Why Utah Tech?
- Affordable Tuition and Fees
- High-demand field with growing career opportunities
- Hands-on experience with cutting-edge genomic technologies
Program Overview
The Bioinformatics emphasis in the MS Genomics program prepares students to use computational tools to analyze complex biological data. All students complete a shared core curriculum covering modern genomics, including courses such as Script for Biologists, Genomics & Precision Medicine, Genomics Seminar I and II, Research in Progress I and II, Genomics Capstone, and Biomedical Research Ethics.
Students in the Bioinformatics track then focus on data-driven discovery through courses like AI & Machine Learning in Biology, Programming in Bioinformatics, Genomic Pipeline Optimization, Multi-omics Data Analysis & Lab, and Statistical Genomics. Hands-on experience with biomedical databases and real-world datasets from Utah Tech and Intermountain Health Care projects further develops practical skills. This combination of core and specialized coursework equips graduates to analyze large-scale genomic data and contribute to research, healthcare, and biotechnology.
Program Information
- 2 Year Program Over 4 Semesters
- On Campus – In Person
- Fall Application Deadline: August 1, 2026
Required Prerequisites
- Principles of Biology I
- Fundamentals of Programming
- Intro to Bioinformatics
Tuition & Fees
- Utah Resident $600 per credit + $426 Fee per semester
- Non-Utah Resident $900 per credit + $426 Fee per semester
- International students are not eligible at this time
Application Requirements
- Specify your emphasis: Bioinformatics or Functional Genomics
- B.S. or B.A. in Biology, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Computer Science or closely related fields, from a regionally accredited institution (currently not accepting International students’ applications)
- 2 Letters of Recommendation (At least one from a Science Faculty Member)
- CV / Resume
- Official Transcripts
- Personal Statement (500–700 words)
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
Completed Prerequisites:
Principles of Biology I – Utah Tech Equivalent BIOL 1610, 4 Credits
Fundamentals of Programming – Utah Tech Equivalent CS 1400, 3 Credits
Intro to Bioinformatics – Utah Tech Equivalent BIOL 3300, 3 Credits
Curriculum
| Fall | Spring | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Course | Credits | Course | Credits |
| Genomics Seminar I – BIOL 6910 | 1 | Genomics Seminar II – BIOL 6920 | 1 |
| Script for Biologist – BIOL 6320 | 3 | Genomics & Precision Med – BIOL 6330 | 3 |
| Biomedical Research Ethics – BIOL 6100 | 1 | Capstone II – BIOL 6900R | 1-2 |
| Capstone I – BIOL 6900R, | 1-2 | ||
| Total | 6-7 | Total | 5-6 |
| Fall | Spring | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Course | Credits | Course | Credits |
| Genomic Pipeline Optimization – BIOL 6010 | 3 | Statistical Genomics – BIOL 6130 | 3 |
| AI & Machine Learning in Bio – BIOL 6070 | 3 | Multi-omics Data Analysis & Lab – BIOL 6040/45 | 4 |
| Bioinformatic Algorithms – BIOL 6310 | 3 | Capstone III – BIOL 6900R | 2-3 |
| Capstone III – BIOL 6900R | 2-3 | Research in Progress II – BIOL 6940 | 1 |
| Research in Progress I – BIOL 6930 | 1 | ||
| Total | 12-13 | Total | 10-11 |
Potential Career Outcomes
Bioinformatics & Computational Biology
- Bioinformatics Analyst
- Computational Biology Associate
- Genomics Data Scientist (entry-level)
- Bioinformatics Pipeline or Workflow Analyst
Biotechnology & Pharma
- Bioinformatics Research Associate
- Genomics Analytics Specialist
- Drug Discovery or Target Identification Analyst
- R&D Data Analyst
Healthcare, Diagnostics & Precision Medicine
- Clinical Bioinformatics Analyst
- Genomic Data Interpretation Specialist
- Precision Medicine Analyst
- Health Systems Genomics Analyst
Research & Academic Pathways
- Research Bioinformatician
- Data Analyst for Genomics Research Labs
- Pre-PhD Computational Research Specialist
Technology & Applied Data Roles
- Life Science Data Analyst
- Computational Scientist (biotech-focused)
- Hybrid roles bridging biology, software, and analytics
Entrepreneurship & Startups
- Genomics analytics consultant
- Technical co-founder for data-driven biotech startups
- Bioinformatics lead for early-stage ventures
Long-Term Pathways
- PhD programs in bioinformatics, computational biology, or data science
- Advanced roles in precision medicine and AI-driven genomics
- Leadership positions in biotech analytics and informatics teams
Contact
Doug Sainsbury
Program Coordinator
Email: doug.sainsbury@utahtech.edu
Phone: 435-879-4792
Office: SET 512