Overview

The PhD in Bioinformatics program at Boston University offers unique interdisciplinary training for graduate students in the science, engineering, medicine, and ethics of twenty-first-century cell biology jointly through the College of Engineering and the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences.

Learning outcomes

Students graduating with a PhD in Bioinformatics are expected to:

Demonstrate mastery of the core concepts of Bioinformatics: These include (a) advanced methods in computational biology, (b) the chemical principles that underlie biochemistry, molecular biology, and genomics, (c) the design and implementation of relational databases, (d) fundamental methods in probability and statistics, and (e) the construction of predictive mathematical models of biological systems.
Be capable of using critical thinking and research methods in Bioinformatics to understand computational and experimental data. In addition to formal coursework, this ability will be learned and demonstrated in (a) dissertation research and (b) presentations at scientific meetings, graduate seminars, student seminars, and qualifying examinations.
Demonstrate the ability to produce and present original research in Bioinformatics. The most important manifestation of this outcome is publication of peer-reviewed research papers on dissertation research, and, in particular, papers with the trainee as first author. The Challenge Project, seminar presentations, and presentations at meetings also demonstrate this outcome.
Conduct scholarly activities in a professional and ethical manner.
Develop the ability to communicate clearly the meaning, potential impacts, and risks associated with one’s research activities to a nontechnical audience in ways that confer a sense for its value to society.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Machine Learning
Dynamics and Evolution of Biological Networks
Biological Database Systems
Mathematical and Statistical Methods of Bioinformatics
Functional Genomics
Molecular Biology and Biochemistry: Molecules and Processes
Bioinformatics Challenge Project
Legal and Ethical Issues of Science and Technology
Laboratory Rotation System
Research Opportunities in Bioinformatics
Bioinformatics Graduate Seminar
Statistical Methods for Quantitative Research

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 84 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

64 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Disciplines

Bioinformatics & Biostatistics View 75 other PhDs in Bioinformatics & Biostatistics in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

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120

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Other requirements

General requirements

Transcripts
Three recommendations
Personal statement
Resume/CV

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

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Tuition Fee

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International

63798 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 63798 USD per year during 84 months.
National

63798 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 63798 USD per year during 84 months.
In-State

63798 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 63798 USD per year during 84 months.

Living costs for Boston

1560 - 3239 USD /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Bioinformatics.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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