Systems Biology and Bioinformatics | Programs | Case Western Reserve University

Master of Science

About the Program

Today, more than ever, there is a distinct need for data science experts who can efficiently interpret data into information that drives strategic decision-making. At Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, we aim to produce such data scientists.

With a master’s degree in systems biology and bioinformatics from Case Western Reserve, you’ll combine your love of mathematics, statistics, computers and biology to develop computational models and provide new insight and understanding of big data, leading to new discoveries in laboratory and clinical settings. Through multidisciplinary training personally customized to your interests, you’ll learn from the expertise of not just your professors but your classmates as well. And you’ll do it all within walking distance of some of the nation’s top hospitals, giving you opportunities for hands-on experience with real-world data.

What to Expect

Our 30-credit-hour degree is composed of 21 hours of coursework and at least nine thesis hours.

You can customize your degree with two tracks:

Translational Bioinformatics: Through this track, you’ll work to integrate bioinformatics tools and technologies into clinical workflows. As a graduate of this track, you’ll find ample opportunities within industries and, as genomics enters the clinical arena, within hospitals as well.

Molecular and Computational Biology: With training in molecular and computational biology, you’ll be equipped in the acquisition of experimental data using approaches such as proteomics, metabolomics, genomics and structural biology. Upon graduation, you should find ample opportunities within the pharmaceutical industry and contract research organizations, as well as more traditional academic career paths.

After realizing my passion for bioinformatics, I knew I wanted to learn more about the subject by earning my MS. [CWRU] has an excellent program, and it has proved to be a perfect match for me. I like that the program promotes teamwork and collaboration, but I also feel confident working by myself. I have made great friends here and, as an international student, I have learned so much about American culture from the SYBB program director.

Ruipeng Wei, ‘19

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Beyond the Classroom

As one of our master’s students, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in research with our faculty to supplement your learning and prepare for careers in the field. We have more than 40 faculty trainers with primary appointments in 11 different departments at Case Western Reserve, Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals.

Upon completion of the program, you’ll have a vast, data-driven portfolio of work that will help set you up for success in your job searches. Our alumni have gone on to work with prestigious employers such as IBM, University Hospitals and Cleveland Clinic.

By the Numbers

$126,830

median annual wage for the field, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

faculty trainers with primary appointments at CWRU, Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals

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View Our Curriculum

Learn More About Our Faculty

Explore Our Learning Environment

Admission Details

We review applications on a rolling basis. All students applying will be expected to have an undergraduate or master’s degree in one of the component disciplines of the program, such as biological, computer or quantitative sciences.

We evaluate our candidates based on:

Online application
Overall GPA
Science GPA
GRE scores (optional but highly recommended)
Three letters of reference
Prior research experience
Personal essay
Optional CV

International students only: TOEFL examination; for direct-admit students, we follow the General Bulletin guidelines regarding the demonstration of the necessary command of English for foreign students.

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Contact Us

Gürkan Bebek, Ph.D., M.S.

Assistant Professor, Center for Proteomics and Bioinformatics, Department of Nutrition

School of Medicine

Telephone

216.368.4541

sybb@case.edu