Masters
Part-Time or Full-Time
Fall
On-Campus
Masters
Part-Time or Full-Time
Fall, Spring
On-Campus
About the MS in Bioinformatics at Loyola
In today's dynamic and rapidly-evolving global economy, the intersection of technology and the life sciences is integral to facing new and unprecedented real-world challenges. In search of pragmatic yet sustainable solutions, Loyola University Chicago’s Bioinformatics Master of Science (MS) program provides a unique opportunity to tackle these obstacles, while offering an interconnected study of various STEM disciplines.
As a student in the program, you'll gain a solid foundation in biological, computational, chemical, and statistical concepts and theory. You will also gain the essential hands-on and research skills necessary to move bioinformatics study and practice ahead in ways that will benefit the broad spectrum of academia, industry, healthcare, and ecology.
Program Structure
The MS in Bioinformatics can be pursued full-time or part-time. Courses are located on the university’s Lake Shore Campus on the city’s north-side. Posited alongside Lake Michigan, campus sits between the diverse and energetic Rogers Park and Edgewater neighborhoods.
All students must complete 17 credit hours of required core curriculum (equivalent to six courses). Students must select either a Non-Thesis or Thesis track to complete the remaining 13 credit hours.
To apply for the program, you must have completed coursework or the equivalent in genetics, biostatistics, biochemistry, and data structures/algorithms.
Are you a current Loyola undergrad?
This program is eligible for an Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's degree. Earn a Master’s with only one extra year of study following the completion of your eligible undergraduate degree.
LEARN MOREWhy Choose Loyola for the MS in Bioinformatics?
- An innovative field meeting the most current and pressing needs
- An accelerated path for the BS and MS degrees
- A thesis track for a more research-oriented experience
- A non-thesis track for a more practice-oriented experience
- A vibrant, opportunity-rich setting in the heart of Chicago
- An exceptional tradition and academic legacy
The bioinformatics profession is at the forefront of technology, computing, and the life sciences. This will prepare you for a promising career addressing business and industry's most current and pressing needs.
You have the option of enrolling in Loyola's Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s degree. This allows you to earn both the BS and the MS in Bioinformatics in just five years, rather than the traditional six it would take to fulfill each separately.
The program's thesis track offers you powerful preparation in the research aspects of bioinformatics, with a two-day workshop covering Responsible Conduct in Research and Scholarship as well as other research-based courses.
The program's non-thesis track provides a more practice-based experience. You choose four bioinformatics elective courses and engage in an internship experience where you'll apply the knowledge and skills you gain in a real-world setting.
Our location along Lake Michigan offers you an array of academic, internship, and professional opportunities at research institutions, hospitals, biotech companies, government agencies, and labs, among others.
Loyola University Chicago's Graduate School is widely recognized for academic excellence and degree programs that command respect from employers spanning the broad spectrum of business and industry.
Bioinformatics Department
The Department of Bioinformatics houses an exciting field, combining the latest advances in genetics and biochemistry with the powerful tools of computer science and statistical analysis. Find stories showcasing current students and graduates from the Bioinformatics MS program and learn more about why Loyola is right for you.
Department WebsiteDepartment News and StoriesMeet the Faculty
The program's faculty is composed of highly accomplished academicians, researchers, scholars, and practitioners, representing the fields of biology, genetics, biostatistics, statistical ecology, cancer biology, evolutionary genetics, developmental biology, biophysics, and computational chemistry, and more.
FacultyMS in Bioinformatics: Career Connections
As a graduate of the Master’s in Bioinformatics program, you will be prepared to thrive in any number of professional settings. These include research institutes, pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, government agencies, private companies, universities, and laboratories.
Specific job options include:
- Bioinformatics programmer
- Bioinformatics and genome analyst
- Research scientist
- Computational biologist
- Genetic data manager
- Proteomicist
- Software developer
- Sequence and genomic informaticist
- Clinical database specialist
Loyola University Chicago is a member of the Jesuit university network, spanning 27 institutions across the United States. This connection offers Loyola graduates a multitude of resources, including: career advising, resume building, career fairs and events, and employment listings throughout the country.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook is a good place to start exploring the job outlook and pay potential for specific careers and fields that interest you.
Curriculum and Program Outcomes
While courses for the Bioinformatics MS program may vary from semester to semester, Loyola’s extensive Academic Catalog will always house the official listing of courses, programs of study, academic policies, degree requirements, and specialization or concentration options.
Additionally, this resource will provide Bioinformatics MS learning outcomes, showcasing the commitment to specific skills and growth graduates can expect to achieve following completion of the program.
2024-2025 Catalog
Browse Academic CatalogMS in Bioinformatics Results and Skills
In the Master's in Bioinformatics program you will develop skills, including the abilities to:
- Employ statistical and computational methods to investigate and solve problems within the life sciences
- Conduct bioinformatics study in industry and/or the research environment
- Effectively communicate orally and in writing about science-related topics
- Apply quantitative statistical concepts and theories to real-world problems associated with the life sciences
Costs, Scholarships, and Aid
Loyola University Chicago is committed to making your graduate and professional studies a reality. Our Cost & Financial Aid page can help better inform you about the costs and potential funding opportunities through scholarships, loans, and aid for graduate and professional education.
If you are a current Loyola undergraduate or recent alum, you may be eligible for a Returning Rambler discount. Learn more and see if you qualify on our Returning Rambler Scholarship page.
Tuition and Costs
| Program | Credit Hours | Cost Per Credit Hour | Estimated Tuition and Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bioinformatics MS Thesis Track | 30 | $1,165.00 | $34950.00 |
| Bioinformatics MS Non-Thesis Track | 30 | $1,165.00 | $34950.00 |
For more detailed information about tuition and fees, and a breakdown of how these costs are calculated on a yearly basis, please visit Tuition and Fees from the Office of the Bursar.
The Graduate School Funding Opportunities
Information about funding opportunities within The Graduate School can be found on The Graduate School website.
Appointments and Events
Whether you’re just beginning your search, in the midst of the application process, or eager to explore our graduate and professional programs, our admissions staff is here to assist you every step of the way.
Schedule an AppointmentThe Graduate School offers graduate open houses, information sessions, individual appointments, open Zoom and text sessions, and a multitude of other ways to get to know us better.
View all EventsVisit and Connect With Us
With our visit opportunities, you can tour our beautiful Chicago campuses and learn more about Loyola's ties to one of the most prestigious cities in the world.
Application Process
This program has multiple versions you can apply to. Find specific information about the application process for each program below.
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Bioinformatics MS Thesis Track are listed below:
Fall
Merit award deadline: February 1
Final deadline: March 15
Please note that applications are not reviewed until the deadline passes. Decisions are provided within a month after the deadline.
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Bioinformatics MS Thesis Track include:
Official transcripts from all institutions attended
2 Letters of Recommendation
3.0 Minimum GPA
Resume/CV
Statement of Purpose
Prerequisite Course Requirements
The following prerequisites provide students with the background for more advanced courses:
Genetics
Biochemistry
Tier 1 and 2 Computer Science
Introduction to Biostatistics
As students come from various majors and backgrounds, some applicants may not have all the necessary prerequisite coursework. Strong applicants are expected to fulfill at least 2 of these prerequisites before applying. This prerequisite coursework can be fulfilled either here at Loyola or elsewhere.
Statement of Purpose Details
Please write brief (500-1000 word) statement of purpose describing your academic interests and your professional goals. You should also include faculty research labs of interest.
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Bioinformatics MS Non-Thesis Track are listed below:
Fall
Merit award deadline: February 1
Final deadline: March 15
Spring: October 15
Please note that applications are not reviewed until the deadline passes. Decisions are provided within a month after the deadline.
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Bioinformatics MS Non-Thesis Track include:
Official transcripts from all institutions attended
2 Letters of Recommendation
3.0 Minimum GPA
Resume/CV
Statement of Purpose
Prerequisite Course Requirements
The following prerequisites provide students with the background for more advanced courses:
Genetics
Biochemistry
Tier 1 and 2 Computer Science
Introduction to Biostatistics
As students come from various majors and backgrounds, some applicants may not have all the necessary prerequisite coursework. Strong applicants are expected to fulfill at least 2 of these prerequisites before applying. This prerequisite coursework can be fulfilled either here at Loyola or elsewhere.
Statement of Purpose Details
Please write a brief (500-1000 word) statement of purpose describing your academic and research interests as well as your professional goals.
Official Documents
Official transcripts are those that are sent directly by the college/university to Loyola University Chicago. Transcripts sent by the student to Loyola are considered unofficial documents, and while they may be utilized for initial review of your application, official transcripts are still required. Official documents should be sent by the institution to gradapp@luc.edu.
International Applicant Requirements
An official English language proficiency exam is required for international applicants whose native language is not English. If you have non-U.S. educational credentials, you are required to submit an official transcript evaluation. The transcript evaluation cannot be waived.
Please visit our International Applicant Requirements page for specific information regarding the application process for international students.
Start Your Application
Applying online to the Bioinformatics MS program is a swift, uncomplicated, and cost-free process. After submission, you can proceed to send and upload any additional requirements.
APPLY TODAY