Best Bioinformatics Bachelor’s Degree Programs, Jobs, and Salaries
Bioinformatics is becoming more and more relevant today. Knowing which cutting-edge research institution to apply to for the best bioinformatics bachelor’s degree will give you an exceptional start in this interdisciplinary field. Having one of the best bachelor’s degrees in bioinformatics will open numerous opportunities for students in the biology field.
A bachelor’s degree in bioinformatics is a noteworthy way to enter the bioinformatics field.
Further, bioinformatics graduates get many career opportunities with a combined understanding of biology and software development. This article covers the versatile field of bioinformatics and the information you need to choose a bioinformatics bachelor’s degree program.
Find Your Bootcamp Match
- Career Karma matches you with top tech bootcamps
- Access exclusive scholarships and prep courses
By continuing you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy , and you consent to receive offers and opportunities from Career Karma by telephone, text message, and email.
Where Can I Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Bioinformatics?
You can get a Bachelor’s Degree in Bioinformatics from many colleges and universities throughout the state. Some notable institutions are Arizona State University, University at Buffalo, UNC Charlotte, and Harvey Mudd College. There are many other reputable universities you can pursue your bioinformatics bachelor’s degree at, a few of which we’ll cover later in this article.
What Schools Offer the Best Bioinformatics Bachelor’s Degrees?
- Arizona State University
- University at Buffalo
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Baylor University
- Harvey Mudd College
What Are the Admission Requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree in Bioinformatics?
The admission requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree in Bioinformatics include a high school diploma or the equivalent.. Top schools are more competitive and require a higher GPA score than others. Some schools also require decent SAT or ACT scores.
Depending on the school, bioinformatics degree programs usually require GPA scores between 2.5 to 3.0. Competitive universities might require certain placement test scores, letters of recommendation, and completed credits in the field from high school or college.
Bioinformatics Bachelor’s Degree Admission Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Relevant high school or college credits
- GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Placement test scores
- College credit or letters of recommendation
How to Get a Bioinformatics Bachelor’s Degree
To get a bioinformatics bachelor’s degree, you must fulfill various graduation requirements, including completing the required credits and obtaining a passing grade. Below, we’ll cover the number of credits needed and the general requirements for getting this degree.
How Many Credits Do You Need for a Bachelor’s Degree in Bioinformatics?
You need to complete about 120 credits for a Bachelor’s Degree in Bioinformatics. These credit hours are broken down into core courses and elective courses to equip you with more than just knowledge of biology and software.
Bioinformatics Degree Requirements
- Complete the required 120 credit hours
- Get a passing grade
- You may be required to complete an internship
- You may be required to complete a capstone project
Best Bioinformatics Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Informatics | Higher Learning Commission (HLC) |
| Baylor University | Bachelor of Science in Informatics: Bioinformatics | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) |
| Harvey Mudd College | Bachelor of Science Mathematical and Computational Biology Major | WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) |
| Oregon State University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) |
| University at Buffalo | Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology | The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) |
| University of Maryland-Baltimore County | Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology | Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) |
| University of Nebraska Omaha | Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics | Higher Learning Commission (HLC) |
| University of North Carolina at Charlotte | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Bioinformatics Concentration | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) |
| University of Saint Joseph | Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics | New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Bioinformatics, Bachelor of Science with a concentration in computational sciences | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) |
Best Schools for Bioinformatics: Top Bioinformatics Bachelor’s Degree Programs
The best schools for bioinformatics and the top degree programs include Harvey Mudd College, Arizona State University, and Baylor University. Whether you’re looking to get a job immediately or continue higher education, these programs can help you. Below, we’ll go into more detail about the listed programs.
Arizona State University
Downtown Phoenix, Arizona
Arizona State University , founded on February 8, 1886, has 87 different programs offered to prospective students. The school has over 559,300 alumni and is recognized as the number one innovative school in the US for seven years by US News & World Report.
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Informatics
The program is a bioinformatics and computational biology program offered by Arizona State University. Students must complete 120 credits, including core courses in general biology, introduction to Python, and calculus for life sciences. Possible career paths for a graduate from this program are bioinformatics science and biostatistics.
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Informatics Overview
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Tuition: $10,710/semester (in-state); $28,800/semester (out-of-state)
- Required Credits: 120 credits
- Program Length: 4 years
- Learning Format: In-person
- NCES School Graduation Rate: 66%
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Informatics Admission Requirements
- GPA: 3.0 or meet the required ACT/SAT scores
- Standardized Tests: 22 ACT score/1120 SAT score (non-residents: 24 ACT/1180 SAT or meet the minimum GPA score)
- Application Fee: $50 (in-state); $70 (out-of-state)
- Minimum Education: High School diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: Course competency requirements (usually obtained through high school education)
Applying to Arizona State University
- Fill out the undergraduate admission online application
- Submit the application fee
- Submit your official high school transcripts
- Submit your ACT or SAT scores (optional)
- Check your application status
Baylor University
Waco, Texas
Founded in 1985, Baylor University currently has over 100,000 alumni in Texas. It currently has 126 undergraduate programs and 127 graduate programs. Baylor University is ranked among the top national universities by US News & World Report and is also known for establishing the first law school in Texas.
Bachelor of Science in Informatics: Bioinformatics
Baylor University offers one of the best bioinformatics bachelor's degree programs and one of the first of its kind. The program focuses on producing competent students, skilled and knowledgeable in multiple disciplines, including computer science, life sciences, mathematics, and statistics.
Core courses include genomics and bioinformatics, molecular genetics, and genomics. The school does not state the required credit hours to finish the program. The approximate amount required for bachelor's degrees at Baylor University is 120-124 credits.
Bachelor of Science in Informatics: Bioinformatics Overview
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Tuition: $2,154/credit (11 credits or less)
- Required Credits: 120-124 credits
- Program Length: 4 years
- Learning Format: In-person
- NCES School Graduation Rate: 79%
Bachelor of Science in Informatics: Bioinformatics Admission Requirements
- GPA: No minimum requirement
- Standardized Tests: Not required
- Application Fee: None
- Minimum Education: High school or GED equivalent
- Other Requirements: None
Applying to Baylor University
- Choose available application deadlines and fill out form
- Choose the common application, the ApplyTexas application, or the Baylor online application
- Submit application materials including the application form and required essay
- Submit high school transcripts
- Wait for admissions to contact you
Harvey Mudd College
Claremont, California
Harvey Mudd College , founded in 1955, is an excellent institution and one of the best undergraduate colleges in the STEM field in the US. The college only offers Bachelor of Science degrees and is known for highly competitive admissions, a small student population, and excellent national rankings. In 2021-2022, its student count was 905 with a student-faculty ratio of 8:1.
Bachelor of Science Mathematical and Computational Biology Major
This bachelor’s degree program at Harvey Mudd College focuses on educating students on various topics that they can apply to bioinformatics and applied mathematics. Students get a strong foundation in several areas not limited to bioinformatics while still being able to concentrate on their desired field.
Major courses you could choose from include evolutionary biology, biostatistics, data structures, and program development. Upon completing a minimum of 120 credits, students have acquired a highly competitive knowledge of the field.
Bachelor of Science Mathematical and Computational Biology Major Overview
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
- Tuition: $60,402/year
- Required Credits: 120 credits
- Program Length: 4 years
- Learning Format: In-person
- NCES School Graduation Rate: 93%
Bachelor of Science Mathematical and Computational Biology Major Admission Requirements
- GPA: No minimum requirement
- Standardized Tests: Not required
- Application Fee: $70
- Minimum Education: High school or equivalent
- Other Requirements: None
Applying to Harvey Mudd College
- Apply using common or coalition application
- Pay the application fee or utilize a fee waiver
- Submit the required additional essay and short answer response
- Submit high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other required documents
- Await application updates
Oregon State University
Corvallis, Oregon
Oregon State University is known for having more research funding than any Oregon public university. Founded in 1856, it now has more than 210,000 alumni and currently offers more than 300 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
The computer science program by Oregon State University offers a Bachelor of Science degree to those who complete the required 181 credits. Although it's a computer science program, students can choose to specialize in bioinformatics, making it an appreciable program for the field.
Core courses are machine learning and data mining, principles of biology, and database management systems. A few of the required electives for the bioinformatics concentrated program are biological networks and ecology.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Overview
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Tuition (and Fees): $338/credit (in-state); $1,044/credit (out-of-state)
- Required Credits: 181 credits
- Program Length: 4 years
- Learning Format: In-person, hybrid, online
- NCES School Graduation Rate: 69%
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Admission Requirements
- GPA: 3.0
- Standardized Tests: No minimum requirement
- Application Fee: $65
- Minimum Education: High school completion or equivalent
- Other Requirements: None
Applying to Oregon State University
- Fill out one of two OSU online application forms
- Pay the non-refundable $65 application fee
- Request your official high school transcripts
- Send your official SAT or ACT test scores to OSU
- Wait for the admission status notification
University at Buffalo
Buffalo, New York
The University of Buffalo , founded in 1864, is currently the largest campus in the SUNY system. It's a research-intensive public university with more than 510 degree programs, including undergraduate, master's , doctorate, and combined degree programs. They've graduated over 350,000 alumni and had a student population of 32,347 in the fall of 2020.
Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
The Bachelor of Science degree is a 122-credit bachelor's degree program focused on teaching students applied mathematics and computing in the field of biological sciences. The program trains students for higher education and entry into the workforce. Major courses in this program are cell biology, genetics, organic chemistry, and college calculus.
Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Overview
- Accreditation: The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Tuition: $295/credit (in-state); contact admissions (out-of-state)
- Required Credits: 122 credits
- Program Length: 4 years
- Learning Format: In-person
- NCES School Graduation Rate: 75%
Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Admission Requirements
- GPA: No minimum requirement
- Standardized Tests: Not required
- Application Fee: $50
- Minimum Education: High school or equivalent
- Other Requirements: None
Applying to University at Buffalo
- Fill out the coalition for college application or the common application
- Select University at Buffalo (SUNY)
- Request your high school transcript for submission to University at Buffalo or complete SRAR at the UB applicant status page
- Submit letters of recommendation or SAT/ACT test scores (if applicable)
- Complete the application and await your results
University of Maryland-Baltimore County
Baltimore, Maryland
University of Maryland-Baltimore County (UMBC) is an outstanding public university founded in 1966. The school's first-year students have an average high school GPA of 3.92 and a 1251 SAT score. Currently, it has more than 100 degree programs and 85,000 alumni.
Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
This program equips students with excellent training in the field and the chance to immerse themselves in independent research. By the time they've completed the required 120 credits, students will have a rich and comprehensive grounding in the foundation of bioinformatics and computational biology. Major courses include molecular and general genetics and computer science.
Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Overview
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Tuition and Fees: $516/credit (in-state); $1,188/credit (out-of-state)
- Required Credits: 120 credits
- Program Length: 4 years
- Learning Format: In-person
- NCES School Graduation Rate: 70%
Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Admission Requirements
- GPA: No minimum requirement
- Standardized Tests: Not required
- Application Fee: $75
- Minimum Education: High school or equivalent
- Other Requirements: None
Applying to the University of Maryland-Baltimore County
- Complete the common application and required application questions located in myUMBC
- Submit the required essay
- Pay the application fee
- Submit required documents
- Wait for the results of your application
University of Nebraska Omaha
Omaha, Nebraska
University of Nebraska Omaha or UNO is a private, co-educational college. Over time, it grew to become the state's metropolitan university with over 400 programs and a student population of 15,328. US News & World Report ranked the school for best online programs in 2022. The school is also known for its military and LGBTQ+ friendliness.
Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics
This degree offered by UNO equips students with skills to join the industry workforce and continue into graduate studies. Upon completing the required 120 credits, students will have proficiency in identifying bioinformatics solutions. Major courses include applied bioinformatics, data structures, and cellular biology.
Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics Overview
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Tuition: $235/credit (in-state); $738/credit (out-of-state)
- Required Credits: 120 credits
- Program Length: 4 years
- Learning Format: In-person
- NCES School Graduation Rate: 49%
Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics Admission Requirements
- GPA: 3.0 (or meet required standardized test score requirements)
- Standardized Tests: 20 ACT score or SAT equivalent (or meet minimum GPA requirement)
- Application Fee: $45
- Minimum Education: High school or equivalent
- Other Requirements: None
Applying to the University of Nebraska Omaha
- Create an account on the school’s website
- Select the correct online application form based on your residency status
- Complete the application form
- Pay application fee
- Submit official transcripts and test scores (if applicable)
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, North Carolina
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is an urban research university founded in 1946. It has a student population of 30,146 and programs for bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees , along with certificates.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Bioinformatics Concentration
Students learn skills through core courses such as software engineering and data structures and algorithms. Concentration courses in bioinformatics include an introduction to bioinformatics computing and sequence analysis. Upon completion of the 120 credits of this program, students will have satisfactory knowledge and skills in the field of computer science and bioinformatics.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Bioinformatics Concentration Overview
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Tuition: $159/credit (in-state); $719/credit (out-of-state)
- Required Credits: 120 credits
- Program Length: 4 years
- Learning Format: In-person
- NCES School Graduation Rate: 75%
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Bioinformatics Concentration Admission Requirements
- GPA: 2.5
- Standardized Tests: 530 SAT-Math scores or 22 ACT-Math subscores are recommended
- Application Fee: $75
- Minimum Education: High school or equivalent
- Other Requirements: None
Applying to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Submit the online application
- Pay the application fee of $75 (or request a fee waiver)
- Submit your official high school transcripts
- Submit one essay
- Wait for the results of the admission process
University of Saint Joseph
West Hartford, Connecticut
University of Saint Joseph (USJ) , founded in 1932, began as a junior college for women. Now, it’s grown to become one of the best universities in Connecticut, according to US News & World Report. Currently, it offers over 25 undergraduate programs and more than 30 graduate programs.
Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics
The bioinformatics program offered by USJ provides students with strong interdisciplinary skills in biology with technology, mathematics, data systems, and computer science. Once they complete 120 credits, students will have a good foundation in bioinformatics algorithm development, database management, data mining, and more. Some of the major courses are Applied Bioinformatics, Microbiology, Discrete Mathematics, and Introduction to Data Mining.
Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics Overview
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Tuition: $21,025/term
- Required Credits: 120 credits
- Program Length: 4 years
- Learning Format: In-person
- NCES School Graduation Rate: 56%
Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics Admission Requirements
- GPA: No minimum requirement
- Standardized Tests: Not required
- Application Fee: None
- Minimum Education: High school or equivalent
- Other Requirements: Essay of 250 words or more, one letter of recommendation
Applying to the University of Saint Joseph
- Submit an application through USJs online application forms or through the common application
- Submit official high school transcripts
- Submit essay
- Submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher or high school counselor
- Check the status of the application on the student status page or contact the admissions office
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia
Founded in 1968, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) has graduated over 211,000 students. Currently, it has more than 200 undergraduate and graduate programs and a student population of 28,919. The school is recognized as one of the top public universities for fine arts and research.
Bioinformatics, Bachelor of Science with a concentration in computational sciences
This bioinformatics program provided by VCU equips students with foundational knowledge in biology, chemistry, computer science, statistics, and bioinformatics. Upon completing 120 credits, students will be able to identify and analyze problems in bioinformatics and exploit biological software and datasets. Core courses include cellular and molecular biology, genetics, general chemistry, and an introduction to programming.
Bioinformatics, Bachelor of Science with a concentration in computational sciences Overview
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Tuition: $12,094/year (in-state); $32,742/year (out-of-state)
- Required Credits: 120 credits
- Program Length: 4 years
- Learning Format: In-person
- NCES School Graduation Rate: 66%
Bioinformatics, Bachelor of Science with a concentration in computational sciences Admission Requirements
- GPA: No minimum requirement
- Standardized Tests: Not required
- Application Fee: $70
- Minimum Education: High school or equivalent
- Other Requirements: Essays to be submitted along with at least one recommendation and 20 units of specific subjects listed on the school’s admission page
Applying to Virginia Commonwealth University
- Read all instructions and note application deadlines
- Choose an active email address for correspondence with VCU
- Fill out and complete the common application
- Request your transcripts from your high school counselor
- Pay the application fee and wait for VCU to get back to you via email
What Is a Bioinformatics Bachelor’s Degree?
A bioinformatics bachelor’s degree combines computer programming and big data with biology. It focuses on the construction of databases using software tools and analyzing and retrieving data. The degree certifies that you’ve completed the set amount of general and core courses and that you have a good grasp of the core of bioinformatics.
Study programs for a bioinformatics bachelor’s degree are typically broader than a master’s degree. It focuses more on foundational knowledge in bioinformatics while equipping students with general knowledge. A bachelor’s degree is excellent for those who want more than a regular biology degree and those who wish to pursue a master’s in bioinformatics.
How Important Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Bioinformatics?
A Bachelor’s Degree in Bioinformatics is important if you want to undertake essential research and contribute to real-world problems like vaccine development and forensic technology. Science asks many questions that a degree in bioinformatics may give you the answers to. Bioinformatics specialists will create databases for microbiologists, biologists, and research scientists that will collect data and use algorithms to find patterns.
What Types of Bachelor’s Degrees Can You Get in Bioinformatics?
You can get a Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics or a Bachelor of Engineering in Bioinformatics. They are academically equal, offering you opportunities to start a career or advance to a master’s degree. The difference is that a bachelor of science typically has heavier theory and research coursework, while a bachelor of engineering is generally heavier on application and practice.
Is It Better to Get a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Engineering in Bioinformatics?
It is better to get a Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics if you enjoy experiments and discovery through observation. A Bachelor of Engineering in Bioinformatics will suit you if you like to solve real-world problems using scientific research practically. Although a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Engineering have similar job prospects, they have different focus areas.
A bachelor of science degree will help you focus on learning about bioinformatics as a branch of biology rather than engineering. Bioinformatics may be related to software and engineering, but the biological sciences and biological data handling is still its main focus.
What Is the Difference Between a Bioinformatics Bachelor’s Degree and a Bioinformatics Certificate?
The primary difference between a bioinformatics bachelor’s degree and a bioinformatics certificate is their levels of education. A bachelor’s degree is a much higher credential than a certificate. In addition, certificates are often pursued as a means of advancing within a career, while a bachelor’s degree is often the grounds for qualifying for entrance into the field.
For a shorter time commitment, certificates usually only cover the core skills and basics you need to get familiar with the industry. It is not as in-depth or well-rounded as a bachelor’s degree. However, it can be enough for busy adults who want the quickest way to job eligibility. Bachelor’s degrees are longer and less flexible but usually offer more in-depth study and career opportunities.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Bioinformatics?
According to the NCES, the average cost for a bachelor’s degree in 2019-2020 was $16,647. It is the overall average for all institutions. Public institutions cost $9,349 per year and private institutions cost $32,769 per year. If you’re interested in a program that’s outside of your budget, you can apply for scholarships or grants to mitigate the cost.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Bioinformatics Bachelor’s Degree?
A bioinformatics bachelor’s degree program traditionally takes four to six years to complete. You can make the process quicker by taking accelerated study programs. Alternatively, you can extend the time by studying part-time. A bachelor’s degree typically requires the completion of about 120 credits. If you take an average of 15 credits per semester, you can successfully finish your bioinformatics degree in four years.
How Hard Is It to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Bioinformatics?
It can be hard to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Bioinformatics. You have to understand concepts and do coursework in biology and software programming. This branch of biology and technology is notoriously challenging, regardless of the institution you pursue it at. However, with the right tools and support, you can successfully earn your bachelor’s degree in bioinformatics.
Why Should You Get a Bioinformatics Bachelor’s Degree?
You should get a bioinformatics bachelor’s degree as it is functional in the modern biology industry. You’ll understand its versatility as you become familiar with various aspects of biology and computer science. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Bioinformatics, you’ll have plenty of job opportunities and skills that will help you advance in this field.
What Courses Do You Need to Take in a Bachelor’s Degree Program in Bioinformatics?
The courses you need to take in a bachelor’s degree program in bioinformatics are computational sciences in the biological and biomedical fields. Below, we list five of the most common courses taken in a bioinformatics bachelor’s degree program.
Data Mining
Students will learn how to mine data and find patterns using large data sets. The course will teach them how to predict outcomes. Students will gain theoretical background knowledge and acquire practical skills using data mining algorithms. Data mining courses cover classification models, predictive modeling, and data visualization topics.
Database Management Systems
Students will learn how to use data repositories and standard tools for database management in bioinformatics. They will have exposure to SQL syntax and fundamental concepts in relational database design. Students will get practical experience setting up and populating databases for the bioinformatics field.
Life Sciences
A life sciences course in bioinformatics programs is generally paired with another topic, such as law for life sciences or calculus for life sciences. Students learn about important biological concepts such as cell biology and biochemistry, DNA replication, and living organisms. Students will also gain fundamental knowledge associated with life sciences, such as ownership of tissues and organisms and the regulation of medicine.
Statistics for Bioinformatics
Statistics courses are common in bioinformatics bachelor’s degree programs. Students learn about probability models, the minimax principle, Bayes procedures, and display and summary of data. These are all discussed, focusing on applying them to bioinformatics and computational biology.
Molecular and General Genetics
This course covers some of the most important fundamental concepts in a biology major. Students learn about various concepts in biology at the molecular level and the application of this knowledge in the field of bioinformatics. Students also learn about heredity and variation concepts and how to handle this type of data.
Continuing Education Paths for Bioinformatics Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
Continuing education paths for bioinformatics bachelor’s degree graduates can include pursuing higher education. A Master’s Degree in Bioinformatics is one of the most valuable degrees in the field and will prove invaluable for a career in bioinformatics. You can also pursue doctoral degrees.
Related Bioinformatics Degrees
What to Look For in the Best Bioinformatics Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Things to look for in the best bioinformatics bachelor’s degree programs are cost, curricular content, the school’s reputation, and the graduation rate. Between the numerous educational institutions and the different study programs, you’ll need to narrow them down using these factors.
Cost
Cost is important because you need to ensure that you can afford tuition and other mandatory fees. You must also ensure that the program is high-quality to get the most out of it. Most institutions offer financial aid and encourage students to make use of it when applying.
Curricular content
Ensure that the courses offered are balanced, with computational biology being one of the main focuses. Choose wisely because a student in this field is both a computer science major and a biology major, and some programs tend to lean more toward one area. For example, you can choose a bachelor of engineering or a bachelor of science.
Reputation of School
The reputation of the school is always highly significant. Ensure that the school you choose has the right tools and expert faculty to teach you. It is crucial in bioinformatics, as it is quite an intense subject.
Graduation Rate
The graduation rate can be a telling sign about the state of a program. When reviewing the faculty and reputation of the school and program, you should also consider the graduation rate. The quality of the education, student support, and faculty expertise are factors in whether a student graduates or not.
Employment Outcomes
Knowing the employment outcomes of alumni will tell you if the content taught in the program was truly valuable in the working world. It will divulge whether employers consider graduates from the program employable.
What Is the Most Affordable Bioinformatics Bachelor’s Degree?
The most affordable bioinformatics bachelor’s degree is the one offered by UNC Charlotte. It charges $158.83 per credit if you’re a resident and $718.58 per credit if you’re a non-resident. The average annual cost of tuition at this school is $7,188, according to the NCES college navigator.
Salary and Job Outlook for Bioinformatics Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
Students who have completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Bioinformatics can start exploring job openings in the pharmaceutical industry, biomedical organizations, biotechnology, and research institutions. The application process for each company varies, but a resume and a cover letter are basic requirements. There are several career opportunities that you can explore as a bioinformatician.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Bioinformatics Bachelor’s Degree?
It is not very hard to get a job with a bioinformatics bachelor’s degree. There are many positions available for graduates in various fields, from IT to biotechnology. However, there is stiff competition and it can be more challenging to get a job with a bachelor’s degree vs a Master’s Degree in Bioinformatics.
What’s the Average Bioinformatics Bachelor’s Degree Salary?
The average bioinformatics bachelor’s degree salary is $76,000 per year . Depending on your job title and location, this can go up to $95,000 per year. With this degree, you could work as a bioinformatician, a bioinformatics scientist, or a data scientist. The typical job responsibilities would include analyzing and computing data.
What Types of Jobs Can You Get With a Bioinformatics Bachelor’s Degree?
The types of jobs you can get with a bioinformatics bachelor’s degree are software engineer, bioinformatician, or a bioinformatics scientist, developer, or data analyst. Some jobs may lean more toward data analysis, while others may lean more towards biological experiments or organisms. Possible industries you can work in are pharmaceutical, energy, agriculture, or the public sector.
Bioinformatics Degree Jobs
- Software Engineer
- Bioinformatician
- Data Analyst
- Bioinformatics Scientist
- Bioinformatics Developer
Potential Careers With a Bioinformatics Degree
How Much Money Can You Make With a Bachelor’s Degree in Bioinformatics?
You can make between $62,000 to $100,000 per year with a bioinformatics bachelor’s degree. This amount will increase as you reach senior-level positions. Factors such as your job location, industry, and experience will affect how much you earn.
Highest-Paying Bioinformatics Bachelor’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Bioinformatics Bachelor’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Data Scientist | $97,294 |
| Bioinformatics Scientist | $97,286 |
| Software Engineer | $88,568 |
| Bioinformatics Programmer | $83,910 |
| Data Analyst | $62,838 |
Best Jobs for Bioinformatics Bachelor’s Degree Grads
The best jobs for bioinformatics bachelor’s degree grads allow you to earn an excellent annual salary while putting your learned skills into practice. Whether you want to focus on working with a programming language and various software or with biological projects, these jobs are some of the best options. Below, we go into more detail about the best jobs for bioinformatics bachelor’s degree graduates.
Data Scientist
Average Salary: $97,294
The role of a data scientist is to draw conclusions and interpret big data. Bioinformatics bachelor's degree graduates can use their skills in database management, data mining, and statistical analysis.
- Average Salary: $97,294
- Job Outlook: 22% job growth from 2020 to 2030
- Number of Jobs: 33,000
- Highest-Paying States: Washington, California, Delaware, New York, New Jersey
Bioinformatics Scientist
Average Salary: $97,286
Bioinformatics scientists conduct research in biological fields. They use various technologies and their knowledge of computer science to study and dissect large molecular datasets, including DNA data and proteomics data. They may also develop software that automates data mining and management using tools such as PHP and MySQL.
- Average Salary: $97,286
- Job Outlook: 4% job growth from 2020 to 2030
- Number of Jobs: 46,200
- Highest-Paying States: Oregon, Arizona, Texas, Massachusetts, Washington
Software Engineer
Average Salary: $88,568
Software engineers are responsible for researching, designing, and writing software programs and operating systems. They ensure that this software meets client requirements. Graduates of bioinformatics bachelor's degree programs usually have the knowledge and skills to get this job, even if they don't work in a field related to biology.
- Average Salary: $88,568
- Job Outlook: 19% job growth from 2020 to 2030
- Number of Jobs: 1,847,900
- Highest-Paying States: California, Washington, New York, Washington DC, Maryland
Bioinformatics Programmer
Average Salary: $83,910
A bioinformatics programmer works in fields such as DNA and molecular biology. They use their knowledge to run in-depth studies and work on computational projects that involve using a programming language. It is a highly technical job and also one of the more common bioinformatics careers.
- Average Salary: $83,910
- Job Outlook: -10% job growth from 2020 to 2030
- Number of Jobs: 185,700
- Highest-Paying States: Washington, California, Virginia, Washington DC, Massachusetts
Data Analyst
Average Salary: $62,838
A data analyst is responsible for performing statistical analysis on large datasets. They use and manage this data to answer questions and solve various issues. Even if the role is not related to biology, bioinformatics graduates are eligible for the role because of the skills they acquire in the computer science side of bioinformatics programs.
- Average Salary: $62,838
- Job Outlook: 25% job growth from 2020 to 2030
- Number of Jobs: 104,100
- Highest-Paying States: Virginia, Alabama, Maryland, Hawaii, New York
Best Jobs According to Your Major
Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Bioinformatics Worth It?
Yes, a Bachelor’s Degree in Bioinformatics is worth it. You learn useful interdisciplinary skills and theories in this field. Besides making you employable, it also gives you a marketable skillset and free rein to achieve higher education. A Bachelor’s Degree in Bioinformatics is versatile and flexible.
Additional Reading About Bioinformatics
Bioinformatics Bachelor’s Degree FAQ
You should major in biology or
computer programming
to work in bioinformatics. Statistics and chemistry courses are also advisable. Most bioinformatics specialists have master’s degrees, leading them to more career advancement opportunities.
Yes, there is a lot of math in bioinformatics. Math and statistics are part of
learning bioinformatics
. These courses may include calculus, linear algebra, matrices and determinants, differential equations, probability theory, and statistical methods.
Yes, bioinformatics is the future and holds great significance in data analysis in modern biology and medicine. This global collaboration will increase in the coming decades. Learning bioinformatics now will position you for a variety of jobs in the future.
Workers in bioinformatics usually do research to develop, manage, and process large sets of biological data by applying computational tools and methods. They focus on creating software tools to store, manage, interpret, and analyze data at the genome, proteome, transcriptome, and metabolome levels.
