Find a Bioinformatics School
25 Degrees from 16 Schools

Schools Offering Bioinformatics Degrees

Career Information

  • Average Salary: $79,390
  • Job Outlook: 31% growth (much faster than average)

All stats from BLS.gov

Students who have expressed an interest in both computer science and biology have several careers open to them. Technology and scientific research create numerous job opportunities, but not many professions manage to combine the best and most interesting features of both of these disciplines. Among the few that do, bioinformatics has begun to boldly stand out. It is a scientific field on the cutting edge that is most frequently categorized as an offshoot career path from the more general field of biotechnology. Specifically, bioinformatics makes comprehensive use of information technology and know-how to collaborate with, and accentuate the quality of the data derived from biological data; DNA and human genetics are examples of things you will study in this field.

As might be expected, it takes a great deal of education in order to participate in this exciting field; a bachelor's degree is generally insufficient for potential candidates. Most professionals who can claim a career in bioinformatics boast a master's degree, if not a PhD, in the discipline. What is more, few schools in the United States are currently equipped to prepare students for the bioinformatics field. Due to such exhaustive education and specialization required, those in bioinformatics are rewarded with exceptionally favorable pay. Some of their career titles include biostatistician, molecular modeler, and scientific curator. As science continues to advance and become even more central to society, bioinformatics will continue to grow in terms of job availability. However, the field remains competitive, due in part to the sophisticated educational process involved with becoming marketable to potential employers.

Career Specializations

Bioinformatics is such a new field that well-pronounced specializations have not yet emerged. However, the services offered by those who study and practice bioinformatics have been thoroughly taken advantage of in such fields as these:

  • Microbiology: These scientists work on getting to know organisms such as bacteria and viruses on a molecular level. They focus on researching the interaction between these compounds and disease.
  • Molecular Modeler: Such bioinformatics specialists work on drug design, creating computer-based simulations of molecular behavior in an attempt to estimate their interactions with other compounds.
  • Bioinformatics Software Developer: These professionals devise software and technology necessary to assess and categorize the data central to scientific knowledge.
  • Scientific Curator: Those in this post specialize in the management of samples needed for scientific and technological research.
  • Biostatistician: These people are statistics professionals who also carry an impressive amount of biological knowledge.

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Degree Levels

  • Bachelor's Degree: 4 years to complete
  • Master's Degree: 2-4 years to complete
  • PhD Degree: 5 years to complete

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Education & Certification Requirements

Most people who are considering entering the bioinformatics career field typically begin their specialization process after having attained a four year bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Majors that would excellently support an interest in bioinformatics include biology, chemistry, microbiology, statistics, pre-med, computer science, information technology, and mathematics. They can also have pursued, naturally, a bachelor's degree in bioinformatics. Finding a program that offers bioinformatics as a major, however, is not always easy; there are relatively few schools in the United States that offer the major.

Because of the sheer level of competition and sophistication found in the bioinformatics community, most students will opt to continue their education to the master's or PhD level. Should they choose not to go for these higher degrees, bioinformatics hopefuls may decide to enter the workforce at an entry-level position, such as a technician who works under the tutelage and employment of an engineer, scientist, or higher-level technician with great experience. These hopefuls will also continue to accumulate on-the-job training and experience so that their skill set remains current with the fast-moving progression of bioinformatics.

The Doctorate of Philosophy, or the PhD, is the most illustrious and powerful of degrees in the bioinformatics community. Earning this research-based degree is quite difficult and can take upwards of five years, each one filled to the brim with arduous study and examinations. Upon graduation, these candidates are referred to as postdoctoral fellows, or postdocs. Though highly respected, postdocs unfortunately must often begin their careers in low-paying research positions. They will frequently choose to specialize in one branch of bioinformatics; once they do so, their career's duties and pay begin to escalate consistently. (BLS)

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Salary Information

Salaries in bioinformatics depend less on the degree earned than on specialization (as most professionals have already attained a high level of education). Those who have newly begun to concentrate in microbiology or as a scientific curator can anticipate a salary of at least $40,000 per year. Bioinformatics software developers and molecular modelers earn around $60,000 per annum. Biostatisticians, at their outset, command annual salaries of at least $70,000. Experience is the primary factor in terms of pay raises and upgrades. With time, any of these positions may very well attain upwards of $110,000 per year as a salary. (BLS)

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Job Outlook

The occupational front for bioinformatics process remains mildly optimistic. In the research and development sector, jobs for the industry may grow by a rate of 25 percent by 2018. This growth is likely due to the increased presence of computer and information technology in the pharmaceutical and research community. Bioinformatics specialists come equipped with the unique training needed to stand on the cusp of this augmentation in employment. However, this positivity is qualified by the competitive nature of the workforce. Most positions go to candidates with the highest degrees, namely the PhD. Those who are serious about entering this profession are highly advised to study for as great a time as is possible. (BLS)

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Related Careers

Computer scientists, software engineers, and systems analysts also demonstrate a prowess in information technology, though without the biological component. Engineering scientists are similar to bioinformatics professionals in that they use technology to create and simulate solutions to problems and challenges in the real world using the best of technology.

Futhermore, bioethics is another field that has great overlap with bioinformatics. Integrating technology in the medical field is still new and exciting, and keeping in mind ethical implications is very important.

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Displaying 42 schools.

Accredited Schools Offering Bioinformatics Degrees

 
School Type Annual Tuition? Recommend Rate
  Online      
University of Phoenix For-Profit $9,781 - $12,792 100% (6 reviews)
Walden University For-Profit $10,610 100% (2 reviews)
Grand Canyon University For-Profit $16,500 Add Review
Western Governors University Non-Profit $5,870 - $6,140 67% (6 reviews)
Ashford University For-Profit $10,650 Add Review
Southern New Hampshire University Online Non-Profit $27,234 Add Review
American Sentinel University For-Profit $9,085 Add Review
Independence University For-Profit $9,133 100% (4 reviews)
ITT Technical Institute For-Profit $13,827 - $19,524 0% (1 review)
  Alabama      
ITT Technical Institute For-Profit $13,827 - $19,524 0% (1 review)
3 Campuses: Bessemer, Madison, Mobile
  Arizona      
University of Phoenix For-Profit $9,781 - $12,792 100% (6 reviews)
12 Campuses: Chandler, Fort Huachuca, Gilbert, Mesa, Nogales, Phoenix, Phoenix (Hohokam), Scottsdale, Sierra Vista, Tempe, Tucson, Yuma
Grand Canyon University For-Profit $16,500 Add Review
1 Campus: Phoenix
CollegeAmerica For-Profit $15,790 44% (18 reviews)
2 Campuses: Flagstaff, Phoenix
ITT Technical Institute For-Profit $13,827 - $19,524 0% (1 review)
3 Campuses: Phoenix, Tempe, Tucson
  Arkansas      
ITT Technical Institute For-Profit $13,827 - $19,524 0% (1 review)
1 Campus: Little Rock
  California      
University of Phoenix For-Profit $9,781 - $12,792 100% (6 reviews)
22 Campuses: Bakersfield, Beale AFB, Chula Vista, Diamond, Diamond Bar, Edwards AFB, Foothill Ranch, Fountain Valley, Fresno, Gardena, La Mirada, Lancaster, Lathrop, Novato, Oakland, Oc...
Concorde Career Colleges For-Profit --- 57% (14 reviews)
4 Campuses: Garden Grove, North Hollywood, San Bernardino, San Diego
Westwood College For-Profit $14,402 - $16,004 100% (2 reviews)
4 Campuses: Anaheim, Los Angeles, Torrance, Upland
California College San Diego For-Profit --- Add Review
3 Campuses: National City, San Diego, San Marcos
ITT Technical Institute For-Profit $13,827 - $19,524 0% (1 review)
14 Campuses: Clovis, Concord, Corona, Culver City, Lathrop, Orange, Oxnard, Rancho Cordova, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Dimas, Sylmar, Torrance, West Covina
  Canada      
University of Phoenix For-Profit $9,781 - $12,792 100% (6 reviews)
2 Campuses: Calgary, Vancouver
  Colorado      
University of Phoenix For-Profit $9,781 - $12,792 100% (6 reviews)
8 Campuses: Aurora, Colorado Springs, Denver, Fort Collins, Lone Tree, Northglenn, Pueblo, Westminster
Concorde Career Colleges For-Profit --- 57% (14 reviews)
1 Campus: Aurora
Westwood College For-Profit $14,402 - $16,004 100% (2 reviews)
1 Campus: Denver
CollegeAmerica For-Profit $15,790 44% (18 reviews)
3 Campuses: Colorado Springs, Denver, Fort Collins
ITT Technical Institute For-Profit $13,827 - $19,524 0% (1 review)
3 Campuses: Aurora, Thornton, Westminster
  Florida      
University of Phoenix For-Profit $9,781 - $12,792 100% (6 reviews)
6 Campuses: Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Maitland, Orlando, Tampa, Tampa (Temple Terrace)
Concorde Career Colleges For-Profit --- 57% (14 reviews)
4 Campuses: Jacksonville, Miramar, Orlando, Tampa
Keiser University For-Profit $14,176 43% (53 reviews)
14 Campuses: Daytona Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Melbourne, Pembroke Pines, Port St. Lucie, Tallahassee, Tampa, West Palm Beach, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Lakeland, Miami, Orlando, ...
ITT Technical Institute For-Profit $13,827 - $19,524 0% (1 review)
10 Campuses: Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Lake Mary, Miami, Orlando, St. Petersburg, Tallahassee, Tampa, University Park
  Georgia      
University of Phoenix For-Profit $9,781 - $12,792 100% (6 reviews)
1 Campus: Atlanta
Westwood College For-Profit $14,402 - $16,004 100% (2 reviews)
1 Campus: Atlanta
ITT Technical Institute For-Profit $13,827 - $19,524 0% (1 review)
3 Campuses: Atlanta, Duluth, Kennesaw
  Hawaii      
University of Phoenix For-Profit $9,781 - $12,792 100% (6 reviews)
4 Campuses: Honolulu, Kapolei, Mililani, Wailuku
  Idaho      
University of Phoenix For-Profit $9,781 - $12,792 100% (6 reviews)
1 Campus: Meridian
Stevens-Henager For-Profit $15,790 48% (23 reviews)
3 Campuses: Boise, Idaho Falls, Nampa
ITT Technical Institute For-Profit $13,827 - $19,524 0% (1 review)
1 Campus: Boise
  Illinois      
University of Phoenix For-Profit $9,781 - $12,792 100% (6 reviews)
2 Campuses: Chicago, Warrenville
Westwood College For-Profit $14,402 - $16,004 100% (2 reviews)
3 Campuses: Calumet City, Chicago, Woodridge
ITT Technical Institute For-Profit $13,827 - $19,524 0% (1 review)
3 Campuses: Mount Prospect, Oak Brook, Orland Park
  Indiana      
ITT Technical Institute For-Profit $13,827 - $19,524 0% (1 review)
5 Campuses: Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Merrillville, Newburgh, South Bend
  Iowa      
Ashford University For-Profit $10,650 Add Review
1 Campus: Clinton
ITT Technical Institute For-Profit $13,827 - $19,524 0% (1 review)
2 Campuses: Cedar Rapids, Clive
  Kansas      
University of Phoenix For-Profit $9,781 - $12,792 100% (6 reviews)
1 Campus: Wichita
Concorde Career Colleges For-Profit --- 57% (14 reviews)
1 Campus: Kansas City
ITT Technical Institute For-Profit $13,827 - $19,524 0% (1 review)
1 Campus: Wichita
  Kentucky      
ITT Technical Institute For-Profit $13,827 - $19,524 0% (1 review)
2 Campuses: Lexington, Louisville
  Louisiana      
University of Phoenix For-Profit $9,781 - $12,792 100% (6 reviews)
2 Campuses: Baton Rouge, New Orleans
ITT Technical Institute For-Profit $13,827 - $19,524 0% (1 review)
2 Campuses: Baton Rouge, Saint Rose
  Maryland      
University of Phoenix For-Profit $9,781 - $12,792 100% (6 reviews)
3 Campuses: Aberdeen, Rockville, Timonium
ITT Technical Institute For-Profit $13,827 - $19,524 0% (1 review)
1 Campus: Owings Mills
  Massachusetts      
University of Phoenix For-Profit $9,781 - $12,792 100% (6 reviews)
1 Campus: Boston
ITT Technical Institute For-Profit $13,827 - $19,524 0% (1 review)
2 Campuses: Norwood, Wilmington
  Michigan      
University of Phoenix For-Profit $9,781 - $12,792 100% (6 reviews)
6 Campuses: Detroit, Kalamazoo, Livonia, Southfield, Troy, Walker
ITT Technical Institute For-Profit $13,827 - $19,524 0% (1 review)
5 Campuses: Canton, Dearborn, Swartz Creek, Troy, Wyoming
  Minnesota      
ITT Technical Institute For-Profit $13,827 - $19,524 0% (1 review)
2 Campuses: Brooklyn Center, Eden Prairie
  Mississippi      
Concorde Career Colleges For-Profit --- 57% (14 reviews)
1 Campus: Memphis
ITT Technical Institute For-Profit $13,827 - $19,524 0% (1 review)
1 Campus: Madison
  Missouri      
University of Phoenix For-Profit $9,781 - $12,792 100% (6 reviews)
2 Campuses: Kansas City, St. Louis
Concorde Career Colleges For-Profit --- 57% (14 reviews)
1 Campus: Kansas City
ITT Technical Institute For-Profit $13,827 - $19,524 0% (1 review)
4 Campuses: Arnold, Earth City, Kansas City, Springfield
  Nebraska      
ITT Technical Institute For-Profit $13,827 - $19,524 0% (1 review)
1 Campus: Omaha
  Nevada      
University of Phoenix For-Profit $9,781 - $12,792 100% (6 reviews)
4 Campuses: Henderson, Las Vegas, Nellis AFB, Reno
ITT Technical Institute For-Profit $13,827 - $19,524 0% (1 review)
2 Campuses: Henderson, North Las Vegas
  New Hampshire      
Southern New Hampshire University Online Non-Profit $27,234 Add Review
1 Campus: Manchester
  New Mexico      
University of Phoenix For-Profit $9,781 - $12,792 100% (6 reviews)
4 Campuses: Albuquerque, Kirtland AFB, Santa Fe, Santa Teresa
ITT Technical Institute For-Profit $13,827 - $19,524 0% (1 review)
1 Campus: Albuquerque
  New York      
ITT Technical Institute For-Profit $13,827 - $19,524 0% (1 review)
3 Campuses: Albany, Getzville, Liverpool
  North Carolina      
University of Phoenix For-Profit $9,781 - $12,792 100% (6 reviews)
1 Campus: Charlotte
Medical Careers Institute For-Profit --- Add Review
3 Campuses: Greensboro, Charlotte, Raleigh
ITT Technical Institute For-Profit $13,827 - $19,524 0% (1 review)
4 Campuses: Cary, Charlotte, High Point, Morrisville
  Ohio      
University of Phoenix For-Profit $9,781 - $12,792 100% (6 reviews)
4 Campuses: Cincinnati, Columbus, Independence, Troy
ITT Technical Institute For-Profit $13,827 - $19,524 0% (1 review)
9 Campuses: Akron, Columbus, Dayton, Hilliard, Maumee, Norwood, Strongsville, Warrensville Heights, Youngstown
  Oklahoma      
University of Phoenix For-Profit $9,781 - $12,792 100% (6 reviews)
2 Campuses: Oaklahoma City, Tulsa
ITT Technical Institute For-Profit $13,827 - $19,524 0% (1 review)
2 Campuses: Oklahoma City, Tulsa
  Oregon      
University of Phoenix For-Profit $9,781 - $12,792 100% (6 reviews)
4 Campuses: Albany, Clackamas, Hillsboro, Tigard
Concorde Career Colleges For-Profit --- 57% (14 reviews)
1 Campus: Portland
ITT Technical Institute For-Profit $13,827 - $19,524 0% (1 review)
1 Campus: Portland
  Pennsylvania      
University of Phoenix For-Profit $9,781 - $12,792 100% (6 reviews)
4 Campuses: Philadelphia, Philadelphia (Center City), Pittsburg, Pittsburg (Monroeville)
ITT Technical Institute For-Profit $13,827 - $19,524 0% (1 review)
6 Campuses: Bensalem, Dunmore, Harrisburg, King of Prussia, Pittsburgh, Tarentum
  South Carolina      
Medical Careers Institute For-Profit --- Add Review
3 Campuses: Charleston, Columbia, Greenville
ITT Technical Institute For-Profit $13,827 - $19,524 0% (1 review)
4 Campuses: Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, North Charleston
  Tennessee      
University of Phoenix For-Profit $9,781 - $12,792 100% (6 reviews)
1 Campus: Nashville
Concorde Career Colleges For-Profit --- 57% (14 reviews)
1 Campus: Memphis
ITT Technical Institute For-Profit $13,827 - $19,524 0% (1 review)
5 Campuses: Chattanooga, Cordova, Johnson City, Knoxville, Nashville
  Texas      
University of Phoenix For-Profit $9,781 - $12,792 100% (6 reviews)
2 Campuses: Dallas (Ft. Worth), Houston
Concorde Career Colleges For-Profit --- 57% (14 reviews)
3 Campuses: Arlington, Dallas, San Antonio
Westwood College For-Profit $14,402 - $16,004 100% (2 reviews)
3 Campuses: Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston
ITT Technical Institute For-Profit $13,827 - $19,524 0% (1 review)
8 Campuses: Arlington, Austin, DeSoto, Houston, Richardson, San Antonio, Waco, Webster
  Utah      
University of Phoenix For-Profit $9,781 - $12,792 100% (6 reviews)
3 Campuses: Ogden, Provo, Salt Lake City
Stevens-Henager For-Profit $15,790 48% (23 reviews)
7 Campuses: Layton, Lehi, Logan, Murray, Ogden, Orem, St. George
ITT Technical Institute For-Profit $13,827 - $19,524 0% (1 review)
1 Campus: Murray
  Virginia      
Westwood College For-Profit $14,402 - $16,004 100% (2 reviews)
2 Campuses: Annandale, Arlington
Medical Careers Institute For-Profit --- Add Review
5 Campuses: Manassas, Newport News, Richmond, Roanoke, Virginia Beach
ITT Technical Institute For-Profit $13,827 - $19,524 0% (1 review)
5 Campuses: Chantilly, Norfolk, Richmond, Salem, Springfield
  Washington      
University of Phoenix For-Profit $9,781 - $12,792 100% (6 reviews)
3 Campuses: Bellevue, Mountlake Terrace, Seattle
ITT Technical Institute For-Profit $13,827 - $19,524 0% (1 review)
3 Campuses: Everett, Seattle, Spokane Valley
  West Virginia      
ITT Technical Institute For-Profit $13,827 - $19,524 0% (1 review)
1 Campus: Huntington
  Wisconsin      
University of Phoenix For-Profit $9,781 - $12,792 100% (6 reviews)
1 Campus: Milwaukee
ITT Technical Institute For-Profit $13,827 - $19,524 0% (1 review)
3 Campuses: Green Bay, Greenfield, Madison
  Wyoming      
CollegeAmerica For-Profit $15,790 44% (18 reviews)
1 Campus: Cheyenne
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Find a Bioinformatics School
25 Degrees from 16 Schools
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