Education

Bioinformatics is an all-encompassing, highly interdisciplinary field that applies the theory and methodologies of mathematics, statistics, informatics and computing to sophisticated analysis of biological data and knowledge generation. To be successful in Bioinformatics, therefore, requires not only the mastery of a large methodology toolbox from math, statistics, informatics and computing fields, but also insight in biomedical research questions based on a deep understanding of biology. The U-M Bioinformatics Graduate Program builds a strong foundation for our students through comprehensive course offering and research training.

Students in our program can take advantage of the enormous research and teaching resources at U-M. They can take courses in advanced math, mathematical modeling, statistics, computer programming, machine learning, informatics, comprehensive courses in introductory biology, genomics, proteomics, clinical informatics, environmental health, and much more.  

Students also have an abundance of research opportunities in many subject areas under the mentorship of our more than 130 affiliated faculty members from UM Medical School, College of Engineering, College of Literature, Arts and Sciences, School of Public Health, School of Nursing, and School of Information. The combination of rigorous coursework, diverse research opportunities, and our three different degree programs, equip students with skills and vision for their future career in Bioinformatics

Ph.D. Program

The Ph.D. Program prepares students for careers in teaching, and basic and applied research in academia and in industry. The program emphasizes comprehensive training in biology and advanced theory and methodology in bioinformatics research. Students admitted to Ph.D. Candidacy devote most of their time conducting dissertation research. Graduates of the Ph.D. Program most often find rewarding research and teaching careers in universities, medical centers, research institutions, and industry.

Master's Programs

The Master's Program prepares students for a wide range of consulting, research support and administration positions in private industry, government, and academia. The Master's degree program also offers outstanding training for students who are not yet ready to commit to a Ph.D. program.

The Accelerated Master’s Program allows qualified U-M undergraduate students to take both undergraduate and graduate credit during their senior year, and receive their Master’s degree within one year of graduating from college.

The Dual Degree Master's Program is for current UM graduate students to simultaneously pursue a Bioinformatics Master's along with their primary degree. Both degrees are conferred at the same time.

Program Directors 

Dr. Margit Burmeister, Professor of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics and Human Genetics
Dr. Maureen Sartor, Professor of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics and Biostatistics
Dr. Alla Karnovsky, Associate Professor of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics