The MS in bioinformatics degree program provides interdisciplinary training in computing methodologies for solving life science problems. Students learn systems biology approaches to perform integrative analyses of genome, transcriptome, epigenome, proteome, and metabolome. The program provides ample opportunities for students to apply bioinformatics in agricultural research, an area of excellence at NMSU.
The program enrolls students with background in either biological sciences or quantitative sciences. It is also open to professionals seeking further specialization. It offers two routes of training: computational track and life sciences track. The life sciences track is designed to strengthen quantitative skills for students with a background in life sciences; the computational track is tailored to students with computer science training.
It is the only master’s degree program in bioinformatics within New Mexico. The program is officially accepted into the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education’s (WICHE’s) Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP).
Faculty Participation
The program spans multiple departments and programs across the NMSU main campus, including:
- Department of Computer Science
- Department of Biology
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
- Department of Mathematical Sciences
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences
- Molecular Biology and Interdisciplinary Sciences Graduate Program
Faculty members that are involved in bioinformatics education or research include
- Cao, I. Pivkina, E. Pontelli, M. Song, S. Tran (Computer Science)
- Bailey, S. Ferrenberg, P. Houde, B. Milligan, M. Schuster, J. Xu (Biology)
- Lyons (Biochemistry)
- Ballyk, P. Tian (Mathematical Sciences)
- Randall, J. Zhang (Plant and Environmental Sciences)
- Trainor (Applied Statistics)
Catalogs
Details about the program can be found at the catalog page https://catalogs.nmsu.edu/nmsu/arts-sciences/computer-science/bioinformatics-master-science/
