The KC Graduate Internship Program is a master’s program that begins summer term with intensive course and lab work in one of five focus areas, one of which offers a biology major:
• Bioinformatics and Genomics
Bioinformatics is data science applied to biology. This interdisciplinary field intersects biology, computer science, and math. A bioinformatician’s work happens primarily at the computer, and includes acquiring, cleaning, managing, aggregating, storing, mining, analyzing, visualizing, and communicating insights about large amounts of data. A bioinformatician might work within the fields of precision medicine, immunology, cancer biology, microbial ecology, evolutionary biology, neuroscience, or bioengineering, to name a few. Their skills are transferrable to a large number of data science fields.
In our program, students spend the first 9 months engaging in course work designed to help them become more effective problem-solvers in industrial, research, and national lab environments. Emphasis is also placed on developing soft skills, such as communication (oral and written), teamwork, and leadership skills critical for a successful career. Professional skills development is a centerpiece of the program, including resume writing, interviewing, and networking.
In the last 9 months of the program, students in good academic standing will have the opportunity to interface with our program partners with the goal of securing a 9-month paid internship to fulfill their degree requirements. Though internships are not guaranteed, historically close to 98% of our students have successfully completed internships and close to 90% are employed in the field within three months of finishing their internships.
Students in this track will earn a Master of Science in Biology with a focus in Bioinformatics and Genomics. On average, it will take 18 months to complete the program. The program starts in June and most students finish in December the following year.
Prerequisites
A bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, math, physics, computer science, or related field is required. Although not explicitly required, research and computer programming experience are preferred.
Application at a Glance
You apply for admission through your program. Detailed instructions are available on the program’s website. The following are required for your application:
- Official Transcripts
- English Language Proficiency Requirement
- Financial Verification for International Applicants
Program-Specific Application Requirements:
- Interview
- Letters of Recommendation
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose
Optional:
- CV
- Letter of Intent
- GRE