M.S. in Bioinformatics
Blend computational biology, data analysis, machine learning, and genomics to turn big biological data into big breakthroughs in health, tech, and biotech.
What you'll learn
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You’ll build experience in:
- Modeling and analyzing biological data
- Genomics and next-generation sequencing
- Machine learning for health and biotech
- Writing code to solve real biological problems
Turn big data into bigger discoveries
From genomics to personalized medicine, biological data is reshaping the future—and bioinformatics is how we make sense of it.
At the Luddy School, you’ll earn a master’s degree in bioinformatics that blends computer science, biology, and data analysis. You’ll learn to decode DNA, apply machine learning to health data, and work alongside faculty breaking new ground in computational biology. You’ll have access to cutting-edge resources like the Big Red 200 supercomputer and get the skills to lead innovation—whether you land in a lab, a hospital, a startup, or a Ph.D. program.
Earn a stand-alone M.S. in Bioinformatics or pursue a Ph.D. in Informatics, with a track in Bioinformatics
Program details for M.S. in Bioinformatics
Admission requirements
We strongly recommend applicants have six credit hours in biology (molecular biology, genetics, or evolution) and six credit hours in informatics or computer science (programming, data structures, discrete structures). If you’re missing these prerequisites, you’ll take introductory 500-level courses to get up to speed.
The Luddy graduate admission committees will consider students who have a three- or four-year bachelor's degree. Applicants should have a minimum of a 3.0 (B) or higher GPA.
Curriculum
Year one
- INFO-I 519: Introduction to Bioinformatics (fall)
- INFO-I 529: Machine Learning in Bioinformatics (spring)
- Electives in genomics, cancer biology, data mining, statistics, and more
Year two
- A capstone research project (6 credits) in areas like metagenomics, disease networks, or comparative genomics
- More electives tailored to your interests and goals
One School. Two Campuses. Infinite Possibilities.
More pathways at Luddy Indianapolis
Explore the Bioinformatics program available at IU's urban research campus in the heart of downtown Indianapolis.
Start a career at Luddy
Want to work in tech, healthcare, or research? Or maybe continue to a Ph.D.? This degree opens doors. About 50% of Luddy grads go straight into roles at companies or research hospitals like the Mayo Clinic or Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, and the other half enter Ph.D. programs—including IU Bloomington’s own Ph.D. in informatics with a bioinformatics track.
A few companies that have hired M.S. Bioinformatics graduates at Luddy:
Mayo Clinic, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Eli Lilly and Company, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Roche
What are the career possibilities with a bioinformatics major?
Bioinformatics Scientist, Computational Biologist, Genomics Data Analyst, Biomedical Data Scientist
The Luddy student experience
Real Research. Real Experience.
Discover Luddy Research
At Luddy and across IU, students and faculty tackle bold research in areas like bioinformatics, computational biology, security, and privacy.
Through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities in Computing program, computer science majors can gain hands-on experience, work closely with faculty or Ph.D. mentors, and build skills that open doors in tech and research careers.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Explore our Financial Help
Attending the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering is more affordable than you think. With direct-admit scholarships and federal financial aid, you can reduce the cost of earning your M.S. in Bioinformatics at IU.
Advising and Student Resources
Find Extra Help
Whether you’re a Bioinformatics major or still exploring your options, Luddy School advisors are here to help you navigate degree requirements, seize academic opportunities, and tailor your journey to fit your goals.
