 7375 Machine Learning, CPSC 7373 Artificial Intelligence, or CPSC 7385 Analysis of Algorithms (all are 3 credits)

View the academic catalog to see the full curriculum. 

M.S. Graduation Requirements

  • Successful completion of an approved program of study with a minimum GPA of 3.0 with no more than one grade below a B and successful completion of the writing requirement.
  • Successful defense of a Bioinformatics capstone project or thesis. The Review Committee will consist of a lead faculty research mentor and at least two other faculty members with Bioinformatics graduate faculty status.

Admission RequirementsRequest More Info