Bioinformatics and Computational Biology

George Mason University

United States of America, Fairfax

University Rank:#951

Duration4 year(s)

Tuition Fee

USD 1,742 / credit

Next IntakeAugust 21, 2026

Bioinformatics and Computational Biology

About

In the field of bioinformatics and computational biology, specialists collect, store, analyze, model, and present complex biological data to understand how individual components of biological systems and the interactions between them inform function at all levels of biological hierarchy. Through the combination of biological analysis and high-performance computing, critical contributions are made to biomedical, agricultural, and environmental sciences. The main objective of this doctorate is to educate the next generation of computational biologists for careers in academia, industry, and government. The program provides students with interdisciplinary academic training that includes fundamental bioscience courses as well as core and advanced courses in bioinformatics. The curriculum is designed to be completed in approximately two years. The completion of coursework, the comprehensive exam, and a successful dissertation proposal result in advancement to candidacy status. In the final phase of the program, students focus on research that culminates in a dissertation.

The program is structured to be accessible for full and part-time students. Because the program has a fully online option, students may choose to earn the doctoral degree entirely remotely or in a traditional face-to-face format. All courses are offered in hybrid, distance learning, or asynchronous formats without requiring students to travel to campus. Visit Mason Online for details.

Disciplines

College of Science

Requirements

Entry Requirements

International students interested in pursuing graduate study must meet the following requirements:

Completed online application for graduate study and application fee
An earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education, or international equivalent, verified from copies of unofficial transcripts uploaded to the online application Self-Service Center. Note: Due to admissions deadlines, graduate students are sometimes admitted before conferral of a bachelor’s degree. Students who are awaiting conferral of the degree will be permitted to register for their first semester. However, continuance in any graduate program requires an official transcript which verifies conferral of a bachelor’s degree.
Copies of unofficial university transcripts and any earned degree uploaded to the online application Self-Service Center from all universities attended.
All transcripts from colleges or universities outside the United States must be translated into English, if applicable, and submitted for evaluation to the Mason Office of Admissions. Mason will provide evaluation service free of charge for all international transcripts, however, some programs may request an outside evaluation be completed. Because of volume, more time may be needed to process applications requiring a Mason evaluation. For expedited service, students may submit their documents to any NACES member organization at their own expense. For suggested NACES evaluation services, please reference the International Transfer Requirements section above. If you decide to use an external evaluation service or if your program requires an outside evaluation, GPA and Degree equivalences must be included with your course-by-course evaluation. The Office of Admissions has final authority on all evaluations. Evaluations are used for internal purposes and are not released to applicants. For information on international transcript requirements, go here.
Verification of English language proficiency. Please see English language requirements page.
Official GRE, GMAT, LSAT, or MAT or other official test scores, as required by your program sent directly to Mason from the testing agency
Other supplemental materials specified by your academic program such as essays, departmental forms, portfolios, or interviews

English Requirements

PTEMin 67
IELTSMin 7
TOEFLMin 88

Fee Information

Application Fee 75

How to Apply

Your complete application package will require supplemental forms and documents to go along with your application. Examples might include your high school transcript, letters of recommendation, transcripts from universities/colleges attended, visa status, results of standardized tests, essays, resume, activity lists, etc. Materials that you supply can be prepared before you apply. For the Common Application, these items can be uploaded into your application. For Mason’s Exclusive Online Application for Admission, these items can be sent electronically or mailed as directed when you apply. The rest of your documents can be provided after you apply, just be aware of the deadlines that apply to you.

Bioinformatics and Computational Biology

George Mason University

United States of America, Fairfax