Bioinformatics
Overview
Bioinformatics programs prepare people to use math and computer science for medical and biotechnology research.Bioinformatics programs include topics such as:
- Software design
- Algorithms
- Human interface design
- Usability studies
- Database management
- Computer graphics and animation
- Computer programming
- Statistics and research methodology
- Biomolecular and genetic engineering
Schools
Community colleges and other two-year schools offer associate degree programs in bioinformatics. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete. After earning an associate degree students can transfer to a college or university for further study.
Some colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in bioinformatics. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.
Many universities offer graduate degrees in bioinformatics. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Applied Mathematics
- Biological Sciences, General
- Biometrics and Biostatistics
- Computer Science
- Database Administration
- Informatics
- Information Science
- Library Science
- Management Information Systems
- Mathematics
- Statistics
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
- Computer and Information Systems Managers
- Computer Engineers
- Computer Programmers
- Database Administrators
- University and College Teachers
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
- Bioengineers
- Computer and Information Research Scientists
- Computer Systems Analysts
- Medical Scientists
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Advanced Algebra courses
- Advanced Biology courses
- Calculus
- Computer Science and Programming
- Pre-Calculus
- Probability and Statistics
Graduate Admissions
Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores.
Additional requirements at some schools include:
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Professional resume
- Undergraduate degree in genetics, math, or computer science
- Undergraduate course work in statistics
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
A bachelor's degree program in bioinformatics typically requires that you study courses such as the following:
- Algorithms
- Biomedical Engineering
- Biostatistics
- Computer Programming
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Molecular Genetics and Regulation
- Principles of Bioinformatics
- Research Design
Graduate Program Courses
Graduate programs in bioinformatics usually require original research. A list of common graduate requirements is below:
- Required courses
- Thesis (master's degree)
- Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
- Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)
Things to Know
Bioinformatics programs may be in engineering, computer science, or biology departments.
Typically, a degree in bioinformatics prepares you to work as a researcher in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.
Schools
King-Snohomish Area
Northeastern University - Seattle
- Bioinformatics
University of Washington - Seattle
- Applied & Computational Mathematical Sciences--Biological & Life Sciences
- Bioengineering
- Genome Sciences
- PhD Program in Health Services
- Quantitative Ecology and Resource Management
Spokane Area
Whitworth University
- Bioinformatics