Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Bachelor of Science Degree

In this dynamic bioinformatics BS, biology and computing combine to analyze big data collected by the health industry to discover, diagnose, and treat a wide range of medical conditions.


100%

Outcomes Rate of RIT Graduates from this degree

4+1

5-year BS/MS in Bioinformatics

Maximize time, tuition, and competitive advantage

$1M+

Equipment in Genomics Lab


Overview for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology BS

Why Study Bioinformatics at RIT?


  • Gain Hands-on Experience: Sequence and annotate whole genomes of a variety of organisms using the Illumina MiSeq in the Genomics Lab.

  • Industry Work Experience: Bioinformatics students gain career exposure and hands-on experience through a required co-op experience.

  • Jobs at Industry Leading Companies: Recent bioinformatics graduates are employed at the Cleveland Clinic, Newport Labs, and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

  • A 100% Outcomes Rate: Bioinformatics graduates jump into a number of exciting careers immediately after graduation. They utilize their analytical and computational skills to solve real-world problems.

  • Pre-Med/Pre-Health Advising Program: Receive personalized guidance to become a competitive candidate for admission to medical schools and graduate programs in the health professions.

  • Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Available: Earn both your bachelor’s and your master’s in less time and with a cost savings, giving you a competitive advantage in your field.

  • STEM-OPT Visa Eligible: The STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows full-time, on-campus international students on an F-1 student visa to stay and work in the U.S. for up to three years after graduation.

Bioinformatics is the intersection of biology and computer science. When enrolled in RIT’s bioinformatics bachelor's degree, you’ll learn how to use computers to analyze, organize, and visualize biological data in ways that increase the understanding of this data and lead to new discoveries.

RIT’s Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Bachelor of Science Degree

The RIT bioinformatics BS includes laboratory exercises and assignments in which you’ll learn to sequence DNA and use computer programs to analyze DNA sequences and predict molecular models. You will also gain critical skills employers look for, including:

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Careers and Cooperative Education

Typical Job Titles

Bioinformatics Analyst Biomedical Researcher Biostatistician
Computational Biologist Geneticist Research Technician
Laboratory Technician Software Programmer Technical Support Specialist

Industries

  • Biotech and Life Sciences
  • Medical Devices
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Health Care
Post-Graduation Salary and Career Info for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology BS

Cooperative Education

What’s different about an RIT education? It’s the career experience you gain by completing cooperative education and internships with top companies in every single industry. You’ll earn more than a degree. You’ll gain real-world career experience that sets you apart. It’s exposure–early and often–to a variety of professional work environments, career paths, and industries. 

Co-ops and internships take your knowledge and turn it into know-how. Science co-ops include a range of hands-on experiences, from co-ops and internships and work in labs to undergraduate research and clinical experience in health care settings. These opportunities provide the hands-on experience that enables you to apply your scientific, math, and health care knowledge in professional settings while you make valuable connections between classwork and real-world applications.

Students in the bioinformatics and computational biology degree are required to complete one cooperative education experience.

Co-op and Experiential Learning Options for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology BS

Featured Work and Profiles

Curriculum for 2025-2026 for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology BS

Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements

Admissions and Financial Aid

This program is STEM designated when studying on campus and full time.

First-Year Admission

First-year applicants are expected to demonstrate a strong academic background that includes:

  • 4 years of English
  • 3 years of social studies and/or history
  • 3 years of mathematics is required and must include algebra, geometry, and algebra 2/trigonometry. Pre-calculus is recommended.
  • 2-3 years of science is required and must include biology and chemistry.

Transfer Admission

Transfer applicants should meet these minimum degree-specific requirements:

  • A minimum of college algebra is required. Pre-calculus or calculus is preferred.
  • Chemistry and biology are required.

Learn How to Apply

Financial Aid and Scholarships

100% of all incoming first-year and transfer students receive aid.

RIT’s personalized and comprehensive financial aid program includes scholarships, grants, loans, and campus employment programs. When all these are put to work, your actual cost may be much lower than the published estimated cost of attendance.
Learn more about financial aid and scholarships

Research

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Many students join research labs and can engage in research projects starting as early as their first year. Participation in undergraduate bioinformatics research leads to the development of real-world lab techniques, enhanced problem-solving skills, and broader career opportunities. Our students have opportunities to travel to national conferences for presentations and also become contributing authors on peer-reviewed manuscripts. Explore the variety of life science undergraduate research happening at RIT.

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