Bioinformatics and computational biology
Master of Science
From DNA to algorithms
Drawing on expertise and resources from nine university departments, our program provides unique interdisciplinary training that prepares you to tackle the most cutting-edge problems in genetics, genomics, population biology, mathematical modeling, statistics and computer science.
Options include focusing your studies and research on biological sciences or computer sciences/mathematical science. Regardless of your specialization, our program gives you a strong intellectual foundation in both areas. For example, biologists will learn the computational tools needed to conduct bioinformatic research, mathematicians and computer scientists will gain a background in general biology and genetics.
Our program features exciting research opportunities across disciplines, including collaborative projects with the Institute for Bioinformatics and Evolutionary Studies (IBEST).
Overview
Related Topics
Decode life with data
Application information
Applicants for the master’s in Bioinformatics and computational biology program must meet the following degree-specific admission requirements:
- Education level: Bachelor's
- GPA: 3.0
- GRE: No
- TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo: 100/7.0/120 (for applicants whose education was completed in countries where English is not an official language)
- Number of references: Three
- Other requirements: No
Program availability
- Concentration: Thesis and non-thesis
- Semester intake: Summer, Fall, Spring
- Deadlines: General application deadlines
Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.
Contact information
Biological Sciences contact: Paul Hohenlohe; bcb@uidaho.edu; 208-885-7918
Graduate Admissions contact: graduateadmissions@uidaho.edu; 208-885-4001
Costs, funding and research
To learn about various ways to fund your graduate degree, check out Graduate Funding.
For detailed information about the cost of attendance, visit Financial Aid.
As a Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (BCB) student, you may be appointed as a teaching assistant in the home department of your major professor. Teaching Assistantship positions include an annual support package that follows the policies and stipend levels of that department. In addition to these opportunities, BCB faculty often have individual research grants to offer research assistantships to qualified students.
Hands-on learning
Each week many BCB students participate in IIDS Lunch that occurs once a week all year long. These regular lunches expose BCB students to information, discussions and a culture of productive collegial collaborations that most students at U.S. universities do not have access to.
Degree fit
This program could be a good fit if you:
- Enjoy solving complex puzzles
- Are inquisitive and a creative problem solver
- Are interested in biological systems
- Want to lead cutting-edge research
- Have strong analytical and mathematical skills
- Like working with computers
Clubs
- BCB Graduate Student Association
Career outcomes
Current job openings
2,782 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and mid-career salaries
- Natural Sciences Managers
$152,874 - Computer and Information Scientists
$204,261 - Software Developers
$155,611 - Statisticians • Biostatisticians
$98,789 - Bioinformatics Scientists • Geneticists • Molecular and Cellular Biologists
$90,412
* Career data provided by Lightcast.