Bioinformatics and computational biology
Certificate, graduate
Speak the language of science
If you're looking to expand your expertise and stand out in today’s data-driven science fields, the graduate certificate in bioinformatics and computational biology (BCB) is a powerful addition to your academic path. Our program helps you build a strong foundation in bioinformatics, mathematics and computational sciences — areas that are essential to biotechnology, medical research and conservation biology.
You'll develop the skills to participate in interdisciplinary research and industry projects and confidently explain BCB concepts to people from a wide range of backgrounds. Most importantly, you’ll learn to speak the shared ‘language’ that connects professionals across biological, mathematical and computational sciences.
Overview
Related Topics
Turn science into clear impact
Degree fit
This program could be a good fit if you:
- Are a graduate student studying biology, computer science, mathematics or statistics
- Aim to work in biotechnology, medical sciences or conservation biology
- Seek interdisciplinary training
- Desire formal recognition of bioinformatics expertise
Career outcomes
Current job openings
669 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and starting salaries
- Clinical Data Managers
$83,644 - Biological Technicians
$38,904 - Natural Sciences Managers • Clinical Research Coordinators
$103,303 - Bioinformatics Scientists
$56,371 - Biostatisticians
$73,624
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Financial aid
Students pursuing a graduate certificate as a standalone program are not eligible for financial aid. However, students enrolled in a separate U of I graduate degree program may apply their financial aid or graduate funding toward a graduate certificate if they are pursuing both simultaneously.
For more information or to explore funding options, contact the Financial Aid Office at finaid@uidaho.edu or call 208-885-6312.
Clubs and involvement opportunities
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.
Clubs
- BCB Graduate Student Association
Application information
Applicants interested in pursuing a graduate level certificate as a standalone program are encouraged to submit a graduate application. A bachelor’s degree earned with a minimum 3.0 GPA in a similar or generally related field or a master’s degree is required for admission. Applicants who do not immediately meet the criteria above may still be admitted upon review by the academic program. The graduate application requires transcripts from post-secondary education (bachelor’s and master’s if applicable), a resume and a $30 application fee.
International graduate certificate applicants must meet the graduate admission English language proficiency requirement. International students admitted to a graduate certificate program as a standalone program are not eligible for F-1 or J-1 visa status.
Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.
Graduate certificate application process for current U of I undergraduate students
Current undergraduate students who wish to earn a graduate academic certificate must be eligible to participate in graduate level courses (minimum requirements — senior standing and an overall GPA of at least 3.0). If the course is not being used for the undergraduate degree, the student should file a Course Level Adjustment form to reserve the course for the graduate transcript (maximum of 12 credits may be reserved for the graduate transcript). Once the student earns their bachelor’s degree they may apply as a graduate certificate seeking student and complete the certificate program.
Contact your academic advisor for additional information and support.
Graduate certificate application process for current U of I graduate students
Current graduate degree seeking U of I students will be required to fill out a Change of Curriculum form adding the graduate certificate as an additional curriculum. Students should obtain the proper signatures from the department and return this form to the College of Graduate Studies for processing.
U of I students who earned a master’s or a doctoral degree and wish to apply for a graduate certificate must submit a graduate Readmission application.
It is recommended that you consult with your major professor prior to selecting a graduate certificate to go concurrent with your graduate program.