Explore the Master of Science in Biomedical Informatics
Vision Statement
The Master of Science in Biomedical Informatics (BMI) degree is designed to develop the next generation of Biomedical informatics specialists who are uniquely positioned to advance research and practice in contemporary information and knowledge management that impact Biomedical, clinical and translational research, health care services, health care practice, public health care, and health care delivery in general.
Graduates will be able to use their preparation to investigate and apply information and communication technologies to solve problems in the related Biomedical fields in a comprehensive, competitive, and effective way.
The program is designed as a research-oriented program with the goals of preparing graduate students to conduct advanced basic and applied research while capably serving as prospective employees in academic research as well as in the IT health care industry.
The program is geared towards motivated traditional students, technology specialists or health care clinicians with the appropriate educational background that are ready to expand their knowledge of contemporary biomedical informatics issues and become biomedical informaticians in academic, clinical, or organizational settings.
The Master of Science in Biomedical Informatics (BMI) program is a joint program offered at UNO and UNMC.
Student Learning Outcomes for Biomedical Informatics Graduate Program
SLO 1: Evaluate and analyze life science related data to contribute new knowledge to major field of study (Bioinformatics or Health Informatics)
SLO 2: Apply knowledge of computational biology and health informatics to solve problems and investigate research questions
SLO 3: Effectively communicate statistical and technological information to stakeholders
SLO 4: Demonstrate effective collaboration skills as well as autonomy and accountability
Application Deadlines
| Fall | July 1 |
| Spring | December 1 |
| Summer | April 1 |
Admission Requirements
The following requirements need to be met for admission into the MS in BMI program:
- Complete and submit the Graduate Application for Admission form.
- Submit a detailed resume indicating your work experience and background.
- Submit a writing sample from work or previous academic experiences. Alternatively, if you do not have a writing sample, please submit a two-page double-spaced word-processed essay that addresses the following two topics:
- Discussion of two accomplishments that demonstrate your potential for success in the graduate program.
- Discussion of your unique personal qualities and life experiences that distinguish you from other applicants to our graduate program.
- Ask three references who can evaluate your work and/or academic achievements to write a letter of recommendation. Provide contact information for these references during the on-line application, and they will be given instructions for submitting recommendation electronically.
- Submit GRE score from a recent test (within the past five years of application).
- Official transcripts of all college coursework. Applicants should have the equivalent of a 4-year undergraduate degree. The minimum undergraduate grade point average (unweighted) requirement for the MS in BMI program is 3.0 or equivalent score on a 4.00 scale.
- International applicants who do not have a baccalaureate or equivalent degree from an English-speaking institution of higher education in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, English-speaking Africa, Australia, Ireland or New Zealand are required to submit English competency scores meeting one of the following standards:
- The minimum TOEFL requirement for the MS in BMI program is 550 (paper-based) / 213 (computer-based) / 79 (Internet-based).
- The minimum IELTS requirement for the MS in BMI program is 6.5 overall.
- The minimum PTE requirement for the MS in BMI program is 53.
Foundation Requirements
Foundation courses ensure that all students in the MS BMI program have a strong foundation on which to build the rest of the program. These courses not only provide essential prerequisite knowledge and skills for other courses in the program, but they also contain a distinct body of knowledge that is an important part of the BMI professional's education. Foundation courses cannot be used to satisfy the 36 semester hours required for the MS in BMI degree. The foundation courses required for an admitted applicant will be determined in close consultation with the GPC and graduate advisor.
For the health informatics track: applicants should have a background in anatomy, physiology, cell biology or equivalent (any health sciences degree). Students with undergraduate degrees in other disciplines will usually have to take some foundation courses. Occasionally, a student's work experience may be sufficient to waive one or more foundation courses.
For the bioinformatics track: applicants should have a background in programming languages, data structures & algorithms, statistics, math or experimental methods (any engineering, computer science related degree) Students with undergraduate degrees in other disciplines will usually have to take foundation courses. Occasionally, a student's work experience may be sufficient to waive one or more foundation courses.
Required Courses
Each student will take a common set of core competencies for a total of 24 hours. These hours include:
- 12 hours of biomedical core courses
- 6 hours from the biomedical elective core courses
- 6 hours from research & quantitative methods core
Electives
Students must select 6-9 hours from their track electives (dependent on exit requirement).
Exit Requirements
Thesis BIOI 8990 - 6 hours. The thesis will consist of an original work of research, design or development in the student's area of interest.
OR
BMI Graduate Capstone - 3 hours and 3 hours of additional track electives.
Total: 36 program hours.
Other Program-Related Information:
MS Supervisory Committee
Upon completion of at least 9 hours of coursework or one year (whichever comes first) in the MS in BMI program, a supervisory committee is established for each MS student. The thesis chair and committee will have responsibility for planning and supervising the student's MS thesis.
If you have questions or would like further information regarding the program, please contact:
Dario Ghersi
BMI Graduate Program Curriculum Committee Chair
dghersi@unomaha.edu
402.554.3927
IS&T Graduate Advising
CIST Advising
402.554.3819