Program Description

The Master of Science in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology is an interdisciplinary program at The University of Texas at Dallas, offered jointly by the Departments of Mathematical Sciences and Biological Sciences. Combining coursework from the disciplines of biology, computer science, mathematics and statistics and incorporating research-based experiences with faculty members into the curriculum, the program caters to the growing demand for scientists who have cross-disciplinary expertise.

Taught by top-tier faculty of the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, the Bioinformatics and Computational Biology program offers a choice between two tracks that accounts for students’ educational backgrounds: 1) students with a general background in science and engineering or 2) students with a more focused background in biological sciences.

Both tracks offer a choice between elective groups designed to help students build additional expertise in one of three specialized subfields — Computer Science, Statistics or Biology — and both offer opportunities to conduct research alongside accomplished faculty members. These tracks and elective groups allow students to customize their degree program based on their academic backgrounds, intellectual interests, and career aspirations.

Benefits

The Bioinformatics and Computational Biology master’s program ensures that students gain a broad understanding of bioinformatics, computational biology, and related subfields; that they apply their knowledge and analytical skills to create effective and novel solutions to practical problems; and that they communicate and work effectively in collaborative environments.

Other benefits include:

• World-Class Faculty: The program is led by faculty of the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics who are widely cited experts in their respective fields.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Courses in the Bioinformatics and Computational Biology master’s program will introduce students to new ideas, technologies, and competencies while also teaching them the skills they’ll need to thrive in competitive, ever-changing industries.
• Facilities: A cluster of buildings and research labs on the northwest side of campus comprise the over 300,000-square-foot space where students can explore the sciences including the famous Natural Science and Engineering Research Laboratory — the “mermaid building” and the Sciences Building. Opened in 2020, the 186,000-square-foot Sciences Building is home to state-of-the-art labs for advanced research in mathematical, biological, and physical sciences.
• Location: Situated in the greater Dallas region — recently rated by Forbes magazine as the #1 “Best City for Jobs” — UT Dallas provides students with easy access to employers and internship opportunities, not to mention a large and supportive alumni population.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Bioinformatics and Computational Biology master’s program go on to pursue professional careers in many different organizations and industries, such as:

• Biopharmaceutical and biotechnology companies
• Research labs
• Hospitals
• Universities
• Software companies

For more information about careers in bioinformatics and computational biology, view the career page of the International Society for Computational Biology.

The NSM Career Success Center is an important resource for students pursuing STEM and health care careers. Career professionals are available to provide strategies for mastering job interviews, writing professional cover letters and resumes and connecting with campus recruiters, among other services.

Marketable Skills

Review the marketable skills for this academic program.

Application Deadlines and Requirements

The university application deadlines apply with the exception that, for the upcoming Fall term, all application materials must be received by December 15 for first-round consideration of scholarships and fellowships. See the Department of Mathematical Sciences graduate programs website for additional information. 

Visit the Apply Now webpage to begin the application process.