Bioinformatics Graduate Certificate

What You'll Learn

Understand the latest bioinformatics tools and topics, such as information DNA sequencing and assembly; BLAST output; probability and statistics; sequence alignment; ORF prediction; functional genomics; phylogenetics; sequence, gene, and protein databases; and social and ethical considerations.
Enhance skills in computer science and programming through use of algorithms, data structures, string manipulation, encapsulation, resource management, security, software engineering, and web development.
Develop competency with programming languages such as Java, Python, R, C++, and SQL.
Acquire knowledge in a focused topic area, such as bioinformatic algorithms, genomics, medical informatics, and proteomics.

Our Community at a Glance

Through this professional graduate certificate you will work with peers in the fields of medical science and research, genetics, molecular and cellular biology, scientific programming, and software development.

1/4

Applied Their Certificate to ALM Degree
84%

Working Full Time
50%

Pursued Certificate to Deepen Expertise or Advance Career

Register for Spring 2025

Enroll in your first certificate course this spring — no application required. Registration is open through January 23, 2025.

How to Register

Certificate Courses

Certificate Course Requirements

1 molecular biology course * (this should be your first course)
1 introduction to bioinformatics course
1 programming course *
1 elective course

You can search for available courses by course group and term — fall, spring, or summer — in the certificate course search within DCE Course Search & Registration platform.

*Petitioning for Course Exemptions

Molecular biology course: If you earned a bachelor’s or advanced degree in biology, you may petition to be exempted from this course. We will not grant exemptions for a minor in biology. If granted an exemption, you will take a second elective to complete the certificate.
Programming course: If you have taken a course in Java, Python, or another programming language, you may petition to be exempted from this course. If granted an exemption, you will take a second elective to complete the certificate.
To petition for an exemption, email Graduate_Certificates@Extension.Harvard.edu. The petition should include:
- A short explanation about the exemption being requested and why.
- Evidence of degree or course, such as a scanned copy of a transcript (unofficial is acceptable).
- Indication of which additional elective you plan to take in place of the exempted requirement.

Earning Your Certificate

Most of our certificates can be completed online and no formal application process is required to pursue a certificate.

To meet the requirements for the certificate, you must:

Complete the four certificate courses for graduate credit.
Earn at least a B grade in each course.
Complete the courses within three years.

Learn more about pursuing a certificate and the process of requesting your certificate.

Stack Your Certificate Into a Degree

Stackable credential pathways allow you to earn multiple credentials by completing courses that meet overlapping requirements. In the short term, you can earn your bioinformatics certificate. Once completed, those four courses may put you a third of the way toward earning a master’s degree in biotechnology.

This stackable pathway offers an efficient, cost-effective way to earn short-term credentials to help fill immediate skill gaps and acquire specialized knowledge while building a foundation for long-term success that showcases your expertise in the field.

Learn how to plan a stackable credential pathway.