Department of Computer and Information Sciences

Computer and Information Sciences (MS,PhD)

Telephone: (302) 831-2712
http://www.cis.udel.edu/graduate/index.html
Faculty Listing:http://www.cis.udel.edu/people/index.html

Program Overview

The Department of Computer and Information Sciences offers programs leading to the PhD and MS degrees. Computer Science is a vigorous and exciting field of research and study that continues to grow in importance. Computer science programs are broad in scope and deal with software and hardware technology, the theory of computation, scientific computing, and their applications. Departmental research strengths include artificial intelligence (machine learning, multiagent systems, planning, and problem solving), bioinformatics, computational theory (computational learning theory, design and analysis of algorithms, computability theory), compiler optimization and compilation for parallel machines, natural-language processing, (discourse and dialogue, generation, information extraction, summarization), systems (parallel and distributed computing, grid and volunteer computing, algorithm and architecture design for massive parallelism), networks, (distributed computing, transport layer protocols, mobile and wireless networks, algorithm and architecture design for massive parallelism, networks management, security performance modeling, simulation), graphics and computer vision, rehabilitation engineering (augmentative communication, speech recognition, and enhancement), software engineering (program analysis and testing), symbolic mathematical computation (algebraic algorithms, parallelization), and robotics.

The CIS graduate programs provide a solid foundation in the fundamental areas of computer science and, in addition, provides numerous advanced courses and seminars to acquaint the student with current computer science research. The main difference in objectives between the MS and PhD programs is that the PhD is designed to prepare students to conduct advanced research.

Requirements for Admission

Graduate admission requirements originate at two levels: the University and the CIS Department. The University-level requirements may be found in the Graduate Admissions section.

Applicants must also satisfy the following general departmental requirements for admission to the CIS graduate program:

1. The equivalent of a bachelor’s degree at the University of Delaware. A minimum grade average of 3.2 in the major field of study and an overall cumulative index of 3.0 is required.
2. Scholarly competence in mathematics and computer programming. Applicants are expected to know the material covered by at least one undergraduate course in each of the following topics:

• structured high-level language programming,
• data structures,
• computer architecture,
• operating systems,
• analysis of algorithms.

Additionally, applicants must have completed the equivalent of at least four undergraduate courses in the following list:

• calculus,
• discrete mathematics,
• probability and statistics,
• mathematical logic,
• comparable formal subjects, such as Theory of Computation.

3. Strong applicants lacking prerequisites are occasionally admitted provisionally on the condition that they complete specified undergraduate courses with a B or better in addition to the normal degree requirements. Students without formal course work covering the prerequisites who have gained equivalent knowledge through work or other experience should submit appropriate evidence.
4. Minimum scores of 153, 155, and 4.0 are required for the verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing sections, respectively, of the Graduate Record Examination Aptitude Test. (if taken prior to 08/01/11, then minimum scores of 500, 700 and 4.0 are required for the verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing sections.) The GRE subject test is not required.
5. If the applicant has completed graduate courses in computer science beyond the bachelor’s degree, the grades earned in these courses will be reviewed and considered in the admission decision. A minimum grade of 3.0 (B) in each of these courses is required.
6. For applicants whose first language is not English, and who have not received a degree at a U.S. college or university, a minimum score of 79 on the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or 6.5 on the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is required for admission. A minimum score of 100 on the TOEFL or 7.5 on the IELTS is required to be considered for financial aid in the form of a teaching assistantship.
7. Three letters of recommendation from professors (preferably), employers, or others who are able to assess your potential for success in graduate studies. Use the University of Delaware recommendation form whenever possible. Any attached letter should be a signed original and, preferably, on colored letterhead from the author’s institution.
8. It is suggested, but not required, that students provide official documentation of their relative ranking within their class.
9. A master’s degree is not required for admission to the PhD program. Strong applicants with a Bachelor’s degree are encouraged to apply directly for admission to the PhD program.

Note: Admission to the graduate program is competitive. Those who meet stated minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission, nor are those who fail to meet all of those requirements necessarily precluded from admission if they offer other appropriate strengths.

Financial Aid

A number of fellowships, research assistantships, and teaching assistantships are awarded each year to full-time graduate students in the Department. Additionally, a few fellowships are awarded by the University to particularly outstanding students. Both entering and continuing graduate students are eligible to apply for financial aid.

If awarded financial aid and if satisfactory academic progress is maintained along with satisfactory performance of assistantship duties (when applicable), students entering with a bachelor’s degree are normally supported up to two years for the MS degree, or up to five years for the PhD degree. Students entering with a master’s degree are normally supported up to three years.

To maintain satisfactory academic progress beyond the second year, those students entering with a bachelor’s degree are expected to take and fulfill the Preliminary Requirements after no more than three semesters of study. Students entering with an MS degree in Computer and Information Sciences (or a related area) are expected to take and fulfill the Preliminary Requirements after one semester of study.

Students who receive financial aid midway in their studies should speak to the CIS Graduate Committee Chair regarding their expected length of support. With regard to financial aid, PhD students are those who have fulfilled the Preliminary Requirements.

Admission to the graduate program does not automatically entitle an applicant to financial aid. Aid is awarded on a competitive basis from the pool of admitted applicants. Usually awards are made in March-May for the fall semester, and in December for the spring semester.

Bioinformatics & Computational Biology (Certificate, PSM, MS)

Telephone: (302) 831-0161
http://bioinformatics.udel.edu/Education
Faculty Listing: http://bioinformatics.udel.edu/Education/faculty

General Program and Degree Overview

Bioinformatics and Computational Biology is an emerging field where biological and computational disciplines converge. The field encompasses the development and application of computational tools and techniques for the collection, analysis, management, and visualization of biological data, as well as modeling and simulation methods for the study of biological systems. Essential to the 21st century life sciences research and key to our understanding of complex biological systems, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology is making an impact upon the science and technology of fields ranging from agricultural, energy and environmental sciences to pharmaceutical and medical sciences.

The Graduate Certificate, Professional Science Masters and Masters Degree programs in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology are administered through the Department of Computer & Information Sciences and coordinated by the Center for Bioinformatics & Computational Biology. The scientific curriculum is supported with the research strength, education resources and bioinformatics infrastructure from more than 15 participating Departments across the Colleges of Arts & Sciences, Engineering, Agriculture & Natural Resources, and Earth, Ocean & Environment, as well as the Delaware Biotechnology Institute.

For further information on the Graduate Certificate, Professional Science Masters, and/or Master of Science programs in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, please continue reading and/or view their web page.

Graduate Certificate in Bioinformatics

Program Overview

The Life Sciences Concentration provides knowledge and experience in bioinformatics methods, tools and databases as an integral approach to life science research, modern biotechnology or medicine. The Certificate will provide bioinformatics core competency as a stepping stone for a professional career.

The Computational Sciences Concentration provides knowledge and experience in developing computational methods and bioinformatics tools and databases for modern biological studies, biotechnology or medicine. The Certificate will provide bioinformatics core competency as a stepping stone for a professional career.

Requirements for Admission

Admission to the graduate program is competitive. Those who meet stated requirements are not guaranteed admission, nor are those who fail to meet all of those requirements necessarily precluded from admission if they offer other appropriate strengths.

Following are the admission requirements to the Graduate Certificate in Bioinformatics:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with a minimum grade average of 3.0 on a 4.0 system
• Applicants may have undergraduate degrees from biological, computational, or other disciplines. However, applicants are expected to have scholarly competence in mathematics, computer science and/or biology GRE scores are not required.
• International student applicants must demonstrate a satisfactory level of proficiency in the English language if English is not their first language. The University requires an official paper-based TOEFL score of at least 550, at least 213 on the computer-based TOEFL, or at least 79 on the Internet-based TOEFL. TOEFL scores more than two years old cannot be considered official.
• Three letters of recommendation are required. At least one letter must be from a professor; other letters can be from employers or others who have had a supervisory relationship with the applicant and are able to assess the applicant’s potential for success in graduate studies.
• Applications must also include a resume outlining work and academic experience, as well as an application essay consisting of the answers to the following questions:
  • What educational background and scientific research or employment experience prepare you for this bioinformatics degree program?
  • What are your long-term professional objectives?
  • What specific attributes of the bioinformatics program make you feel that this degree is appropriate to help you achieve your professional objectives?

Professional Science Masters in Bioinformatics

Program Overview

Graduates of the Professional Science Master’s program will play a key role in multi- and interdisciplinary teams, bridging life sciences and computational sciences. The scientific curriculum, along with “Plus” component for professional skills and the immersive internship will prepare PSM graduates for a professional career in industry or government.

The Life Sciences Concentration provides knowledge and experience in applying bioinformatics methods, tools and databases as an integral approach to life science research, modern biotechnology or medicine.

The Computational Sciences Concentration provides knowledge and experience in developing computational methods and bioinformatics tools and databases for modern biological studies, biotechnology or medicine.

Requirements for Admission

Admission to the graduate program is competitive. Those who meet stated requirements are not guaranteed admission, nor are those who fail to meet all of those requirements necessarily precluded from admission if they offer other appropriate strengths.

The following are the admission requirements to the Professional Science Master’s program in Bioinformatics:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with a minimum grade average of 3.0 on a 4.0 system
• Applicants may have undergraduate degrees from biological, computational, or other disciplines. However, applicants are expected to have scholarly competence in mathematics, computer science and/or biology.
• The following GRE scores are competitive: Quantitative: 650, Verbal + Quantitative: 1200 if taken prior to August 1, 2011 or Quantitative: 151, Verbal + Quantitative: 307 if taken after August 1, 2011. No GRE subject test is required.
• International student applicants must demonstrate a satisfactory level of proficiency in the English language if English is not their first language. The University requires an official paper-based TOEFL score of at least 550, at least 213 on the computer-based TOEFL, or at least 79 on the Internet-based TOEFL. TOEFL scores more than two years old cannot be considered official.
• Three letters of recommendation are required. At least one letter must be from a professor; other letters can be from employers or others who have had a supervisory relationship with the applicant and are able to assess the applicant’s potential for success in graduate studies.
• Applications must also include a resume outlining work and academic experience, as well as an application essay consisting of the answers to the following questions:
  • What educational background and scientific research or employment experience prepare you for this bioinformatics degree program?
  • What are your long-term professional objectives?
  • What specific attributes of the bioinformatics program make you feel that this degree is appropriate to help you achieve your professional objectives?

Master of Science in Bioinformatics & Computational Biology (BICB-MS)

Program Overview

Graduates of the Master of Science program will play a key role in multi- and interdisciplinary teams, bridging life sciences and computational sciences. The thesis-based MS degree will prepare students for advanced research in bioinformatics and computational biology.

The Life Sciences Concentration provides knowledge and experience in applying bioinformatics methods, tools and databases as an integral approach to life science research, modern biotechnology or medicine.

The Computational Sciences Concentration provides knowledge and experience in developing computational methods and bioinformatics tools and databases for modern biological studies, biotechnology, and medicine.

Requirements for Admission

Admission to the graduate program is competitive. Those who meet stated requirements are not guaranteed admission, nor are those who fail to meet all of those requirements necessarily precluded from admission if they offer other appropriate strengths.

The following are the admission requirements to the Master of Science program in Bioinformatics & Computational Biology:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with a minimum grade average of 3.0 on a 4.0 system
• Applicants may have undergraduate degrees from biological, computational, or other disciplines. However, applicants are expected to have scholarly competence in mathematics, computer science and/or biology.
• The following GRE scores are competitive: Quantitative: 650, Verbal + Quantitative: 1200 if taken prior to August 1, 2011 or Quantitative: 151, Verbal + Quantitative: 307 if taken after August 1, 2011. No GRE subject test is required.
• International student applicants must demonstrate a satisfactory level of proficiency in the English language if English is not their first language. The University requires an official paper-based TOEFL score of at least 550, at least 213 on the computer-based TOEFL, or at least 79 on the Internet-based TOEFL. TOEFL scores more than two years old cannot be considered official.
• Three letters of recommendation are required. At least one letter must be from a professor; other letters can be from employers or others who have had a supervisory relationship with the applicant and are able to assess the applicant’s potential for success in graduate studies; and Applications must also include a resume outlining work and academic experience, as well as an application essay consisting of the answers to the following questions:
  • What educational background and scientific research or employment experience prepare you for this bioinformatics degree program?
  • What are your long-term professional objectives?
  • What specific attributes of the bioinformatics program make you feel that this degree is appropriate to help you achieve your professional objectives?

BIOINFORMATICS & COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY -
Online Graduate Certificate in Applied Bioinformatics
http://bioinformatics.udel.edu/education/ABNF-CERT/

Faculty Listing: http://bioinformatics.udel.edu/Education/faculty

Program Overview

The Online Graduate Certificate program in Applied Bioinformatics (ABNF-CERT) is administered through its academic home, the Department of Computer & Information Sciences, and is coordinated by the Center for Bioinformatics & Computational Biology. The team of course instructors are well recognized researchers and practitioners in the fields of bioinformatics, computational biology, systems biology, genomics, translational bioinformatics, and big data.  The active participation of the instructional team in national and international initiatives and their direct involvement in the development of major bioinformatics tools and resources ensures that the team’s knowledge and experience at the forefront of technological advances will translate to a rigorous course curriculum to maximize the academic and career opportunities for students.                                                                                            

Requirements for Admission

Admission to the graduate certificate program is competitive. Those who meet stated requirements are not guaranteed admission, nor are those who fail to meet all of those requirements necessarily precluded from admission if they offer other appropriate strengths.

The following are the admission requirements to the Online Graduate Certificate program in Applied Bioinformatics:

• Bachelor’s degree at an accredited four-year college or university with a minimum grade average of 3.0 on a 4.0 system.
• Applicants must be in the last semester of undergraduate study or hold an undergraduate degree in biological, computational, or other disciplines. However, applicants are expected to have scholarly competence in mathematics, computer science and/or biology.
• GRE scores are recommended but may be waived upon application review.
• International student applicants must demonstrate a satisfactory level of proficiency in the English language if English is not the first language. The University requires an official paper-based TOEFL score of at least 550, or at least 79 on the Internet-based TOEFL. TOEFL scores more than two years old cannot be considered official.
• Two letters of recommendation are required. Ideally at least one letter is from professors, the other letter can be from employers or others who have had a supervisory relationship with the applicant and are able to assess the applicant’s potential for success in graduate studies.
• Applications must also include a resume outlining work and academic experience, as well as an application essay consisting of the answers to the following questions:
• What educational background and scientific research or employment experience prepare you for this bioinformatics graduate certificate program?
• What are your long-term professional objectives?
• What specific attributes of the program make you feel this certificate is appropriate to help you achieve your professional objectives?

Bioinformatics & Systems Biology (PhD)

Telephone: (302) 831-0161
http://bioinformatics.udel.edu/Education/PhD

Faculty Listing: http://bioinformatics.udel.edu/Education/faculty

Program Overview

Bioinformatics and Systems Biology is an emerging and rapidly expanding field where biological, computational, and quantitative disciplines converge. The field encompasses the development and application of computational tools and techniques for the collection, analysis, management, and visualization of biological data, as well as modeling and simulation methods for the study of biological systems. Fundamental to modern day biological studies and key to the basic understanding of complex biological systems, bioinformatics and systems biology is making an impact upon the science and technology of fields ranging from agricultural and environmental sciences to pharmaceutical and medical sciences. The research requires close collaboration among multi-disciplinary teams of researchers in quantitative and life sciences, and their interfaces.

The Ph.D. in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology is offered as a University-wide interdisciplinary graduate program with scientific curriculum that builds upon the research and educational strength from departments across the Colleges of Engineering (CoE), Arts & Sciences (CAS), Agriculture & Natural Resources (CANR), and Earth, Ocean & Environment (CEOE). The Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (CBCB) administers the Ph.D. program in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology and coordinates with the individual departments involved in the program. The Ph.D. in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology will train the next-generation of researchers and professionals who will play a key role in multi and interdisciplinary teams, bridging life sciences and computational sciences. Students will receive training in experimental, computational, and mathematical disciplines through their coursework and research. Students who complete this degree will be able to generate and analyze experimental data for biomedical research as well as develop physical or computational models of the molecular components that drive the behavior of the biological system.

Requirements for Admission

The following are the admission requirements to the Ph.D. program in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology:

• A completed University of Delaware Graduate Studies application. Students may apply to the program prior to arranging a primary faculty advisor; however, all students in the program will need the agreement of a Program faculty member to serve as the primary faculty advisor before admission into the program.
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university, with a minimum grade average of 3.0 on a 4.0 system.
• Official, up-to-date transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate programs.
• Applicants may have undergraduate degrees from biological, computational, or other disciplines. However, applicants are expected to have scholarly competence in mathematics, computer science, and/or biology.
• The following GRE scores are competitive: Quantitative: 650, Verbal + Quantitative:1200 if taken prior to August 1, 2011 or Quantitative: 151, Verbal + Quantitative: 307 if taken after August 1, 2011. No GRE subject test is required.
• International student applicants must demonstrate a satisfactory level of proficiency in the English language if English is not their first language. International applicants must have an official TOEFL score of at least 250 on computer-based or 100 on Internet-based tests. TOEFL scores more than two years old cannot be considered official. Alternatively, IELTS can be accepted in place of the TOEFL. The minimum IELTS score is 7.5 overall with no individual sub-score below 6.0.
• Three letters of recommendation are required. At least one letter must be from a professor, other letters can be from employers or others who have had a supervisory relationship with the applicant and are able to assess the applicant’s potential for success in graduate studies.
• Applications must also include a resume outlining work and academic experience, as well as an application essay consisting of the answers to the following questions:

1. What educational background and scientific research or employment experience prepare you for this degree program?
2. What are your long-term professional objectives?
3. What specific attributes of the program make you feel that this degree is appropriate to help you achieve your professional objectives?

Applicants must, at the time of admission, have a Primary Faculty Advisor who has agreed to direct and advise a program of study. The Graduate Program Committee must approve all advisor selections. It is the expectation of the Committee that graduate advisors will have active research programs with funding at a level sufficient to support graduate student training. Applicants will typically have an M.S. degree in related field. Direct admission to the Ph.D. program immediately after a B.S. degree will only be considered for exceptionally qualified candidates, as determined by the Graduate Program Committee. However, these candidates will have to complete an additional nine credit hours to fulfill course requirements associated with the Bioinformatics and Computational Biology M.S. curriculum.

Programs

• Bioinformatics & Computational Biology - Computational Sciences Concentration (BICB-MS)
• Bioinformatics & Computational Biology - Life Sciences Concentration (BICB-MS)
• Bioinformatics - Computational Science Concentration (PSM)
• Bioinformatics - Life Sciences Concentration (PSM)
• Computer and Information Sciences (MS)
• Data Science (MS)

• Bioinformatics Data Science (PhD)
• Computer and Information Sciences (PhD)

• Applied Bioinformatics Certificate
• Bioinformatics - Computational Sciences Concentration Certificate
• Bioinformatics - Life Sciences Concentration Certificate
• Computational Science and Engineering Certificate

• Computer Science/Data Science 4+1 (BA/MS)
• Computer Science/Data Science 4+1 (BS/MS)
• Information Systems/Data Science 4+1 (BS/MS)