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
- 32 Credits
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
- 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
Admission Requirements
B.S. or B.A. in Biology, Biochemistry Bioinformatics, Computer Science or closely related fields, from a regionally accredited institution (currently not accepting International Student applications).
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
Fall 2027 Application Deadline: March 1, 2027
Once admitted, students may apply for scholarship opportunities. Applications will be open starting May 1 until July 1, 2027.
International Students
At this time, the Master of Science in Genomics program has not yet received approval for international (SEVIS) certification. As a result, the university is unable to issue immigration documents (Form I-20) for this program until such approval is granted.
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 |
Graduate Funding Opportunities
Utah Tech University offers Master’s Scholarships to support eligible graduate students pursuing advanced degrees in the College of Science, Engineering & Technology through Scholarship Universe.
Eligibility:
- Students accepted & enrolled in the two-year MS Genomics graduate program
- Students in the final year of the five-year BS/MS Genomics program
Scholarship availability, award amounts, and application requirements are subject to CSET guidelines and funding availability.
MS Genomics students may have the opportunity to serve as Teaching Assistants (TAs) for undergraduate Biology laboratory courses. These positions provide valuable teaching experience while allowing students to strengthen their understanding of foundational biological concepts and develop communication and instructional skills.
Compensation typically ranges from $2,000 to $9,000 per semester, depending on the number of laboratory sections assigned and the type of laboratory course taught.
Eligibility:
- Students accepted & enrolled in the two-year MS Genomics graduate program
- Students in the final year of the five-year BS/MS Genomics program
Teaching assistantship assignments are dependent on departmental instructional needs and position availability.
Research Assistantships (RAs) provide students with opportunities to contribute to ongoing faculty research projects while gaining hands-on experience in genomics and related areas of biological research.
RAship opportunities are determined by the student’s MS Genomics faculty mentor and the availability of funding through their research grants. Students interested in pursuing a research assistantship should discuss potential opportunities directly with their faculty mentor.
Research Assistantships may provide financial support while allowing students to become actively involved in research projects that align with their academic interests and capstone goals.
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
Jamie Garner
CSET Graduate Programs Coordinator
Email: jamie.garner@utahtech.edu
Phone: 435.879.4068
Office: HCC 460