Bioinformatics Data Science 4+1

Our Bioinformatics Data Science 4+1 degree is especially designed for current students by allowing undergraduate students to take graduate level classes towards a Masters degree in Bioinformatics Data Science.

Admission requirements to the Combined Bachelors/MS 4+1 Program

Qualified UD undergraduate students may begin work toward their Master of Science in Bioinformatics Data Science as a senior, and complete the Master’s degree in as little as one year post-undergraduate graduate study.

Eligibility

The program is limited to UD students pursuing select undergraduate degrees at UD. Only full-time students at the time of application are eligible. Students must have completed at least 75 credits toward their undergraduate degree prior to actual enrollment in the program.

Participating Undergraduate Programs:

• Applied Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (BS)
• Biological Science (BA; BS)
• Biomedical Engineering (BBE)

Requirements for Admission

1. Students apply to the 4+1 program in the spring semester of their junior year, or when they have completed 75 credits toward their undergraduate degree.
2. Minimum grade average of 3.2 in the undergraduate major field of study and an overall cumulative index of 3.0 is required in undergraduate study.
3. Applicants are expected to have appropriate competence in mathematics, computer science and/or biology.
4. Unofficial UD transcript.
5. A completed Graduate Course Approval Form for 4+1 Admissions Application approved by the undergraduate advisor and Director of the Bioinformatics Data Science master’s degree.
6. Applications must be submitted through the University of Delaware’s Graduate Application Management system (SLATE).  When asked if a 4+1 applicant, the applicant should follow the directions as indicated.  This form (https://www.udel.edu/content/dam/udelImages/grad-college/graduate-college-pdfs/4+1_Aproval.pdf) as well as the transcripts, 3  letters of recommendation, a resume and answers to 2 essay questions are required to be submitted.
7. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

Applicants must consult with their undergraduate advisor and an MS representative, such as the Associate Director, to complete the required 4+1 Course Approval Form, which details how courses will be applied to satisfy both degrees.

Bachelors/MS 4+1 Option

The MS in Bioinformatics Data Science can be obtained in conjunction with a number of specific UD bachelor’s degree programs as a 4+1 combination to obtain both degrees.  The full requirements for the MS in Bioinformatics Data Science can be found on this page.

Up to 6 credits of graduate course work (600 level and above) taken while an undergraduate, may be “dual-counted” toward the Bachelor’s and the Master’s degrees.

• The dual-counted courses must be established classes in Bioinformatics Data Science at the 600 level and above (see B.6. Bioinformatics Data Science Bachelors/MS 4+1 Option).
• Independent study or research cannot be dual counted.
• For additional graduate courses to transfer they must be:
  • In excess of the total required for the baccalaureate degree.
  • Grades of no less than B for core courses or C for electives.
  • Courses for transfer must not be older than five years.

Students may choose the non-thesis or the thesis option. The thesis option may require more time. Students must fulfill all the requirements for both degrees.

Students who wish to be admitted to the Bachelors/MS 4+1 program should apply during the junior (i.e., next-to-last) year of academic study toward an undergraduate degree at the University of Delaware.

Bioinformatics Data Science Bachelors/MS 4+1 Option

Note that dual-counting courses must be approved by both the Graduate and Undergraduate programs.  All of the above courses have been approved by the Graduate program.  Students must work with their undergraduate advisors to determine which courses will count toward their undergraduate degree.

Advisor and program of study

An academic advisor is assigned prior to or at the start of the first semester of study for the master’s degree. Students admitted into the 4+1 program will be assigned an advisor prior to the beginning of the final year of undergraduate study.

The student and the advisor develop a program of study for the entire path to the degree. This plan must be submitted to the academic advisor for approval by the Associate Director before the opening of registration for the following spring or fall semester. The plan should be updated promptly by the student as needed to reflect any changes that are made in practice.