Students interested in applying directly to the Master of Science program in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology must apply through SLU’s Graduate Admissions website. Required materials include:
- Application form and fee
- Résumé
- Personal statement
- Three letters of recommendation
In addition, the applicant should make arrangements for the following to be sent to SLU:
- Official transcripts from all previous colleges
- GRE scores
- TOEFL/IELTS scores (international students only)
- FAFSA form (to be considered for a need-based scholarship)
All applications that are completed by Feburary 1 will be considered for both graduate assistantships and BITWISE scholarships, as appropriate. Other forms of financial aid may require separate application.
Prerequisite Background
Successful applicants should have, or be completing, a bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics or closely related field. The ideally prepared student will enter the master’s program having completed the following coursework
| Area | Courses | SLU Equivalency |
| Physical Science | Principles of Biology I & II | e.g. BIOL 1240/1245/1260/1265 |
| General Chemistry I & II | e.g. CHEM 1110/1115/1120/1125 | |
| Molecular & Cellular Biology | e.g. BIOL 3020 or 3040 | |
| Genetics | e.g. BIOL 3030 | |
| Computer Science | Introduction to Programming | e.g. CSCI 1300 |
| Data Structures | e.g. CSCI 2100 | |
| Mathematics | Calculus I & II | e.g. MATH 1510/1520 |
| Discrete Mathematics | e.g. MATH 1660 | |
| Introduction to Statistics | e.g. MATH 1300, 3850 or 4860 |