Academic programs

Program overview

Northeastern is committed to delivering cutting-edge programs that foster interdisciplinary thinking, research, and the pursuit of innovation-driven discoveries that have an impact on lives. That commitment and vision are at the very core of the Master of Science (MS) in Bioinformatics. Our program’s cross-disciplinary training prepares you to succeed in multiple roles in this new and growing field.

Combining challenging academics in biology, computer science, and information technology with experiential learning, the program helps you integrate the knowledge, skills, experience, and confidence needed to achieve your goals and make a difference in our world.

The MS in Bioinformatics is structured to provide you with the skills and knowledge to develop, evaluate, and deploy bioinformatics and computational biology applications. The program is designed to prepare you for employment in the biotechnology sector, where the need for knowledgeable life scientists with quantitative and computational skills has exploded in the past decade.

Available concentrations include:

• Bioinformatics Enterprise: This concentration integrates business and management skills with the science of bioinformatics.
• Biotechnology: This option provides students without a biotechnology background with a strong foundation in basic biotech concepts and skills.
• Omics: This concentration prepares students to analyze large datasets related to genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, and evolving new omics fields.

You are not required to declare a concentration. With the coursework option, you can select 12 credits of electives in place of concentration-specific courses.

Curriculum

For 100+ years, we’ve designed our programs with one thing in mind—your success. Explore the current program requirements and course descriptions, all designed to meet today’s industry needs and must-have skills.

Tuition and aid

The domestic tuition price is inclusive of a scholarship of up to 10% for all domestic students beginning their graduate studies in the 2025 academic year. This scholarship is not transferable to alternative programs of study, terms or campuses outside of Oakland, CA.

This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2024–2025 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Find detailed information on tuition and fees from Student Financial Services.

Finance your education

For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.

How to apply

Learn more about the College of Science’s admissions process and required materials, including deadlines.