Quantitative Biology Certificate

Graduate Certificate
Two researchers in lab coats examine a petri dish in a laboratory.

Build the statistical and computational foundation modern biology runs on—in 12 credits that count toward a WPI master’s degree.

As quantitative approaches reshape biology and biomedical fields, WPI’s graduate certificate in quantitative biology gives students with a biology or life sciences background the quantitative and computational training to move into computational biology roles or advanced graduate study. 

This 12-credit certificate program pairs core quantitative training with applied course work in biology and is designed to be buildable. Credits earned now carry forward into WPI’s MS programs in bioinformatics and computational biology, biotechnology, and molecular and cellular biology.

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12 credits

buildable toward three different WPI master’s degrees

3 MS Programs to build toward

bioinformatics and computational biology, biotechnology, and molecular and cellular biology masters degrees

3.0 minimum GPA

the key academic bar for a life sciences bachelor’s degree holder

3 Intake Terms Per year

fall, spring, and summer

Curriculum: Quantitative Training for Biologists  

Program Requirements 

Here’s how the 12 credits are taken: 

  • required statistics course 
  • 3 credits (minimum) across core quantitative coursework
  • 3 credits (minimum) of applied quantitative biology coursework 
  • 3 remaining credits from either category above or another biology and biotechnology graduate course 
  • up to 3 credits of independent study may apply

Courses

Required Course (3 credits)
  • MA 511—Applied Statistics for Engineers and Scientists 
Core Quantitative Courses (3–6 credits)
  • BCB 504/MA 584—Statistical Methods in Genetics and Bioinformatics (3 cr) 
  • MA 4635/DS 4635—Data Analytics and Statistical Learning (3 cr) 
  • MA 4644—Intro to Time Series (2 cr) 
  • MA 542—Intro to Regression Analysis (3 cr) 
  • DS 502—Statistical Methods for Data Science (3 cr) 
Core Applied Quantitative Biology Courses (3–6 credits)
  • BCB 501/BB 581—Bioinformatics (3 cr) 
  • BCB 590—Special Topics (variable credits) 
  • BCB 555—Journal Club in Quantitative Cell Biology (1 cr) 
  • MA 544/SS 510—Principles of Epidemiology (3 cr) 
  • BCB ISP—Independent Study (up to 3 credits) 
Biology Elective Courses (up to 3 credits)
  • BB 504—Molecular Biology of the Cell (3 cr) 
  • BB 526—Synthetic Biology (2 cr) 
  • BB 559—Cancer Biology (2 cr) 
  • BB 565—Virology (3 cr) 
  • BB 561—Model Systems: Experimental Approaches and Applications (2 cr) 
  • BB 562—Cell Cycle Regulation (3 cr) 
  • BB 570—Special Topics (2 or 3 cr) 
  • BB 575—Advanced Genetics and Cellular Biology (2 cr) 
  • BB 576—Genetic Engineering of Expression Systems (3 cr) 
Graduate Catalog

Building toward a master’s degree? This certificate is buildable, its coursework applies directly toward WPI’s MS in bioinformatics and computational biology, biotechnology, or molecular and cellular biology. 

Credits you earn now keep working for you later. 

Designed for Quantitatively Curious Biologists  

Who Should Apply:  

Recent graduates entering computational biology 
Have a BS in biology or a related life sciences field? Build the quantitative and computational skills that open doors into bioinformatics, data-driven biomedical research, and quantitative biology roles. 

Students preparing for advanced graduate study 
Planning an MS or PhD in bioinformatics and computational biology, biotechnology, or molecular and cellular biology? This certificate builds the quantitative base those programs assume—and the coursework carries forward. 

Regional students seeking a flexible, remote-friendly path 
Key courses across the required, core, and elective categories are offered online, so you can build this foundation without relocating. 

Admissions: Quantitative Biology Certificate Requirements 

This certificate enrolls students based on academic background and readiness for quantitative coursework—no test scores, recommendation letters, resume, or statement of purpose required. 

  • Bachelor’s degree (or U.S. equivalent) in biology or a related life sciences field 
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 
  • Completion of college-level calculus (MA 1021 and MA 1022) or equivalent 
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