MS in Bioinformatics in USA: Top Universities, Eligibility & Jobs

Highlights:

• Over 54 universities in the USA offer MS in Bioinformatics.
• The course is popular in top universities in USA such as Stanford University, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of California San Diego.
• An increase of 12% is recorded in the employment rate for MS in Bioinformatics graduates in USA over the last 5 years
• 14,700 job openings are projected in bioinformatics, ensuring employment stability.
• Bioinformatics covers a wider focus area than health informatics as it covers pharma, biomedicine and healthcare

MS in Bioinformatics in USA helps you gain biology, computer science, and statistics knowledge. The duration of an MS in Bioinformatics in USA is 2 years. The tuition fees in the best universities in USA for MS in Bioinformatics can vary between USD 23,000 to 82,000 per year. For admission to MSc in Bioinformatics, you take the GRE and have a bachelor's degree with an overall aggregate of 70%. The niche field offers high demand and excellent salaries, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics noting an average salary of USD 112,842 per year. The demand for bioinformatics professionals is projected to grow by 12% in the USA as pharmaceuticals and healthcare industries integrate data science and analytics into their operations.

Why Study Bioinformatics in USA? - A Master of Science in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology in USA is a great opportunity for students aiming to build their career in the healthcare sector. USA is home to top universities like Johns Hopkins, Stanford, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of Bioinformatics Scientists is projected to grow by 23% from 2022 to 2032. The average salary for a Bioinformatics Scientist in USA is around USD 112,842 ~ INR 94.2 Lakhs per year, significantly higher than the national average salary.

Top Universities in USA for MS in Bioinformatics

US institutions provide MS in Bioinformatics programs with multiple specializations such as genomics, computational biology, or systems biology. Some of the top universities offering MSc in Bioinformatics in USA are -

MS in Bioinformatics in USA includes core courses and electives such as Algorithms in Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Molecular Biology, Computer Science, Data Mining, and Database Management.

Check Out: Top MS in Bioinformatics Universities

MS in Bioinformatics in USA Admissions

MS in Bioinformatics Admission Deadlines: The admission deadlines for Masters in Bioinformatics in USA generally fall between -

• Spring Semester: October and December
• Fall Semester: April and June

To ensure proper processing of the application, submit it before the deadline.

Once you receive an acceptance letter from a university, you need to apply for a US student visa to study in the country.

Check Out: US Admission Deadlines

US Student Visa

F-1 Visa is the most common visa type for students pursuing MS in Bioinformatics in USA. There are two main cost components:

• Application Fee: Around $160 (USD).
• SEVIS Fee: Around $35 (USD).

Expect US visa processing time to be around 3 to 4 months.

Read More: US Student Visa

Eligibility Criteria of MS in Bioinformatics in USA for International Students

The eligibility criteria for MS in Bioinformatics in USA varies according to the university. The minimum eligibility criteria include -

MS in Bioinformatics in USA: University Admission Requirements

The university-specific admission requirements for MS in Bioinformatics in USA are as follows -

MS in Bioinformatics in USA without GRE

Though a GRE score is a mandatory requirement for admission to MS in Bioinformatics, some universities offer MS in Bioinformatics in USA without GRE requirement. These are -

1. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
2. University of California, Riverside
3. University of Massachusetts Lowell
4. North Carolina State University
5. Drexel University

These universities can waive the GRE requirements in case of strong academic performance in the previous educational course.

Cost of Studying MS in Bioinformatics in USA

The cost of studying MSc Bioinformatics in USA includes the prearrival costs, tuition fees and the cost of living in the country. For an Indian student, this annual cost can be around -

• Pre-arrival Costs (Visa, Standardized Tests, Application Fees): USD 2,045 - USD 3,765
• Average Tuition Fee: USD 23,570 - USD 82,628
• Cost of Living in USA: USD 15,000 - USD 30,000

MS in Bioinformatics in USA Tuition Fees

The annual tuition fee for MS in Bioinformatics in USA for Indian students in the top US universities is as given below:

Affordable Colleges for MS in Bioinformatics in USA

Some universities also offer cheap MS in Bioinformatics in the USA to ease your financial burden. These are -

Cost of Living in USA

As an international student, the cost of living in USA varies between USD 15,000 to 30,000 which is equivalent to INR 12.5 Lakhs to 25.1 Lakhs. This includes living expenses, accommodation, meals, health insurance, and personal expenses.

MS in Bioinformatics in USA Scholarships

You can also apply for scholarships while pursuing your MS in Bioinformatics program in USA. These scholarships can cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other expenses. Some popular scholarships are -

MS in Bioinformatics in USA Salary

Bioinformatics graduates in the USA can expect competitive salaries. According to Indeed, the average base salary for a Bioinformatics Scientist in the USA is USD 112,842 per year. Entry-level positions might start around $80,000, while senior roles can exceed $150,000.

Work Permit in USA

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is the most common work permit for F-1 visa holders.

• Allows full-time work permit for up to 12 months after graduation (extendable to 24 months in STEM fields).
• Allows part-time or full-time work authorization for up to 12 months before graduation.

After OPT expires, some F-1 graduates may seek H-1B visa sponsorship from a US employer.

Explore: Post-Study Work Visa in USA

MS in Bioinformatics in USA - Top Job Roles

Some of the top job roles for MS in Bioinformatics graduates in US include -

Salaries are generally higher in areas with a high cost of living (e.g., San Francisco, Boston) and major bioinformatics hubs. California is a better option than Florida or Texas, because it is one of the biggest Bio-Pharma clusters in the US, with the highest number of companies and jobs in the Bio-medical field.

The other decently sized Bio-Pharma clusters are Massachusetts (around Boston), Virginia-Maryland-Washington (Bio-Health Capital Region), North Carolina (Raleigh Research Triangle), Chicago, Newyork-Newjersey, etc. All these regions are on the higher side of living expenses, but the Return on Investment here is great, compensating for what you have spent.

Pursuing an MS in Bioinformatics in USA can provide international students with opportunities for academic and professional growth. The country offers top-ranked universities with state-of-the-art facilities and experienced faculty. Graduates will have hands-on experience and can be equipped with the skills and knowledge required for the constantly evolving field of bioinformatics.

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