| Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | |
| Does
the Masters of Science in Bioinformatics offer grants or financial assistance?
Why or why not? Grants, Teaching Assistantships and research fellowships are not available. This is a professional Masters Degree program that upon successful completion should land you an exciting job in Bioinformatics.The idea behind professional Masters programs is that the opportunity cost to spend three semesters in an excellent program is well worth your time and investment when considering the salary and career possibilities upon completion. Federal Loans are available for United States Citizens. International Students should seek sponsorship or loans in their home country. How much does the program cost? The MS program in Bioinformatics does not provide financial support (students must support themselves). At the present time, year 2000, costs are estimated as follows: $1,800 tuition and fees per semester for residents of Georgia, $6,200 tuition and fees per semester for non-residents of Georgia, $4,800 living expenses and books per semester. In order to get a visa, foreign applicants must provide legal evidence that they have funds available to support themselves for the first year ($22,000 for two semesters). Is this professional program for me? Only you can answer this. Hopefully after studying the information in these pages and researching possible careers you will be able to make an informed decision. To learn more about the Professional Masters degrees you may wish to read the article 'Reinventing the Science Master's Degree' published in the June 4, 1999 issue of 'Science' magazine and available in text on the Sloan Foundation website. What Prerequisites are needed to be admitted to this program? What GPA and GRE scores are expected?The Prerequisites needed include Principles of Biology(an introductory course), Computer Programming(at least one semester equivalent to Georgia Tech's CS 1301), Organic Chemistry(an introductory course), Calculus(one year, equivelent to MATH 1501, 1502), and Physics(one year.) GPAs have ranged betwe en 3.4 - 4.0 for this program but no minimium has been established. The general GRE should be taken with scores at least 1800(Fall '99.) Is there a thesis or research option available? No. The Masters of Science in Bioinformatics is an intensive course work/study program preparing you for a career in Bioinformatics. Research and thesis options are not available. Should your interest be in research we suggest you look into a Ph.D. program in Bioinformatics in the School of Biology or other Ph.D. programs at Tech. Does Georgia Tech offer a Ph.D. in Bioinformatics? In fact, yes. Two students already completed Ph.D. studies and work at Monsanto and SmithKline. The formal approval of the Ph.D. program in Bioinformatics is expected by January 2000. May I work or get an internship in the summer? Yes, we encourage it. Internships are a great way to gain experience in the field. Internship arrangements may through the School or through the student's own initiative. Is it realistic to work while attending this program? In our opinion, no. This is a full study load that carries apx. 13 hours in classes per semester. Students should plan on allotting out of classroom time to studies. International Students would need a permission slip signed in order to work according to Federal Law and these slips will not be signed during the school year. Can I study toward the MS in Bioinformatics degree if I already hold an advanced degree (Ph.D., MS or MD)? Yes, you can. I have read the required curriculum. Do all students have to take all of the required courses? If I have already taken Biochemistry, for example, can I take another course in Computer Science instead? The courses in the first two semesters are essentially the core courses. However, there is the 37 hours requirement for graduation, and a limited number of hours from previous study can be transferred. Thus, if you have already taken Biochemistry, you can take another course in Computer Science to accumulate the required number of credit hours. Georgia Tech . School of Biology . College of Sciences . Contact Us |
of Technology Masters of Science in Bioinformatics
|