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2023 Bioinformatics Degree Guide

A Recent Jump in Bioinformatics Degrees

#397 Most Popular Major
1.2k Degrees Awarded
4.8% Increase in Graduates

In 2020-2021, bioinformatics was the 397th most popular major nationwide with 1,156 degrees awarded. This represents a 4.8% increase in bioinformatics degrees awarded over the prior year's total of 1,100.

Our 2023 Best Bioinformatics Schools ranking analyzes 76 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for bioinformatics students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of bioinformatics programs later in this article.

2023 Best Colleges for Bioinformatics
2023 Overall Best Bioinformatics Colleges >

Best Bioinformatics Schools by Degree

Bachelor's Degrees in Bioinformatics
Master's Degrees in Bioinformatics
Doctorate Degrees in Bioinformatics

What Are The Requirements For a Degree in Bioinformatics

Bioinformatics majors are found most commonly in careers in which using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems is important. Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one and identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions are all required skills for careers related to this major.

Getting Accepted Into a Bioinformatics Program

A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for most bioinformatics degree programs and many students will need a minimum GPA and SAT/ACT score depending on the school. Once you obtain your degree, additional bioinformatics certifications required to pursue a career in this field.

Types of Bioinformatics Degrees

Bioinformatics degree levels vary. You can spend many years getting as high as a in bioinformatics to something that takes less time like a . The time it takes to complete a bioinformatics degree varies depending on the program.

Degree Credit Requirements Typical Program Length
Associate Degree 60-70 credits 2 years
Bachelor’s Degree 120 credits 4 years
Master’s Degree 50-70 credits 1-3 years
Doctorate Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation At least 4 years

A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to bioinformatics, with approximately 63.1% of workers getting one. See the the most common levels of education for bioinformatics workers below.

Level of Education Percentage of Workers
Bachelor’s Degree 66.2%
Master’s Degree 17.1%
Doctoral Degree 6.0%
Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) 3.2%
Some College Courses 2.5%

About 91.4% of workers in careers related to bioinformatics obtain at least bachelor's degrees. See the chart below for the most common degree level workers in bioinformatics have received.

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This of course varies depending on which bioinformatics career you choose.

Bioinformatics Careers

Above Average Number of Jobs
108k Avg. Related Jobs Salary
25% Growth Job Outlook 2016-26

High Growth Projected for Bioinformatics Careers

Want a job when you graduate with your bioinformatics degree? Bioinformatics careers are expected to grow 25.1% between 2016 and 2026.

The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to bioinformatics.

Occupation Name Projected Jobs Expected Growth
Software Applications Developers 1,086,600 30.7%
Computer Workers 313,800 9.3%
Computer and Information Research Scientists 33,200 19.0%

How Much Money Do People With a Bioinformatics Degree Make?

As you might expect, salaries for bioinformatics graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.

Highest Paid Bioinformatics Careers

Salaries for bioinformatics graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers bioinformatics grads often go into.

Occupation Name Median Average Salary
Computer and Information Research Scientists $123,850
Software Applications Developers $108,080
Computer Workers $93,350

Getting Your Bioinformatics Degree

With over 193 different bioinformatics degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased bioinformatics school rankings to help you with this.

Study Areas in Bioinformatics

One of 4 majors within the Biomathematics & Bioinformatics area of study, Bioinformatics has other similar majors worth exploring.

Related Major Annual Graduates
Biostatistics 1,275
Computational Biology 209
Biomathematics 169
Biometry/Biometrics 148

View All Bioinformatics Related Majors >

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