Loyola University Chicago

What you'll study

The programme combines core coursework in mathematics, computer science and molecular biology with applied bioinformatics and computational biology modules. Typical subjects include mathematical modelling of biological systems, statistical methods for high‑throughput data, algorithms for sequence and genome analysis, machine learning for biological data, systems biology and network modelling, and structural bioinformatics. Practical training emphasises programming (Python, R), database management, use of high‑performance computing resources and reproducible research workflows.

• Core modules: mathematical biology, biostatistics and experimental design, computational genomics, bioinformatics algorithms.
• Applied modules: systems biology, molecular and structural bioinformatics, machine learning for biological data, image analysis for life sciences.
• Practical experience: laboratory or computational practicum, project work using real biological datasets, training in scientific computing and data visualisation.
• Culminating work: a capstone research project or thesis conducted under faculty supervision, often involving collaboration with biomedical researchers or external partners.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally hold a bachelor’s degree in biology, mathematics, computer science, engineering or another quantitative science from a recognised institution. Admissions favour candidates with coursework in calculus, linear algebra, probability/statistics and some programming experience; introductory molecular biology or genetics is also recommended for those coming from a primarily quantitative background.

• Academic transcripts demonstrating a strong undergraduate record in relevant subjects.
• A personal statement outlining research interests, relevant experience and career objectives.
• Letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees familiar with the applicant’s quantitative or laboratory skills.
• International applicants may need to provide proof of English language proficiency.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a range of roles across academia, healthcare and industry. Typical job titles include bioinformatician, computational biologist, data scientist for life sciences, genomic analyst, and research scientist in biotechnology or pharmaceutical companies. Alumni also progress to PhD programmes in computational biology, biostatistics or related fields, or take roles in clinical research, public health informatics and precision medicine initiatives.

The programme’s emphasis on practical data skills, programming and collaborative projects prepares students for positions that require the analysis of large biological datasets, development of computational pipelines and integration of quantitative models with experimental work.

Why study at Loyola University Chicago

Loyola offers an interdisciplinary environment where students work closely with faculty in mathematics, computer science, biology and medicine. The university’s research links with clinical and biomedical units provide opportunities for applied projects and translational research. Small cohort sizes and accessible faculty support allow for substantial mentoring and tailored project supervision.

Students benefit from access to computing resources and laboratory facilities, and from the university’s location in the Chicago region, which hosts a diverse biomedical and biotech community for internships and collaborations. The programme also emphasises ethical and responsible conduct in research, aligning computational training with considerations important to modern biological and medical practice.