Biomedical data science and informatics is an interdisciplinary field that applies concepts and methods from computer science and other quantitative disciplines together with principles of information science to solve challenging problems in biology, medicine and public health.
The nation's transition to new healthcare delivery models and the exponential growth in biomedical data translate to a need for professionals with expertise in data science focused in biomedical research who can leverage big data to improve health in the state and the nation. Specialized tracks will initially include precision medicine, population health, and clinical and translational informatics.
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A joint PhD degree program offered by Clemson University and the Medical University of South Carolina
The program is a unique collaboration that brings together Clemson’s strengths in computing, engineering, and public health and MUSC’s expertise in biomedical sciences to produce the next generation of data scientists, prepared to manage and analyze big data sources from mobile sensors to genomic and imaging technologies. Graduates will possess the necessary skills for informatics careers in biology, medicine or public health focused on the development of prescriptive analytics from large data sources. This interdisciplinary program is designed for full-time students with undergraduate or graduate computer science, math, engineering, or biomedical sciences backgrounds who wish to make a contribution to biomedical sciences or individual and societal health. [APPLY]
Each student will work with the graduate coordinator, academic advisor, and dissertation committee to construct a program of study that conforms to the requirements outlined below and takes into account both the student’s prior preparation and intended research area. In cases where the student comes to the program with prior coursework in a required area, the graduate coordinator may approve a substitution. In cases where a student lacks pre-requisites for a required course, the student will be asked to complete both the pre-requisite coursework and the required course. Because the curriculum will be tailored to each student, the time needed to complete the degree will vary, but in general, it is expected that students can complete the degree in five years or less.
Coursework (65-68 total hours):
The annual deadline for COMPLETE applications is January 15th. Individuals are encouraged to complete their application several weeks prior to deadline to ensure optimal advantage. A joint admissions committee will review all applications and make recommendations to the Deans of the Clemson Graduate School and MUSC College of graduate Studies; the Deans will make final admissions decisions. Students will typically begin their study in the fall semester. Applicants will identify a preference for a "home institution" when applying for admission to this joint program. The faculty joint selection committee will consider the applicant’s preference and other considerations (e.g. number of openings, alignment of student’s research interests, funding) and will make the final "home institution" decisions.
Clemson: Brian Dean, (864)656-5866 bcdean@clemson.edu
Adam Rollins, (864)656-5853 rollin7@clemson.edu
MUSC: Alexander Alekseyenko, (843)792-2043 alekseye@musc.edu
This interdisciplinary program leverages the broad strength at Clemson spanning computing, engineering, mathematics, biology, public health, and other areas to produce the next generation of data scientists, prepared to manage and analyze big data sources from mobile sensors to genomic and imaging technologies. Graduates will possess the necessary skills for informatics careers in biology, medicine or public health focused on the development of prescriptive analytics from large data sources. The program is designed for students with undergraduate computer science, math, engineering, or biomedical sciences backgrounds who wish to make a contribution to biomedical sciences or individual and societal health. [APPLY]
Each student will work with the graduate coordinator to construct a program of study that conforms to the requirements outlined below and takes into account both the student’s prior preparation. In cases where the student comes to the program with prior coursework in a required area, the graduate coordinator may approve a substitution. In cases where a student lacks pre-requisites for a required course, the student will be asked to complete both the pre-requisite coursework and the required course. Because the curriculum will be tailored to each student, the time needed to complete the degree will vary, but in general, it is expected that students can complete the degree in two years.
Coursework (32-34 hours):
The BDSI Master of Science offers a combined BS/MS-BDSI with BS Mathematics, Bioengineering, Computer Engineering, and Computer Science degrees. The BS/MS program allows Clemson undergraduates to apply up to twelve hours of graduate coursework towards both their BS and MS degrees. Students participating in this program must have at least 90 semester hours and a minimum GPA of 3.4. For questions about the BS-MS course plan, please contact Adam Rollins at rollin7@clemson.edu.
The annual deadline for COMPLETE applications is April 15th.
Brian Dean, (864)656-5866 bcdean@clemson.edu
Adam Rollins, (864)656-5853 rollin7@clemson.edu
Meet our faculty members at both Clemson University and the Medical University of South Carolina
The joint PhD program with MUSC will give students access to both Clemson University and MUSC facilities.
Refer to the individual program above to find out more about the application process. Application deadline for full consideration is April 15 for the MS program, and January 15 for the PhD program.
APPLY TODAY!See what our students are saying
I have always wanted to work in health care, and I believe that focusing my education in the growing field of biomedical data science and informatics will allow me to make a positive impact on health care delivery and patient care. I love the interdisciplinary nature of this field and our program of study because it creates opportunities to tackle challenges in improving health care in a variety of ways, combining tools and techniques from different disciplines. I look forward to using the skills I develop from this program to further my research in population health and to support health care systems in providing quality, accessible, and cost-efficient care.
My experience working and researching as a data scientist has exposed me to various types of interesting real world problems. With my background as a Biomedical engineer I have always wanted to circle back to biological data. The Clemson-MUSC BDSI program allows me to apply and hone my data science skills while providing challenging problems that require practical solutions. This program offers several inter-disciplinary research opportunities that are interesting to me ranging from public health policy to molecular biology. Being part of the research team focusing on cancer research is definitely a bonus.
The future of health care is data. Clemson and MUSC have essentially combined their strengths to provide excellent computer science curriculum and resources with impressive medical, statistical, and domain space knowledge. I chose this program because of the outstanding mentoring opportunities available and the climate of innovation that exists in these two institutions. Of all the programs that I researched I felt that this program would best prepare me to be a leader in big data analytics and technology innovation in health care.
With my enthusiasm for patient safety and multidisciplinary background in mathematics, engineering, and econometrics, I was attracted by the joint PhD degree program in Biomedical Data Science and Informatics offered by Clemson University and Medical University of South Carolina. The Clemson-MUSC BDSI program has been a perfect fit for me with its interdisciplinary curriculum and ample research opportunities aligning with my research interest. I envision biomedical informatics a key to various patient safety issues to which I hope to contribute in the near future.
