The Crop Sciences concentration within the M.S. degree in Bioinformatics can be earned with a thesis option or a non-thesis option, which requires optional supervised research experiences.

The genomic and proteomic projects are generating large amounts of complex biological data that require effective storage, retrieval, analysis and interpretation. The bioinformatics degree program provides students with the skills necessary to augment the understanding and use of agricultural, biological and medical information and resources through the application of molecular, chemical, physical, computational, statistical, mathematical and informatic techniques. Students interested in this program may come with undergraduate training in one of the following areas:

1. biological and agricultural sciences,
2. statistical, mathematical and computer sciences,
3. informatics and engineering sciences.

Graduates from the bioinformatics program will be able to integrate basic and applied concepts in the three areas and apply them to biotechnology and medical research.