How do I Earn a Bioinformatics PhD?

The bioinformatics PhD is advanced study in a field combining computer sciences, math and biology. It requires strong performance in each of these fields at the undergraduate level, and many university programs have other requirements the student will need to meet. These include things like good scores on standardized tests. Once accepted to a program, students earn their bioinformatics PhD by taking required and optional classes and by completing a dissertation or extensive research project.

First, it’s important for students to understand that each university may have separate requirements for entry. Those considering this field should carefully read requirements for entry to a bioinformatics PhD program at the universities they might want to attend. Generally, universities like to see a double major in biology and math or computer sciences, a bachelor’s degree in bioinformatics or computational biology, or a single major with significant study in the other two fields. Most programs in the US also require students to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), though each university may interpret the scores differently.

Many bioinformatics PhD programs do admit students at the bachelor’s degree level. A few might require a master’s degree. The student with a master’s degree isn’t at a disadvantage in applying, and his advanced studies may be favored. Students also need strong letters of recommendation, usually two to three, and they may need to submit a written statement of purpose or examples of research.

Significant variation may occur in the way the bioinformatics PhD program is organized. Most students spend the first year taking required classes and there may be comprehensive exams that occur at the end of this year before students are cleared to work on their dissertation. In the next two to three years, students may take more classes, and they might work as researchers or teachers for the university. Students will also be working hard on completing an extensive research project/dissertation. A dissertation committee oversees this work and students have access to advisors.

When the dissertation is finished, it is presented to the committee at a public presentation. If the committee approves it and the student has met all class requirements, the bioinformatics PhD is earned. The amount of time a program takes can vary by individual and school requirements. Most students cannot finish a program in less than four years, and some take as long as seven years to meet all the requirements. Colleges usually require all work to be finished by the seventh year, especially since many of these programs offer yearly stipends to students and a university can’t indefinitely support a graduate student who is not progressing.