Bioinformatics and computational biology
Doctor of Philosophy
Life meets data
This innovative program brings together strengths from nine academic departments to offer a truly cross-disciplinary education at the intersection of life and data sciences. You’ll engage with advanced topics such as systems biology, evolutionary dynamics, algorithm design and big data analytics, gaining versatile skills that bridge the gap between computation and biology.
Whether you’re drawn to molecular biology or machine learning, our curriculum equips you with the tools to analyze complex biological systems and develop solutions to real-world scientific challenges. Hands-on research opportunities, including collaborations through the Institute for Bioinformatics and Evolutionary Studies (IBEST), allow you to apply your knowledge in dynamic, team-based environments at the forefront of scientific discovery.
Overview
Related Topics
Data-driven discovery
Application information
Applicants for the Ph.D. 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 BCB student, you may be appointed as a teaching assistant in the home department of your major professor. Teaching Assistant positions include an annual support package that follows the policies and stipend levels of that department. In addition to these opportunities, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (BCB) faculty often have individual research grants to offer research assistantships to qualified students.
Real-world experience
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.
As a BCB student, you can also sign up for the IIDS Seminar Series where top scientists from across the U.S. and the world to come to University of Idaho to present their recent research findings.
Recognized STEM Program
This program is recognized as a STEM program by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and may be eligible for the 24-month STEM optional practical training extension for international students.
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
Related clubs and organizations
- BCB Graduate Student Association
Career outcomes
Current job openings
2,208 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and mid-career salaries
- Natural Sciences Managers
$152,883 - Computer and Information Scientists
$204,419 - Software Developers
$155,795 - Statisticians • Biostatisticians
$98,792 - Bioinformatics Scientists • Geneticists • Molecular and Cellular Biologists
$90,815
* Career data provided by Lightcast.