Application and Admission

We are accepting applications for graduate students for the Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (BCB) graduate program for Fall 2026 (application submission is open from September 1 to December 1). Although applications can be submitted at any time, applications should be completed by December 1, for full consideration for fellowships and assistantships.

The BCB graduate program offers both M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. An M.S. degree is not required for Ph.D. applicants. BCB uses the following guidelines to help identify acceptable applicants.

  • A bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, bioinformatics, statistics, or a closely related area.
  • GPA above 3.2/4.0.
  • A minimum TOEFL score of 79 (CBT) or IELTS 6.5 is required for international applicants.  Exceptions may apply to those whose native language is English or those who have earned a degree in a country where English is the only official language.
  • Research experience is preferred.
  • The application fee is $60 for U.S. citizens and $100 for international students. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer application fee waivers at this time.

Degree Objective and Timeline

The Bioinformatics and Computational Biology graduate program is designed to provide doctoral (Ph.D.) level training. The coursework, research and thesis required for the Ph.D. degree typically can be completed in five years. In some special circumstances, students may be admitted as M.S. candidates.  The BCB PhD program is on the approved DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List, CIP code 26 and CIP 2020 code 26.1100.

Undergraduate Work

A four-year university degree (the equivalent of a bachelor's degree) is required. Successful applicants typically have an undergraduate degree in molecular biology, computer science, mathematics, statistics, physics or a closely related discipline. Strong computational, mathematical or statistical training is desirable. However, all exceptionally well-qualified applicants who present strong evidence of research potential will be considered for admission.

A description of prerequisite and background coursework that prepares students for our program can be found on the academic preparation webpage.  Information on our curriculum is described on the PhD degree requirements webpage.  Information on the main components of our training program is also found on the PhD degree requirements webpage.  First-year students in this program will be directed to take some background coursework depending on their undergraduate background.

Academic Performance

Applicants should have a cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) comparable to at least a "B+" average or 3.30 out of a possible 4.00, and rank in the top quartile (25 percent) of their graduating class. Strong performance in relevant science, computer and math courses is especially valued.

Examinations

The general Graduate Records Examination (GRE) is NOT required.

International applicants must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

BCB Program Admission Specifics

Phd Degree Program

We typically admit students into our Ph.D. program only. Successful applicants to our M.S. degree program usually are those already at ISU pursuing a PhD in another discipline.

Fall Admission

Fall semester is the recommended starting point for most applicants to the Graduate Program. The coursework flows more smoothly for most students from the fall semester on. The program offers an extensive orientation program in the Fall semester.

TOEFL (for international students) scores

TOEFL or IELTS score for international applicants from ETS. Have ETS send those to Iowa State University's Graduate Admission Office.

What is the TOEFL code for your University and Program?

Institution Code = 6306 
No Program codes are necessary.

Do you require a GRE Subject Test?

We require neither the GRE nor the GRE subject tests. 

What does the statement of purpose include?

You will file your statement of purpose within the on-line application itself. You might want to include the following in it: What do you intend to do with a PhD in BCB? Why are you interested in our particular graduate program? Whose research in the BCB Program interests you? These are the kinds of questions one might like to address in this statement.

It is important to be concise and precise in your admission materials to best represent your research abilities and interests. If you have published the results of your research in a scientific journal, be sure to highlight that information in your resume. You may also upload an additional document which speaks about your research accomplishments if you wish.

ISU Graduate College Application

Admission Criteria

For guaranteed Fall consideration, please submit your application no later than December 1st. 

To apply to the BCB Program, please:

Application materials for ISU's online application include: 

  • Three letters of recommendation (ISU application system will use the email addresses you provide to send them instructions)
  • Transcripts (upload a scanned copy of official academic records to the ISU application system)
  • Statement of Purpose (with a limit of 500 words)
  • GRE Scores are no longer required
  • TOEFL score from ETS or IELTS (required for international students who do not have a degree from a U.S. college or university)

For more information, please look also at the Iowa State University (ISU) Graduate College application instructions.

A limited number of student positions are available in the BCB program. To admit the best-qualified candidates with the greatest potential for success, our Admissions Committee considers many factors in evaluating applications for admission. These include previous academic training (courses taken and grades received), quality of schools attended, statement of professional goals, research experience and publications, letters of recommendation, as well as TOEFL scores. We especially encourage applications from women and minorities.

We invite and encourage prospective applicants to review the admission criteria outlined below for assistance in determining whether to apply.

Required by Office of Admissions

Admissions Office Address:

Office of Admissions
100 Enrollment Services
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-2011
USA

admissions@iastate.edu

Required by BCB

In addition to the graduate college application, we request that the following items be uploaded with your application:

  • Resume
  • Description of research experience at all previous institutions/industry
  • Statement of research interests (by area and faculty) at Iowa State University
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Copies of Transcripts of your Grades and Credits of your undergraduate and/or Master's degree(s).

Admission Interviews and Decisions -The BCB Admissions Committee reviews all applications. Top candidate applicants (both domestic and international) will be interviewed online by the admissions committee before admission decisions. Opportunities for an on-campus visit and faculty meetings may also be possible for domestic students. Application decisions (accepted, waitlisted, or denied) are made no later than March 15th, following online/in-person interviews. If you are offered admission to the BCB program, you will have until April 15th to accept or decline the offer. Waitlisted applicants will be advised no later than May 30th.

 

10/10/2025