How do I get into a top graduate program in bioinformatics (MS) with no programming experience?

I have a BS in biochemistry from UNH with an emphasis on genetics/bioinformatics, have worked for years as one of


the foremost experts with regard to Sequence Listing preparation, have worked as an applications specialist for an international bioinformatics company, worked several years as a professional biosequence searcher for the IP field, have been a member of the US Patent bar for 4 years, have developed biosequence software for the IP field with a friend. I was published a few years ago on a comparison of biosequence algorithms. I currently work as an IP legal assistant in the Patent group of a prominent Boston law firm.





Good real world experience- but I have never taken a computer science class. I essentially have told people what the software should do and why, how to present results, beta-test software/look for bugs etc..


Do I audit classes? What languages/order do I learn them? How important is bioperl?

How do I get into a top graduate program in bioinformatics (MS) with no programming experience?
I don't get it -- you have plenty of real-world experience that might be better in many ways than academic experience.





Talk to the school you want to go to and ask them. They'll probably recommend that after you get into the program you'll have to take some make-up courses in computer science foundation topics, which could add a year or two to your degree, but getting in shouldn't be a problem.
Reply:It depends on their expectation on your skill level. People can learn a programming language in a few days time without prior experience.