University of Maine

Last Updated By • September 10, 2023

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Professional Science Masters in Bioinformatics at the University of Maine

University of Maine appears in our ranking of the Top 10 Online Master’s in Bioinformatics.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, mathematical science careers are expected to grow from 27.9 percent over the next decade, much faster than other career opportunities. One important mathematical science career is big data which refers to the large amounts of information created by organizations. This type of information can provide insight into consumer behavior and those who have strong analytical skills will benefit from a degree in data science. The University of Maine offers a graduate degree in Bioinformatics that prepares students for advancement in the data science field.

Offered through the Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering at the University of Maine, the Professional Science Masters in Bioinformatics provides an understanding of the mathematical, statistical and computational approaches to biological processes. The program is offered online and includes interdisciplinary classes in mathematics, computer science, spatial information science, engineering as well as molecular and cell biology. Students may choose to complete an applied project rather than a thesis and the project can be completed at their place of employment. This allows students to apply classroom learning to real-world problems. Courses required for the program include:

  • Biostatistics/Computational Biology
  • Coding Theory*
  • Computational Methods in Biomedical Science
  • Creating and Capturing Value in the Digital Economy*
  • Data Management and Analytics*
  • Data Mining*
  • Database System Applications
  • Design of Information Systems*
  • Digital Preservation*
  • Electromagnetic Theory*
  • Enterprise Architecture*
  • Ethical Inquiry in Health Care*
  • Formal Foundations for Information Systems*
  • Foundations of Biomedical Science and Engineering
  • Genetics
  • Information Systems Law*
  • Information Systems Programming
  • Introduction to Bioinformatics
  • Introduction to Digital Curation*
  • Knowledge Management and Decision Support Systems*
  • Law, Business and Society*
  • Management of Contemporary Organizations*
  • Management Policy*
  • Metadata Systems
  • Microelectronic Devices*
  • Nursing Research*
  • Predictive Analytics*
  • Real-Time Sensor Data Streams
  • Responsible Conduct of Research

*Students choose two PLUS courses. Students must also complete a field experience.

Students must maintain a 3.0 GA in the program. Graduates have found success in careers such as sequence assembly, functional genomics, genotyping, biotechnology, and environmental science.

About University of Maine

Established under the Morrill Act of 1862, the University of Maine opened as the Maine College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts. The Morrill Act provided federal lands that the school could use for a campus or sell to create an endowment. These were known as land-grant institutions, each of which was required to provide training in the mechanical and agricultural arts. The school opened with 12 students and two faculty members in 1868.

Within three years, the school was offering agriculture programs along with civil and mechanical engineering. In 1872, women were admitted. The Maine Agricultural and Forest Experiment Station was created as part of the University in 1887. Ten years later, the name of the school officially changed to the University of Maine. The Maine Cooperative Extension, which provided programs for adults as well as young people, was established and a separate graduate school opened in 1923. The University of Maine is also a National Sea Grant College.

Today, more than 11,000 students attend the University of Maine and the school has a retention rate between 78 and 83 percent. There are five research stations and 16 cooperative extension offices throughout the state that are affiliated with the University.

University of Maine Accreditation Details

The University of Maine is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, which is the oldest regional accreditation association in the United States. Regional accreditation is a process of validation in which the University is evaluated. A peer review board at the Association sets standards that indicate excellence in education who then evaluates the University to be sure they meet or exceed the standards they have set. The University must also have the resources to meet its goals and objectives. Any areas that are determined to need improvement during the peer review process must be addressed by the University as quickly as possible. In addition to regional accreditation, specific programs are accredited by the following organizations:

  • Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology
  • American Chemical Society
  • American Dietetic Association
  • American Psychological Association
  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Computing Sciences Accreditation Board
  • Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American-Speech-Language-Hearing Association
  • Council on Social Work Education
  • National Association of Schools of Music
  • National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration
  • National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
  • Society of American Foresters
  • Society of Wood Science and Technology

University of Maine Application Requirements

Applicants for the Professional Masters in Bioinformatics must come from a cell and molecular biology background and require more intensive training in math, computer and information science or need training in cell and molecular biology. They must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities must be provided along with official GRE or GMAT scores. Applicants must provide three letters of recommendation as well. Applicants with advanced degrees or five or more years of work experience do not have to provide GRE or GMAT scores.

University of Maine Tuition and Fees

Graduate tuition for Maine residents is $450 per credit hour and $563 for non-residents.

Graduate students at the University of Maine may be eligible for assistantships, fellowships, scholarships, and loans. They must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify. Financial aid is awarded by each department and students should reach out to their department head to learn what options are available to them.

The University of Maine advances learning and discovery through excellence and innovation while also addressing complex issues that exist today. The University believes that all students should have an opportunity to excel in their chosen field of study. Students are propelled into new fields of learning with an interdisciplinary focus. The Professional Science Masters in Bioinformatics encourages University of Maine Students to develop creative abilities, communication, and critical thinking skills with a focus on ethics that will help them achieve success in their field.

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