Admissions

The Graduate Program in Bioinformatics at Boston University offers both the Doctor of Philosophy [Ph.D.] and the Master of Science [M.S.] degrees. Students in the doctoral program attain a common core of knowledge, with particular emphasis on their ability to integrate knowledge from biological and mathematical disciplines. The emphasis of the M.S. program is preparation for the most cutting-edge industrial positions in Bioinformatics.

Please see the FAQ section for more important information about the program and the application process.

Important Dates

  • The deadline has passed for fall 2009 enrollment.
  • All applications for spring 2010 enrollment are due by October 1, 2009.
  • All applications for fall 2010 enrollment are due by December 1, 2009.
  • This deadline is for all international and domestic students for all programs.

Application Process

To apply online for admissions, please visit the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (GRS).

All documents accompanying an application should be sent to:

Boston University
Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Admissions Office
705 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215

Please do not send documents directly to Bioinformatics!

Applications received without the $70 application fee will not be reviewed.

International students must complete the International Student Data Form and include all materials that are requested in this section of the application.

It is not necessary for students to submit documents of achievement, such as a thesis, diploma or a list of awards. These can be detailed in the application.

Requirements

Three recommendations are needed, preferably from professors.

All PhD applicants must take the GRE General Test. The GRE Subject Test is no longer required for any Bioinformatics degree programs. The Boston University code for GRE and TOEFL is 3087; for department code, mark “other” or “not listed”).

MS applicants do not need to submit GRE scores.

International applicants must also take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). This requirement is waived only if an applicant has received, or expects to receive, an undergraduate or graduate degree from a college or university in any of the following countries prior to enrollment in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences: The United States of America, Canada, The United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand.

In order to be admitted, students must achieve the following minimum score in each component of the internet-based test:

Reading: 21

Listening: 18

Speaking: 23

Writing: 22

Or scores of at least 213 for the computer-based test or 550 for the paper-based test.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is only available for Ph.D. students enrolling in the fall. There is no seperate form to apply for financial aid. There is no financial aid available for students in the Master’s program. Ph.D. students who enroll in the spring session must wait until the fall semester to obtain financial aid.

More information about financial aid can be found on the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences website.

NIH Partnership

For information regarding NIH Partnership opportunities please click here.