Application

Master of Science Degree (M.S.) in Bioinformatics and Molecular Biochemistry is offered by the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine through the Columbian College of Arts and Science (CCAS)
 

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Domestic: August 1st
  • Fall International: May 1st
  • Spring Domestic: December 1st
  • Spring International: October 1st

These deadlines are specific to our program. Applications submitted after these deadlines are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Admission Requirements

Applicants should have a bachelor's degree with a strong background in at least one of the STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Recommended (not required) courses for admission include General Biology (1 year), General Chemistry (1 year), Organic Chemistry (1 year) and College Physics (1 year). Motivated individuals may make up for deficiencies in these areas after admission. Students who apply in their senior year must have completed their baccalaureate work before registration in the Graduate School and must present evidence of such completion. Under exceptional circumstances, a few students may be admitted under a probationary program. Program flexibility allows for both full-time and part-time studies. More information can be found in the GW Bulletin and Frequently Asked Questions. The application process includes a few additional requirements for International graduate applicants.

Application Checklist

  1. Online application

    Applicants must provide complete, accurate, and honest information on their application. Submission of incomplete or inaccurate information or documents may be grounds for denying or withdrawing an offer of admission or termination of enrollment.
    Step-by-step instructions for the application process are provided in the Graduate Application Center from setting up an account and password for GW Applicant Portal, creating an application account, uploading documents to submitting your application. After you have submitted your application, you may log on to the application portal to check its status at any time. If you are applying to more than one program, you will need to set up multiple accounts and submit an application and supporting documents for each program.

    Please note: If you previously requested information about our graduate programs or registered for or attended an event, you may already have credentials that you can use for the online application process. To retrieve your credentials, simply click on the "Forgot your User Name or Password" link.
     

  2. Non-refundable application fee

    The $80 non-refundable application fee must be paid in U.S. dollars, by credit card (online only), international money order, or check. Your name must be written on the check or money order. Cash, international postal money orders, or Eurochecks are not accepted. Attend any of the Graduate information sessions offered by CCAS to receive an application fee waiver code. CCAS provides a thorough overview of the graduate admissions process. Any further information can be obtained by contacting CCAS at askccas@gwu.edu
     

  3. Prior academic records

    Transcripts are required from all colleges and universities attended, whether or not credit was earned, the program was completed, or the credit appears as transfer credit on another transcript. Unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended must be uploaded to your online application. Official transcripts are required only of applicants who are offered admission. An overall grade-point average (GPA) in undergraduate education of at least a B is recommended.

    International applicants should upload only the English-language version of their transcripts.
     

  4. Letters of recommendation

    One (1) recommendation is required. We strongly encourage you to have two (2) recommendations submitted online. Letter/s must be written within one year of the date of submission and should speak to your ability to succeed in the Master’s program, from an academic or a professional perspective.

    The process for requesting and submitting online recommendations is detailed in the application process. We strongly suggest that you contact prospective recommenders at least one month before the application deadline. If a recommender is unable to complete the online recommendation, you may forward them a copy of the paper recommendation form. Paper recommendations should be returned to you in a signed, sealed envelope to be submitted unopened to the admissions office noted at the bottom.
     

  5. Academic statement of purpose

    In an essay of ~ 500 words, state your purpose in undertaking graduate study in your chosen field. Include your academic objectives, research interests, and career plans. Also discuss your related qualifications, including collegiate, professional, and community activities, and any other substantial accomplishments not already mentioned on the application. If you are applying for an assistantship or fellowship, you should also describe any teaching experience you have had.
     

  6. Personal Statement

    In ~ 250 words, describe why you have chosen this particular program at GWU. Explain how you can contribute to the academic and non-academic atmosphere of the Department and University.
     

  7. Standardized test scores

    GRE general test (institutional code 5246)

    GRE is not required but recommended. Our application review process is holistic and considers all aspects of an applicant’s submission. Therefore, GRE scores are NOT required. However, you may submit your GRE test scores if you feel they will strengthen your application.

    All applicants to George Washington University must demonstrate excellent English language skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Graduate applicants who have not earned a post-secondary degree from a U.S. institution are required to provide evidence of English language proficiency by submitting TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing Service) scores to be considered for admission. Scores may not be more than two years old. Details on English Language proficiency waiver for International Graduate Applicants are available at the CCAS website. 

    TOEFL (institutional code 5246), IELTS (e-delivery)

    English language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE Academic) may not be more than two years old at the time of application.
    The minimum English language test scores required by this program are:

  • TOEFL: 80 on the internet-based test (IBT), 550 on the paper-based test (PBT); or
  • IELTS: Overall band score no less than 6.0, no individual band score less than 5.0;
  • DUOLINGO: 110; or
  • PTE Academic: 53

Send All Application Materials, Transcripts, and Other Credentials to:

Supporting documents not submitted online should be mailed to:
Columbian College of Arts and Sciences - Graduate Admissions Office
The George Washington University
801 22nd Street NW, Phillips Hall 107
Washington DC 20052

Transfer of Credits

With pre-approval, up to nine graduate credits may be transferred into the Master of Science program. A course grade of at least a B is required for such transfers.

Tuition and fees

Tuition and fees at George Washington University are comparable to the national average for U.S. private universities. These costs, set by the GW Board of Trustees, generally increase from year to year and may vary by program and location. Columbian College of Arts and Science has specific details on Graduate tuition.

Scholarships and Other Financial Aid

The department offers a competitive merit-based scholarship, for which all applications are reviewed and considered.

For students intending to follow the M.S. thesis option, part-time research assistantships may be available after the first semester. These assistantships are provided based on merit, faculty recommendations, and availability of funds in the laboratories. Some assistantships also provide 2 or 3 credits of tuition remission per semester. Information on other types of graduate student financial aid may be obtained from the GW Office of Graduate Student Assistantships and Fellowships.

International Students

Please review International Applicant Information carefully for other detailed information like visa requests, funding, housing, and other application tips.