Bioinformatics, BS - Biological Sciences Option

What you will study

UCM’s interdisciplinary Bioinformatics program curriculum draws from program studies in Biology, Chemistry, Statistics and Computer Science. As a Bioinformatics major, you’ll start with core courses in Biology, such as Molecular Biology, Plant Biology and Animal Biology, followed by courses in specialized bioinformatics topics, such as:

• Investigative Biology
• Molecular Technology 
• Biomedical Informatics

Through the undergraduate program coursework, you’ll learn the answer to the question: What is bioinformatics? You’ll also learn how to use statistical software packages to apply computational, mathematical and statistical approaches to biological data. This interdisciplinary approach to the bachelor’s in Bioinformatics program curriculum provides you with a broad set of skills you’ll need in your career.

 

 

Unique learning opportunities in bioinformatics for the biological sciences

A BS in Bioinformatics at the University of Central Missouri offers hand-on research opportunities and professional development you can apply to the real world.

• Student clubs: Enhance your studies in biology and bioinformatics outside of the classroom by joining a student organization. The Association of Computing Machinery, Agriculture Club, Beta Beta Beta Biology Honors Society and UCM Statistics Club all welcome new members every year. Join others in discovering: What is bioinformatics?
• State-of-the-art facilities: Enjoy hands-on learning in recently renovated Gigabit lab space at the Missouri Innovation Campus in Lee’s Summit. You’ll have access to equipment necessary for extraction of DNA and RNA, as well as protein analysis. 
• Dedicated advising and mentorship: Benefit from the assistance of dedicated staff and faculty. Academic advisors from across different disciplines will keep you on track to earn your bachelor’s degree in Bioinformatics, while faculty mentors will offer career advice and intellectual guidance.

 

What can you do with a bachelor’s in Bioinformatics degree from UCM?

In the age of technology, companies in health care, research and development and the life sciences need employees to harness the power of big data. As the world figures out what bioinformatics is and how to use it, you can help bridge the skills gap between biological science and statistical analysis with the ability to communicate effectively in a variety of fields, such as agriculture, health care or pharmaceuticals.

Several major Missouri and Midwestern employers, such as Bayer, Cerner, Merc, Saint Luke's Health System, Stowers Institute for Medical Research and the University of Kansas Medical Center, regularly hire UCM graduates with Bioinformatics degrees. 

With a bachelor’s degree from UCM, you’ll graduate ready to join and someday lead a scientific or statistical team, with many different pathways to success. Entry-level jobs in bioinformatics can garner six-figure salaries. You’ll also be well-prepared for graduate or medical school.

 

 

Financial assistance options for your Bioinformatics degree

At the University of Central Missouri, we’re dedicated to providing students like you with an affordable, valuable degree. With a variety of ways to finance your college education, we’ll help you graduate on time and within your budget. For example, student employment and assistantship opportunities are available across campus in different disciplines in Warrensburg and Lee’s Summit. You can also learn about program-specific scholarships at the UCM Scholarship Finder.

UCM is ranked nationally as a top overall university for low student debt by LendEDU. Our tuition is lower than the national average, as well as most institutions in Missouri. Couple this with our affordable cost of living in the area, and UCM offers a high-value degree without the high expense.