Bioinformatics
Master's
Northeastern's MS in Bioinformatics provides cross-disciplinary training in biology, computer science, and informational technology for today's cutting-edge jobs in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.
Program overview
The future of bioinformatics
Northeastern University is committed to delivering cutting-edge programs that foster interdisciplinary thinking, research, and the pursuit of innovation-driven discoveries that have an impact on lives. That commitment and vision are at the very core of the MS in Bioinformatics.
The Master of Science in Bioinformatics is structured to provide students with the skills and knowledge to develop, evaluate, and deploy bioinformatics and computational biology applications. The program is designed to prepare students for employment in the biotechnology sector, where the need for knowledgeable life scientists with quantitative and computational skills has exploded in the past decade. The program’s cross-disciplinary training prepares graduates to succeed in multiple roles in this new and growing field.
Northeastern University is committed to delivering cutting-edge programs that foster interdisciplinary thinking, research, and the pursuit of innovation-driven discoveries that have an impact on lives. That commitment and vision are at the very core of the MS in Bioinformatics.
The Master of Science in Bioinformatics is structured to provide students with the skills and knowledge to develop, evaluate, and deploy bioinformatics and computational biology applications. The program is designed to prepare students for employment in the biotechnology sector, where the need for knowledgeable life scientists with quantitative and computational skills has exploded in the past decade. The program’s cross-disciplinary training prepares graduates to succeed in multiple roles in this new and growing field.
- Bioinformatics enterprise: The bioinformatics enterprise concentration integrates business and management skills with the science of bioinformatics. Students learn the fundamental concepts of leadership, entrepreneurship and innovation, financial decision-making, and marketing. They gain teamwork, management, and business development skills in the process and graduate prepared to become scientist-managers.
- Biotechnology: The biotechnology concentration provides students without a biotechnology background with a strong foundation in basic biotechnology concepts and skills. Individuals, particularly those who are working in fields other than biotechnology, will acquire competency and learn new practical skills enabling them to increase productivity and allow for transitions into more biotechnology-related fields.
- Data analytics: The data analytics concentration is designed to provide students with foundational knowledge in data science-including data management, machine learning, data mining, statistics, and visualizing and communicating data-that can be applied to data-driven decision-making in any discipline.
- Health informatics: The health informatics concentration will help prepare students to successfully address the combined clinical, technical, and business needs of health-related professionals.
- Omics: The omics concentration will prepare students to analyze large data sets related to genomics, proteomics, transcriptomic, and new-omics fields as they evolve.
- Coursework option: Students are not required to declare a concentration. With the elective option, students select 12 credits of electives in place of concentration-specific courses.
- Our online format allows students to participate in the program anywhere in the world
- Students gain up to six months of work experience through co-op position
- With only one additional class, a student can also earn a graduate certificate in data science
Admissions
Apply to the program
A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.
A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.
Online application
Application fee
Transcripts from all institutions attended
The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the FCE requirements by country.)
Personal statement
Resumé
2 letters of recommendation
GPA 3.0+
GRE is not required
English language proficiency:
Degree earned or in progress at a U.S / Canadian institution
Degree earned or in progress at an institution where English is the only medium of instruction
Official exam scores from either the TOEFL iBT (institution code is 3682), IELTS, PTE exam, or Duolingo English Test. Scores are valid for 2 years from the test date.
Program objectives
Prepare for success
The program helps students integrate the knowledge, skills, experience, and confidence they need to achieve their goals and make a difference in our world.
Classwork integrates academics in biology, computer science, and information technology with real-world experience and experiential learning.
Students integrate knowledge from biological, computational, and mathematical disciplines.
Occupations
Showing job titles from highest to lowest annual growth for ZIP code .
Showing job titles from highest to lowest annual growth for the postal code .
No companies available.
No skills available.
No job titles available.
Cost of attendance
Tuition and financial aid
-
$61,696Tuition in USD
Estimated Total Tuition
This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2025-2026 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.
For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.
There are many ways to pay for your education, including scholarships, financial aid, and more. Connect with a financial counselor to learn about your options and make your dream a reality.
Visit tuition & financial aidYour education, your way
Northeastern's online classes give you the same top-tier education you'd get in person, on a schedule that works for your lifestyle and career needs. They offer a range of videos, interactives, breakout sessions, and experience-focused learning opportunities to immerse you in the material and build community. You'll graduate with the same degree as your in-person peers.
#8
Northeastern's national ranking for Most Innovative Schools
(U.S. News & World Report, 2024)
53.5%
Percent of graduate students in the U.S. enrolled in online courses
(NCES, 2022)
97%
Percent of students in the U.S. who recommend online education
(BestColleges, 2024)
Connect with us
Want more information?
We’re here to answer your questions about this program, the application process, and more. Complete the form below to receive additional program details and speak with a member of our enrollment team.