Applied Ontology M.S.
The Applied Ontology Graduate Program at the University at Buffalo (UB) is the world’s first dedicated academic program in Applied Ontology — a field at the intersection of philosophy, computer science, biomedical informatics, linguistics, and data science.
Whether you want to design ontologies for AI, integrate biomedical data, or engineer large-scale knowledge graphs, UB’s Applied Ontology program provides the theoretical foundation and technical skill set to lead in this rapidly growing field.
Applied Ontology M.S.
Our Master’s program provides a foundation in ontology, logic, and data representation, preparing students for work in ontology engineering, knowledge management, or further doctoral study.
Students learn to model domain knowledge formally, construct and maintain ontologies, and apply these skills across sectors such as AI, health informatics, industry, defense, and business intelligence.
Credit Requirements: 30 graduate credits
Duration: 1 year full-time (flexible pacing available)
Format: Fully online
Key Features
- Flexible enrollment for both traditional and online students
- Interdisciplinary coursework spanning Philosophy, Biomedical Informatics, Linguistics, Computer Science, Geographic Information Systems, and Management
- Hands-on internships and research partnerships with industry and government organizations
- Dissertation supervision by internationally recognized ontology scholars
Example courses include:
- PHI 519 – Topics in Logic
- PHI 531 – Problems in Ontology
- PHI 550 – Basic Formal Ontology
- BMI 508 – Biomedical Ontology
- LIN 567 – Computational Linguistics
- GEO 511 – Spatial Data Science
- MGS 628 – Data Visualization
Program Faculty
Philosophy
Barry Smith · John Beverley · Regina Hurley · Tom Bittner
Biomedical Informatics
Werner Ceusters · Alex Diehl · Peter Elkin
Linguistics
Cassandra Jacobs
Computer Science and Engineering
Jinjun Xiong
School of Management
Raj Sharman
Learning Outcomes
By graduation, students will be able to:
- Design and implement interoperable ontologies using OWL, Protégé, and SPARQL
- Integrate ontology frameworks into AI, data governance, and biomedical informatics systems
- Apply philosophical and logical principles to complex data modeling problems
- Communicate technical and conceptual insights across academic and industry contexts
- Demonstrate ethical leadership and collaboration in interdisciplinary research
Admission Information
Rolling Admissions:
Wherever possible apply by June 1 for Fall or November 1 for Spring (international applicants should apply earlier).
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (3.0 GPA minimum, exceptions possible)
- Writing sample (approx. 2500 words)
- Statement of purpose (≤ 500 words)
- Resume / CV
- Two letters of recommendation
- English proficiency (for international applicants)
Apply Online:
https://ubgradconnect.buffalo.edu/apply/
Contact:
Dr. John Beverley, Program Director
107 Park Hall · University at Buffalo
📧 johnbeve@buffalo.edu
Jobs in Ontology
Ontologists are needed by private industry and by governments and other institutions to develop and manage large databases and directories, to model and analyze complex structures and processes, and to build systems for data and enterprise integration.
The University at Buffalo’s special focus in ontology has resulted in an increasing number of its students embarking on careers as ontologists in government and business.
National Center for Ontological Research
The University is home to the National Center for Ontological Research and the UB Ontology Research Group Alongside Stanford University and the Mayo Clinic it was one of 3 US participating institutions of the National Center for Biomedical Ontology (NCBO), a consortium funded by the National Institutes of Health in 2005.
The National Center for Ontological Research (NCOR) was established in Buffalo also in 2005 with the goal of advancing the quality of ontological research and development and of establishing tools and measures for ontology evaluation and quality assurance. Learn more.
JOBS IN ONTOLOGY
Ontologists are needed by private industry and by governments and other institutions to develop and manage large databases and directories, to model and analyze complex structures and processes, and to build systems for data and enterprise integration.
Buffalo’s special focus in ontology has resulted in an increasing number of students embarking on careers as ontologists in government and business.
Collaboration
The National Center for Ontological Research (NCOR) was established in Buffalo in 2005 with the goal of advancing the quality of ontological research and development and of establishing tools and measures for ontology evaluation and quality assurance. Learn more.
