This is an ever-growing field, and cheminformatics is having an impact on the modern drug discovery process. The main data mining approaches used in cheminformatics, such as descriptor computations, structural similarity matrices, and classification algorithms are key in the biotech and pharma industries. The applications of cheminformatics in drug discovery, such as compound selection, virtual library generation, virtual high-throughput screening, HTS data mining, and in silico ADMET are ever-changing, and the need for trained specialists is growing.

Northeastern University offers the Certificate of Bioinformatics and Cheminformatics as a full-time degree delivered on campus at its Boston, Online, and Portland campuses in United States of America. Taught in English and completed over 1 year, the program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for bioinformatics and cheminformatics and related professional fields. The next available intake begins on January 1, 2027.
About Certificate in Bioinformatics and Cheminformatics
The Graduate Certificate in Bioinformatics and Cheminformatics focuses on understanding a diverse set of data from biological systems to chemical informatics (or cheminformatics). Bioinformatics focuses on storing, indexing, searching, retrieving, and applying information about biologic molecules, such as genomics. Cheminformatics focuses on storing, indexing, searching, retrieving, and applying information about chemical compounds.
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Certificate in Bioinformatics and Cheminformatics at Northeastern University
Entry Requirements
- Online application
- Application fee
- Transcripts from all institutions attended
- Personal statement
- Resumé
- 2 letters of recommendation
- English language proficiency:
- Degree earned or in progress at a U.S. 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.
Learn more about applying to the College of Science.
- A bachelor’s degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, chemical or biochemical engineering, pharmaceutical science, or a related discipline from an accredited college or university.
English Requirements
- PTEMin 76
- IELTSMin 8
- TOEFLMin 108
English Program Requirements
Once your application is submitted, received, and processed, you will be able to access your Application Status Check. If you are required to provide further information regarding your proficiency in English, you will be able to complete the requirement in several ways, depending on your familiarity with English, and the frequency with which you use English each and every day:
- Non-native English-speaking applicants will be required to submit official and valid results from one of the following English Language Tests:
- C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (Cambridge English)
- Duolingo English Test (DET)
- IELTS Academic
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL Internt-based Test (CEEB Code: 3667) Northeastern will accept either the in-person version completed in a test center, or the TOEFL iBT Home Edition
- However, based on your academic environment and the primary instructional language in either your high school or university, you may be eligible for a waiver. All waivers must be submitted through your Application Status Check. For additional information and to determine whether or not you are eligible for a waiver, please read the section below on waiving the English proficiency requirement.
Please note: Northeastern’s Admissions Committee reserves the right to request proof of English language proficiency from any applicant, regardless of citizenship or first language, at any time during the evaluation process.
Tuition and Fee Information for Certificate in Bioinformatics and Cheminformatics at Northeastern University
How to Apply for Certificate in Bioinformatics and Cheminformatics at Northeastern University
- 1.Create your application
Submit your application through The Common Application or the Coalition Application (both are accepted). Once you have created your application, please select Northeastern University to directly submit your application to us. Application fee of $75 or need-based fee waiver* *Northeastern accepts need-based fee waivers from the Common Application, the Coalition Application, as well as organizations such as the College Board and ACT, or in a written request from a school official.
- 2.Submit all required materials
Double check to make sure that you have submitted all required materials. Even if your application has been submitted, we cannot begin reviewing your file until all of your required materials have been received. For applicants applying for the 2022-2023 academic year, Northeastern University is test-optional and does not require standardized testing to complete an application for admission.
- 3.Check your application status
Within seven days of applying, you should receive a confirmation email containing your Northeastern University ID number and instructions for setting up your Application Status Check account. To ensure all of the necessary documents have been submitted, and for updates or information about your application, visit your application status check.

United States of America, Boston