Application and Admission

We are accepting applications for graduate students for the Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (BCB) graduate program for Fall 2025 (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.
  • There is no application fee for applying to the PhD Program.
  • Master's applicants are only admitted if we still have openings after offers are made to PhD applicants or directly admitted with a faculty member. Master's applicants will need to pay the application fee.  

ISU Graduate College Application

 

Required by Office of Admissions:

  • Complete the Iowa State University Graduate Application.  Enter "Bioinformatics and Computational Biology" for major.
  • Official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores (for international applicants only and Duolingo scores will only be accepted through Spring 2025)
  • Official academic transcript(s)

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).
  1. Admission Interviews and Decisions -The BCB Admissions Committee reviews all applications. 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 will 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.