Tufts Launches New MS in Bioinformatics to Prepare Scientists for the Data-Driven Future of Biology

From precision medicine and genomics to drug discovery and environmental monitoring, some of today's most significant advances in science depend on the ability to interpret massive biological datasets.

To meet the growing demand for scientists who can bridge biology and computation, the Tufts University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) recently launched a new Master of Science in Bioinformatics, an interdisciplinary program designed to equip students with the computational skills increasingly required across the life sciences.

Designed for students with backgrounds in molecular biology and genetics, the program provides formal training in bioinformatics with topics spanning data analysis, statistics, programming, and computational approaches to biological research. Students will have the opportunity to take bioinformatics-relevant electives across various departments and schools at Tufts in biomedical applications, ecology and evolution, and computational methods and AI. This two-year program is designed to be accessible to students with little or no prior programming experience, helping them build the technical skills needed to work with modern biological data. This program is also available to students who enroll in the MS in Bioinformatics as part of the Fifth-Year Master’s Degree Program. 

Experiential learning is central to the program. “Students will develop foundational skills in programming, statistics, data visualization, workflow automation, and high-throughput computing while working with DNA, RNA, protein, and other biological datasets through hands-on coursework. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills and conceptual knowledge relevant to academic, hospital, government, non-profit, and industry settings. All students will work one-on-one with researchers as part of a mentored capstone experience to tackle authentic bioinformatics challenges,” states Chris Desjardins, Professor of the Practice in Biology and Program Director of the new MS in Bioinformatics.

Students in the program will also be eligible to apply for the Department of Biology’s Graduate Co-Op program, in which accepted students can spend up to six months in a paid, full-time work experience. Students who complete co-ops will gain skills and insights regarding their future careers, form professional relationships, and enhance their resumes.

The development of the MS in Bioinformatics was informed by extensive consultation with faculty across Tufts as well as professionals from biotechnology companies, research institutes, and nonprofit organizations. These conversations also helped identify future opportunities for mentorship, internships, capstone projects, and industry engagement.

Graduates of the MS in Bioinformatics will be prepared for careers across biotechnology, pharmaceutical research, healthcare, academic science, public health, and related sectors where expertise in both biology and data analysis is increasingly essential.

Located in the Greater Boston area, students benefit from close proximity to one of the world's leading biotechnology and biomedical research hubs. The concentration of biotech firms, pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, and research institutions provides opportunities for internships, co-ops, networking, and future employment.