Offered in: Chicago

The Master of Science in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology addresses the growing need for professionals who can analyze and interpret complex biological data using computational methods. It provides students with a specialized course of study that emphasizes advanced topics in computational biology. This combination of skills is needed both in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, as well as in biomedical research. The program focuses on practical applications and hands-on experience, teaching students to create and modify tools for understanding biological systems.

Students in the program receive:

• Rigorous training through a curriculum that combines computational and biological sciences.
• Hands-on experience in bioinformatics techniques for analyzing biological data.
• Access to research, internship, and career development opportunities in bioinformatics.
• Personalized advising and mentoring by experienced faculty.

Coursework for this program is offered during afternoon and evening hours, allowing working students to extend their professional training. Multiple research and independent study opportunities are available; a research thesis is optional for students.

Why Pursue a Master's in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology?

Students pursuing a degree in Bioinformatics are positioned at the forefront of 21st-century biological sciences. Revolutionary advancements are transforming how we analyze, interpret, and apply vast datasets across areas such as genomics, environmental biology, biotechnology, and personalized medicine. With breakthroughs in gene sequencing, computational modeling, and machine learning, the bioinformatics field is expanding rapidly, offering diverse opportunities for professionals skilled in data-driven biological research.

At Roosevelt, we emphasize analytical and critical thinking skills by fostering high-level scholarly inquiry and rigorous research methods. Students will take courses across computational, natural science, and health informatics disciplines, developing expertise in the creation, application, and extension of bioinformatics tools and approaches to solve complex biological challenges. Students interested in programs focused on health informatics should also consider our related Master of Science in Health Informatics and our Healthcare Ethics, Analytics, and Law graduate certificate.

Career Connections

Graduates of the Master’s in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology program will be prepared to thrive in a wide variety of professional settings, including research institutes, pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, government agencies, private companies, universities, and laboratories.

Specific job options for graduates include roles such as bioinformatics programmer, bioinformatics and genome analyst, research scientist, computational biologist, genetic data manager, software developer, sequence and genomic informatics, and clinical database specialist.

Admission

Applicants should consult the graduate admission resources on the Roosevelt University website for details on the application process. The graduate program director and department faculty evaluate each applicant’s record of academic achievement, professional experience, and self-assessment. Weakness in one or more areas of preparation does not preclude a positive admission decision. Admissions decisions are at the discretion of the graduate program director or department chair.

APPLICATION MATERIALS

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS            

• Graduate application: Application to the College of Science, Health and Pharmacy at Roosevelt University.
• Transcript(s): Unofficial transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. International applicants must submit official transcripts, and all applicants must have official transcripts on file before starting graduate studies.
• Proof of English language proficiency (for international students): See the University English Language Proficiency requirement for details. Applicants may receive an admissions decision if this requirement is not met but may need to complete ELP coursework before beginning graduate studies.

Optional Documents

• Resume/Curriculum vitae: Include a detailed account of academic and extracurricular experiences, including employment, teaching, leadership, and research.
• Letter of intent: A brief (one-page) personal statement outlining personal and professional goals.
• Letter of recommendation: Referees may include professors, academic advisors, employment supervisors, or others familiar with the applicant’s preparation for graduate study.
• Official GRE, MCAT, PCAT, or DAT score: Official score from one of the graduate admissions tests, no more than three years old.

Prerequisites

Applicants to the MS in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology program must hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 (4.0 scale) in a science, health, mathematics, computer science, or related field.

• Natural Science Foundation: For students with a primary degree in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, or a related natural science field who will be obtaining foundational computational coursework.
  • Natural Science Required courses: General Chemistry (2 courses), Organic Chemistry (1 course), Cellular/Molecular Biology (1 course), and Statistics (1 course).
• Computational Foundation: For students with a primary degree in computer science, mathematics, or a related computational field who will be obtaining foundational coursework in natural science. Due to the rapidly changing nature of this field, computing courses taken more than four years prior may not count toward degree requirements.
  • Computational Required courses: Programming Fundamentals (2 courses), Data Structures and Algorithms (1 course), Discrete Mathematics (1 course), and Statistics (1 course). 

Students who lack prerequisites in Computation or Natural Science must complete the corresponding foundational courses (see Requirements), which may be taken prior to or within the first year of graduate coursework and must result in a grade of B- or higher. These courses or their equivalents may also be taken at other institutions. Foundational courses cannot be applied toward the requirements for the master’s degree, and are approved  at the discretion of the program director or department chair. 

Credit Policies

Graduate transfer credit (up to 9 credit hours) may be applied to the MS Bioinformatics and Computational Biology degree within one semester of admission. Credits from a previously earned degree are not transferable. Exceptions to specific course requirements may be granted to students who have previously completed graduate coursework in a related area and maintain good academic standing after one semester of study at Roosevelt. All transfer credits and exceptions must be approved by the graduate program director or department chair.

Advising

New students must consult with a graduate student advisor upon admission to the program. Each graduate student is required to meet with an advisor at least once each semester to select appropriate courses for the following semester. Continuing students who have completed at least one semester of graduate study (or six credit hours) with a grade average of 3.0 or higher should consult with their advisors to discuss internship, independent study, and other experiential learning opportunities.

The Master of Science degree in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology requires a minimum of 36 graduate credit hours, with at least 27 credit hours completed at Roosevelt University. The program consists of 9 credits in core bioinformatics courses, at least 6 credits of natural science electives, at least 6 credits of computational electives, 3 credits in health informatics electives, and 3 credits of independent research. Each student will collaborate with an advisor to create an individualized academic plan.

Students who lack prerequisites in Computation or Natural Science must complete the corresponding foundational courses, which may be taken prior to or concurrent with graduate coursework. These courses or their equivalents may also be taken at other institutions and will not count against the graduate credit transfer limit. Foundational course approval is at the discretion of the program director or department chair. 

Students interested in health informatics should also consider our related Master of Science in Health Informatics or our Healthcare Ethics, Analytics, and Law graduate certificate. 

Computational Foundational Courses

 Natural Science Foundational Courses

Required Courses:

 Capstone Project or Internship

Students in the MS in Bioinformatics are required to complete a 3 credit capstone experience by completing a graduate capstone project or pre-approved internship. The capstone experience must result in a portfolio ready deliverable. For planning purposes, a 3 credit capstone project or internship involves 180 hours of effort. Credit is awarded based on completion and evaluation of required deliverables, not hours alone. Students completing a capstone project or internship are required to present their work at an internal research event in a science poster or oral presentation evaluated by program faculty. The program may require enrollment in a separate capstone presentation course as part of the capstone experience.

The capstone project consists of independent bioinformatics work completed under faculty supervision and enrolled as BIOL 492 RESEARCH IN BIOLOGY. The capstone is normally completed in the final semester, following completion of core coursework. The capstone project is expected to involve substantive bioinformatics work, such as creating software, pipelines, or databases addressing real world biological questions. The capstone may be completed in a single term for 3 credit hours or incrementally for a total of 3 credit hours.

In limited cases, and with prior approval, students may complete an internship in place of the capstone project. Students approved for the internship option must enroll in BIOL 496 BIOLOGY INTERNSHIP for 3 credit hours during the semester in which the internship is completed. The internship must include substantial independent bioinformatics work comparable in scope and rigor to BIOL 492 RESEARCH IN BIOLOGY. When internship work is subject to confidentiality restrictions, the student must still provide materials sufficient for faculty evaluation.

Students with Computational Background

Your degree map is a general guide suggesting courses to complete each term on the academic pathway to your degree. It is based on the most current scheduling information from your academic program. Your program’s degree map is reviewed annually and updated as schedules change (although you retain the same course requirements as long as you are continuously enrolled in your degree program).

Always work closely with your academic advisor to understand curriculum requirements and scheduling, as each student’s academic plan can look slightly different.

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Lecture Only

*

Foundational courses are at undergraduate level and do not count towards the graduate degree.

Students with Biological Background

Your degree map is a general guide suggesting courses to complete each term on the academic pathway to your degree. It is based on the most current scheduling information from your academic program. Your program’s degree map is reviewed annually and updated as schedules change (although you retain the same course requirements as long as you are continuously enrolled in your degree program).

Always work closely with your academic advisor to understand curriculum requirements and scheduling, as each student’s academic plan can look slightly different.

*

Foundational courses are at undergraduate level and do not count towards the graduate degree.