Bioinformatics and computational biology

To be considered for admission to the M.S. in bioinformatics and computational biology program at University of Idaho, you must meet the following degree-specific 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: To be admitted to the thesis track, applicants need to have identified a major professor willing to supervise their thesis research.

Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.

Enrollment options and deadlines

When applying to the bioinformatics and computational biology master’s degree, you can choose from multiple start terms and concentrations. Review your enrollment options, eligibility criteria and application deadlines:

• Concentration: Thesis and non-thesis  
• Semester intake: Summer, Fall, Spring        
  • Eligible for 4+1 admission for U of I undergraduates
  • Eligible for WRGP award
  • Eligible for international admission
• Deadlines: General application deadlines

Biological Sciences contact: Paul Hohenlohe; bcb@uidaho.edu

Graduate Admissions contact: graduateadmissions@uidaho.edu; 208-885-4001

University of Idaho offers multiple funding pathways as you pursue a bioinformatics and computational biology master’s degree. Explore graduate funding resources and learn more about cost of attendance.

For the thesis M.S. track, you may also have opportunities for funding through teaching or research assistantships. Teaching assistant positions are typically based in the home department of your major professor and include an annual support package that follows that department’s policies and stipend levels. Some faculty members also have externally funded research projects and may offer research assistantships to qualified students whose interests align with their work.

Note: Assistantships depend on departmental needs, faculty funding and availability. They are not guaranteed and are awarded through individual departments or faculty members.

Explore financial aid resources

Research and involvement opportunities

While earning your master’s in bioinformatics and computational biology degree, you’ll spend a lot of time learning alongside others working through similar questions and technical challenges. The Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (BCB) Graduate Student Association creates space for those connections, helping you engage with peers across the program and build relationships that extend beyond individual courses or labs.

You can also join regular meetings in the Institute for Interdisciplinary Data Sciences (IIDS) and the Institute for Modeling Collaboration and Innovation (IMCI). These informal meetings give you a chance to learn about ongoing work in the field, exchange ideas and engage in interdisciplinary conversations that connect bioinformatics to broader data science efforts across campus. 

Find more student opportunities
 

The master’s in bioinformatics and computational biology degree is ideal if you:

• Enjoy solving complex problems through curiosity and creativity
• Are interested in biological systems
• Want to lead cutting-edge scientific research
• Have strong analytical and mathematical skills
• Like working with computers, data, models or code

Curriculum and courses

To earn an M.S. in bioinformatics and computational biology from U of I, you must complete 30 credits of interdisciplinary coursework that combines biological science, mathematics, statistics and computer science.

You’ll take a set of core classes that establish a common foundation in computational biology, followed by advanced courses that support your research interests and academic goals. Seminars and collaborative learning experiences are integrated throughout the program to help you engage with faculty and peers across disciplines.

You can complete the bioinformatics and computational biology master’s degree through one of two pathways:

• Thesis option: Focuses on original, faculty-guided research culminating in a publicly defended master’s thesis. This path is ideal if you plan to pursue doctoral study or research-intensive careers.
• Non-thesis option: Emphasizes applied coursework and research, ending with a public presentation of your work. This option is best if you’re preparing for professional or technical roles in data-driven biological research.

Review bioinformatics and computational biology degree requirements