Bioinformatics Graduate Certificate

• 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.

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.

Certificate Course Requirements

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

Ready to take the next step?

You can enroll in your first course in the:

• Spring
• Summer
• Fall

See the schedules in the academic calendar.

*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.

Search For Courses

To find certificate courses in the DCE Course Search and Registration platform:

• Under Search Classes, scroll to Browse by Degree, Certificate, or Premedical Program.
• Select Graduate Certificates.
• Choose Bioinformatics Graduate Certificate to explore program courses.

Affordability is core to our mission. When compared to our continuing education peers, it’s a fraction of the cost.