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Computer Science: Bioinformatics

Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary field that uses techniques from computer science to study problems in genetics and molecular biology. Brigham Young University offers two paths to studying Bioinformatics:

Both degrees provide an entry into careers in computational biology, with the Biology program providing more depth in Biology courses and the CS degree providing more depth in computer science classes.

About the Major

The Bioinformatics Emphasis includes the following:

  • A Computer Science core, covering many of the fundamentals studied in the CS major
  • A Biology core, covering the basics of biology, bioinformatics, molecular biology, and genetics
  • Supporting courses in Math and Chemistry
  • Electives from both biology and computer science

Students taking this emphasis should talk to Bioinformatics faculty in the Biology department about undergraduate research that they can pursue as part of their degree.

Careers in Bioinformatics

Students are prepared for software development with a specialty in biotechnology. Students can also pursue a graduate degree in Business, Law, Medicine (general medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine) Computer Science and the Sciences (Biology, Bioinformatics, Biomedical Engineering, Computational Biology and Genetics).

Salary

Estimating salary for a job with a CS: Bioinformatics degree is difficult because the degree provides a foundation for a vast range of career paths, each with its own unique economic landscape. A graduate's potential earnings are heavily skewed by industry choice, geographic location, and specific technical expertise. Ultimately, the salary is best viewed as a broad spectrum rather than a single predictable data point because computer science now serves as the essential backbone for nearly every modern industry.

National Average salary: $131,053 per year

See up-to-date salary information

Requirements

Requirements can change from year to year. When you declare a major, you follow the requirements that were in force that year. You can see an academic advisor to switch to the current requirements if desired.

Current Requirements
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Declaring or Changing Your Major

To learn how to declare or change your major to CS: Bioinformatics, click here:

Declaring A CS Major/Minor