Overview and Career Outlook
The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Bioinformatics Research is designed for individuals who hold a bachelor's degree and want to strengthen their research experience, develop in-demand data analysis skills, or prepare for graduate and professional study. Through a combination of coursework in bioinformatics, genomics, programming, and research methods, students gain experience analyzing biological data and applying computational tools to real-world research questions.
Delivered fully online in a flexible, asynchronous format, the certificate is designed to meet the needs of working professionals and adult learners. Students work closely with faculty mentors on applied research projects and develop practical skills that can support career advancement in healthcare, biotechnology, academic research, and related fields, while also strengthening applications to graduate and professional programs.
Potential Bioinformatics Research Career Pathways Include:
- Research Assistant
- Research Coordinator
- Clinical Data Coordinator
- Clinical Research Assistant
- Research Data Analyst
Program Mission
The mission of the Bioinformatics Research Certificate is to help students prepare for advanced study, employment in a research setting, and career advancement through applied training in bioinformatics research. The program provides learners who already hold a bachelor’s degree with the opportunity to gain or strengthen research skills needed for graduate and professional programs, as well as careers involving biological data analysis and biomedical research.
The certificate emphasizes the application and analysis of bioinformatics concepts, research methods, and biological data in a flexible online learning environment that supports lifelong learning, professional growth, and workforce development.
Why Study Bioinformatics Research?
Bioinformatics is an increasingly important field at the intersection of biology, data science, and technology. Healthcare organizations, research institutions, biotechnology companies, and pharmaceutical organizations rely on bioinformatics professionals to analyze complex biological data, support scientific discovery, and advance personalized medicine. As the volume of genomic and biomedical data continues to grow, so does the demand for professionals with the skills to interpret and apply that information.
The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Bioinformatics Research prepares students to engage with this growing field through applied training in biological data analysis, programming, research methods, and bioinformatics tools. The fully online format provides working professionals and adult learners with a flexible pathway to develop research experience, advance their careers, or strengthen preparation for graduate and professional study.
Curriculum
18 Credits | Fully Online
Below is an overview of the curriculum. For the most up-to-date information about courses, see the academic catalog.
First Semester
|
Course Code |
Course Name |
Credits |
|---|---|---|
|
BIO316 |
Foundations of Bioinformatics | 3 |
|
BIO411 |
Programming for Biomedical Informatics |
3 |
Second Semester
|
Course Code |
Course Name |
Credits |
|---|---|---|
|
BIO412 |
Research Methods | 3 |
|
BIO500 |
Bioinformatics Research Practicum |
4 |
Third Semester
|
Course Code |
Course Name |
Credits |
|---|---|---|
|
BIO501 |
Capstone in Bioinformatics Research | 4 |
|
BIO502 |
Professional Practice and Research Seminar |
1 |
Requirements
The Bioinformatics Research Certificate is designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree and want to strengthen their research experience, develop applied bioinformatics and computational skills, or prepare for graduate and professional study.
This fully online certificate program does not require the GRE or prior programming experience.
Next start date: September 2, 2026
Application Deadline: August 15, 2026
Admission Timeline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Decisions will typically be sent within one week of receiving a completed application.
Admission Requirements Checklist:
- Complete an online application
- Official transcript confirming completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- Applicants who completed coursework outside the United States must submit a credential evaluation from CED, WES, or SpanTran.
- Personal statement addressing the following prompt:
- In approximately 500 words, describe why you are interested in the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Bioinformatics Research. Discuss your academic and/or professional background, your career or educational goals, and how this program will help you achieve them.
- In approximately 500 words, describe why you are interested in the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Bioinformatics Research. Discuss your academic and/or professional background, your career or educational goals, and how this program will help you achieve them.
- Current résumé or curriculum vitae (CV)
What we look for from our applicants:
- Completion of a bachelor's degree
- Evidence of academic preparation for graduate-level coursework
- Interest in biological sciences, biomedical research, healthcare, biotechnology, or data science
- Strong written communication skills demonstrated through the personal statement
- Motivation for research, career advancement, or graduate/professional study
- Professionalism throughout the application process
International Applicants: This program is not F-1 eligible.
Contact us
The Office of Graduate Enrollment Lasell University
1844 Commonwealth Ave.
Newton, MA 02466
gradinfo@lasell.edu
617-243-2400