Master of Science Degree (M.S.) in Bioinformatics and Molecular Biochemistry - Bioinformatics Track
Application Deadlines
April 1 (Fall) Oct 1 (Spring)
Applications received after the above dates will be considered on a case to case basis.
Admission Requirements
Applicants should have a bachelor's degree with a strong background in biology, chemistry and mathematics. 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 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.
Application Checklist
1. Complete Online application
Applications and catalogs may be obtained from
The Dean, Columbian School of Arts and Sciences
The George Washington University
Washington, D.C. 20052
Tel: 202-994-6210
Or you may apply online here. Applcants 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. Easy instructions are provided in the Graduate Application Center to set up an account and password. After you have submitted your application, you may check its status at any time by logging in using your username and password. 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 $75 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.
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
We strongly encourage you to have two (2) recommendations submitted online. The process for requesting and submitting online recommendations is detailed in the Graduate Application Center. We suggest that you contact prospective recommenders at least one month prior to the application deadline.
If a recommender is unable to complete the online recommendation, you can 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 250 - 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.
6. Standardized test scores
TOEFL (for students from non-English speaking institutions) (institutional code 5246)
English language test scores (TOEFL and IELTS) may not be more than two years old.
The minimum English language test scores required by this program are:
Academic IETLS: an overall band score of 7.0 with no individual band score below 6.0; or
TOEFL: 550 on paper-based, or 80 on Internet-based
GRE general test (institutional code 5246)
GRE not required but recommended.
Send All Application Materials, Transcripts & 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 The 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.
Scholarships and Other Financial Aid
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 the merit, faculty recommendations and availability of funds in the laboratories. Some assistantships also provide for 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.