Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (PhD)
Program Summary
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Credits: 72 total
Degree: PhD
College/School: College of Science
Start Date: 8/25/2025
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Program Description
Researchers in the field of bioinformatics and computational biology collect, store, analyze, and present complex biological data using high-performance computing. Through this work, critical contributions are made to disease detection, drug design, forensics, agriculture, and environmental sciences. This research-oriented program trains a new generation of computational biologists for careers in private industry, academia, and government agencies. The program provides students with interdisciplinary academic curriculum that includes fundamental bioscience courses as well as advanced courses in bioinformatics.
Read MoreIn general, course requirements are completed within the first two years of study. Completion of coursework, the comprehensive exam, and a successful dissertation proposal results in advancement to candidacy status. In the next phase, students conduct research guided by a faculty member. The program is concluded with the defense of PhD dissertation.
The program is structured to be accessible for full- and part-time students. The courses are offered in a hybrid or distance learning format without requiring students to travel to campus. Because the research work is computational, students may choose to earn their doctoral degree entirely remotely or in a traditional face-to-face format.
Career Descriptions
Because of explosive growth in life sciences, biotechnology, and drug design, there is a strong demand for bioinformatics scientists employing computational methods to advance the scientific understanding of living systems. Broadly speaking, the bioinformatics employment falls into several categories.
Researchers: Academia, government, and commercial sector are hiring employees trained in bioinformatics to support their research. People in these positions generally work in a specific area of research.
Instruction: There is a robust demand for teaching bioinformatics and computational biology. Some PhD level bioinformaticians will pursue an academic career developing their own research agenda and teach at universities. To this end, they typically receive an additional post-doctoral training in one of research labs for few years. Many institutions are also seeking dedicated instructors to teach bioinformatics.
Support of core facilities: Universities or government institutes tend to establish central resources for their labs referred to as core facilities. The personnel supporting such core facilities often require research experience and PhD level degrees.
Software developers: Many companies within the Greater Washington area and nationally are interested in developing and deploying computational algorithms and tools. Such jobs often require research experience and advanced skills only provided at PhD level.
Students are strongly encouraged to check online postings for job opportunities in bioinformatics and computational biology. As a Mason student, you may also contact Mason Career Services for more career information and counseling.
Courses
Program requirements are subject to change; please refer to the Mason Course Catalog for the most up-to-date requirements.
Details
Who should apply?
The program is inherently interdisciplinary and consequently the students coming to the program are likely to have a background in biology, computer science, or chemistry. Students select one of the areas in bioinformatics and computational biology studied by a faculty member, who will serve as their advisor. Thus, the students interested in studying biological problems utilizing computational methods are encouraged to apply.
Tuition and Fees
Please refer to the Students Accounts Office website for more information on tuition and fees. For information on loans and scholarships, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid. For information regarding grants, tuition waivers and other merit aid, please inquire with your graduate department.
Why choose George Mason?
- Life science is a rapidly developing field demanding highly trained computational biologists. Our program addresses the growing demand by preparing a new generation of bioinformaticians to be employed in industry, academia, or government.
- By joining the program, students will participate in advanced, cutting-edge research.
- Students benefit from cooperation with neighboring world-class research institutions, including the NIH, USDA, FDA, FBI, and many other universities, research institutes, museums, government, and military laboratories in the Greater Washington, DC area.
- Courses in this program are taught by acclaimed professors and experts in the field, including Saleet Jafri, Dmitri Klimov, Donald Seto, Jeffrey Solka, Aman Ullah, and Iosif Vaisman as well as faculty from other departments.
- The program offers excellent opportunity for professionals with MS degree to complete PhD program on a part-time basis.
- The entire doctoral degree can be earned online without the need to travel to campus.
Ready to Apply?
All applicants should review School of Systems Biology Application Information. For international applicants, see guidelines for International Graduate Requirements.
Prerequisites
- Hold a bachelor’s degree in biology, computer science, or related field
- Achieve a minimum GPA of 3.25 in the last earned degree
- Have taken courses in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, calculus, computer programming and data structures, and probability and statistics. Students with deficiencies in one or more of these areas may be admitted, but required to take additional courses, some of which may not be applicable to the degree’s course total.
- Have a working knowledge of a computer programming language
Application Materials
- Graduate application
- Application fee
- In-state tuition form (if applicable)
- Two official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- Goals statement
- Resume
- Three letters of recommendation from faculty members or individuals who have personal knowledge of your academic or professional capabilities
If you have any questions during the application process, please contact COS Graduate Admissions at [email protected] or (703) 993-3430.
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Contact
Department Contact
School of Systems Biology
Email: [email protected]
College Contact
College of Science (COS)
Graduate Admissions
Phone: (703) 993-9532
Email: [email protected]
Program Website:
Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (PhD)
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