M.S. in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate programs

Academic Requirements:

1. Bachelor's Degree: Applicants must have completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution. The minimum required percentage for admission is typically 60% or above.

English Language Proficiency: 

1. IELTS (International English Language Testing System): A minimum overall score of 6.5 is required, with no individual band score lower than 6.0.

2. TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language - Internet-Based Test): A minimum overall score of 80 is often required.

3. PTE (Pearson Test of English): A minimum score of 54 may be required.

4. DET (Duolingo English Test): A minimum score of 110 is typically accepted.

Saint Louis University (SLU) in the United States offers a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities to support international students in their pursuit of higher education. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, promote diversity, and assist students in managing the costs of their education.

1. Merit-Based Scholarships: SLU offers merit-based scholarships to international students based on their academic achievements, typically in the form of tuition reductions. These scholarships may vary in amount and eligibility criteria, but they are generally awarded to students with outstanding academic records.

2. International Student Scholarships: SLU specifically offers scholarships for international students to promote diversity and foster a global campus community. These scholarships may consider factors beyond academics, such as leadership, community involvement, or extracurricular achievements.

3. Departmental Scholarships: Some academic departments within SLU may offer scholarships to international students pursuing specific majors or fields of study. These scholarships can be a valuable resource for students with strong academic interests in particular disciplines.

4. Graduate Assistantships: SLU provides graduate assistantship opportunities to international students pursuing postgraduate degrees. These assistantships often include a stipend and may involve teaching, research, or administrative responsibilities.

5. Government and External Scholarships: International students may explore scholarships offered by their home governments, international organizations, or external agencies that support higher education. SLU's financial aid office can provide guidance on external scholarship opportunities.

6. Need-Based Financial Aid: SLU is committed to assisting students with financial need. International students can explore need-based financial aid options and work with the university's financial aid office to determine eligibility.

7. Fellowships: SLU may offer fellowship programs for outstanding graduate students. Fellowships often provide financial support, research opportunities, and professional development experiences.

8. Assistantships: In addition to graduate assistantships, SLU may offer research or teaching assistantships to international students pursuing advanced degrees. These positions can help cover tuition costs and provide valuable academic experience.

9. Study Abroad Scholarships: SLU encourages international experiences, and there are scholarships available for students participating in study abroad programs. These scholarships can help offset the costs of studying in another country.

10. Global Scholarship Exchange Programs: SLU collaborates with partner universities worldwide, enabling students to participate in exchange programs. These programs often include scholarship opportunities that facilitate international academic experiences.

It's important for international students to research and apply for scholarships early in the application process, as deadlines and eligibility criteria may vary. 

Graduates of SLU's M.S. in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology program are in high demand in various sectors due to their unique skill set.Saint Louis University's M.S. in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology program equips students with the expertise needed to excel in the rapidly growing field of bioinformatics.

1. Bioinformatician: Graduates can pursue roles as bioinformaticians, where they use computational tools and algorithms to analyze biological data. They work in research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and healthcare organizations to advance our understanding of genetics, genomics, and related fields.

2. Data Scientist: With their strong analytical and programming skills, program graduates are well-suited for data scientist positions in diverse industries. They can work on analyzing large datasets, making data-driven decisions, and developing predictive models.

3. Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Companies: Many biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies hire bioinformatics professionals to assist in drug discovery, genomics research, and personalized medicine efforts.

4. Academia and Research: Graduates who are interested in pursuing research or academia can work as researchers, postdoctoral fellows, or faculty members at universities and research institutions.

5. Healthcare: Some graduates choose to work in healthcare settings, utilizing their skills to interpret genetic data, develop diagnostic tools, and contribute to personalized medicine initiatives.

6. Government Agencies: Government agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) employ bioinformaticians to conduct research, analyze health data, and inform public health policies.

7. Pharmaceutical Data Analysis: Graduates can specialize in pharmaceutical data analysis, helping pharmaceutical companies make informed decisions about drug development, clinical trials, and regulatory compliance.

8. Startups: The skills acquired in this program are valuable in the startup ecosystem, where graduates can contribute to innovative projects in genomics, personalized medicine, and healthcare technology.