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New, Online Graduate Certificate in Applied Bioinformatics to Launch this Fall

UW Extended Campus July 19, 2021
scientist holding a test tube with computer illustration

Applied Bioinformatics certificate offers skills training in high-demand bioinformatics field through a flexible, online format.

MADISON, Wis.—July 19, 2021—University of Wisconsin Extended Campus, in partnership with seven UW System campuses, will offer an online Graduate Certificate in Applied Bioinformatics in September 2021. The certificate provides skills training for professionals seeking career advancement in biotechnology and related healthcare and scientific research fields.

“Bioinformatics represents the marriage of science and computing. Our capacity to generate large amounts of data is greater than ever, and the ability to organize and access that information blazes a trail to discovery,” said Dr. Mark Levenstein, the Academic Director for the M.S. in Applied Biotechnology program at UW-Platteville. “High demand for bioinformatics analysts is supported by an average annual salary of $88,000 in Wisconsin.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of computer and information research scientists is projected to grow 16 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Courses in the certificate focus on data science techniques used in processing biological data from scientific research, such as large-scale genomics and other molecular and biological datasets. Students will learn the basic principles of data science and gain proficiency in statistics, machine learning, data visualization, programming, and other techniques. To earn the certificate, students must complete the four courses in the curriculum, all available entirely online.

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“Abbott Diagnostics recognized the value in establishing a bioinformatics team several years ago,” said A. Scott Muerhoff, Ph.D., Director of Biologics Discovery, Senior Research Fellow, Abbott Diagnostics and M.S. in Applied Biotechnology Advisory Board member. “This certificate will allow Abbott scientists who have no formal training in bioinformatics to continue to excel in their current roles while obtaining the necessary skills to support the ever-increasing demand on our current bioinformatics staff.”

UW System campuses participating in the Applied Bioinformatics certificate program include UW-Green Bay, UW-Madison, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Parkside, UW-Platteville, UW-Stevens Point, and UW-Whitewater. UW Extended Campus, in collaboration with the universities, makes advanced education possible through flexible, online programs that combine the diverse expertise and resources of UW campuses and faculty. Students with a variety of work, education, and life experience have found success in UW Extended Campus programs and are making a difference in the world today.

It is possible to earn a certificate within one year; however, students may decide to take longer to complete a certificate based on work and life commitments. Like other UW Extended Campus programs, students pay the same tuition whether they live in Wisconsin or out of state.

Prospective students seeking more information about the online Graduate Certificate in Applied Bioinformatics are encouraged to download a program guide. For information about all UW Extended Campus certificates, courses, or degrees visit uwex.wisconsin.edu, call 608-800-6762, or email learn@uwex.wisconsin.edu.

About UW Extended Campus

The University of Wisconsin System is one of the largest and most widely respected public higher education systems in the country. UW Extended Campus partners with all UW System campuses to offer online degrees and certificates, as well as continuing education and lifelong learning opportunities. Through UW Extended Campus, people of Wisconsin and beyond can access university resources and engage in online learning, wherever they live and work—fulfilling the promise of the “Wisconsin Idea.”

Programs: Applied Bioinformatics, Applied Biotechnology