M.S. in Bioinformatics

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Programs

Academic Requirements:

1. Bachelor's Degree: Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution. The minimum academic requirement for postgraduate admission is typically a bachelor's degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

2. English Language Proficiency:

   • IELTS: An overall IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 6.5 or higher is required. with no individual band score below 6.0.

   • TOEFL iBT: A minimum overall TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) iBT score of 80 is required.

   • DET (Duolingo English Test): UNH accepts DET scores. A minimum score of 120 or higher on the DET is required.

   • PTE (Pearson Test of English): A minimum PTE score of 59 or higher is required.

Scholarships for International Students at the University of New Hampshire (UNH)

1. International Presidential Scholarship: UNH offers the International Presidential Scholarship to academically outstanding international students entering the university as first-year students. This scholarship is merit-based and provides substantial financial support to recipients. Eligibility criteria include high academic achievement and leadership qualities.

2. Dean's Scholarship for International Students: The Dean's Scholarship is another merit-based scholarship designed to recognize exceptional academic achievements of international students. It is available for both undergraduate and graduate students. The scholarship amount may vary based on the student's qualifications.

3. Transfer Scholarships: UNH provides scholarships for international transfer students. These scholarships are awarded based on the student's previous academic performance at their current or previous institution. Eligibility criteria and scholarship amounts may vary.

4. UNH Foundation Scholarships: The university offers a variety of foundation scholarships to international students based on academic merit, leadership, and other criteria. These scholarships are available for both undergraduate and graduate students and cover a range of fields of study.

5. Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UNH offer scholarships specifically for students majoring in their respective fields. These scholarships may have specific academic requirements and application processes, so it's essential for students to check with their departments for opportunities.

6. Graduate Assistantships: UNH provides graduate assistantships to international students pursuing master's or doctoral degrees. These assistantships may include tuition remission, a stipend, and the opportunity to gain valuable teaching or research experience.

7. Private Scholarships: International students can explore external scholarship opportunities, such as those offered by private organizations, foundations, and government agencies from their home countries.

8. Work-Study Programs: While not a scholarship in the traditional sense, international students at UNH may have the opportunity to participate in on-campus work-study programs. These programs allow students to work part-time jobs on campus to help cover their living expenses.

9. International Education Scholarships: Some scholarships are specifically designated for international education and cultural exchange programs. These scholarships may support international students' participation in study abroad experiences or cultural exchange initiatives.

10. Fulbright Scholarships: UNH participates in the Fulbright Program, which provides opportunities for international students to study, teach, or conduct research in the United States. Eligibility and application requirements for Fulbright scholarships can vary by country.

It's important for international students to review the specific eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and application procedures for each scholarship opportunity.

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Bioinformatics program at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) opens up a world of exciting career opportunities in the cutting-edge field of bioinformatics and computational biology. Graduates of this program are well-equipped to tackle complex biological questions using data analysis, computational tools, and genomic technologies.  

1. Bioinformatics Scientist: Graduates can pursue roles as bioinformatics scientists, where they work on the analysis of biological data, develop algorithms, and contribute to research in genetics, genomics, and personalized medicine. They play a pivotal role in understanding the genetic basis of diseases and drug discovery.

2. Data Analyst: With their strong data analysis skills, M.S. in Bioinformatics graduates can excel as data analysts in various sectors, including pharmaceutical companies, healthcare institutions, and research organizations. They analyze large-scale biological data sets to extract meaningful insights.

3. Computational Biologist: Computational biologists bridge the gap between biology and computer science. They develop computational models, perform simulations, and conduct research to answer biological questions. Graduates can work in academia, biotechnology companies, or government agencies.

4. Genomic Analyst: Genomic analysts focus on interpreting and annotating genomic data. They work with next-generation sequencing data, perform variant analysis, and help advance our understanding of genetics. Opportunities in this field exist in research institutions and biotech companies.

5. Biomedical Informatics Specialist: Graduates can explore careers in biomedical informatics, where they contribute to the development of electronic health records (EHRs), clinical decision support systems, and healthcare data analysis. They play a crucial role in improving patient care and healthcare systems.

6. Research Scientist: Many M.S. in Bioinformatics graduates choose to pursue research scientist positions, engaging in groundbreaking research projects related to genomics, proteomics, and computational biology. They may work in universities, research institutes, or private labs.

7. Pharmaceutical Informatics: The pharmaceutical industry relies heavily on bioinformatics for drug discovery, target identification, and clinical trials. Graduates can work as pharmaceutical informatics specialists, aiding in the development of new drugs and therapies.

8. Academic and Industry Collaboration: Some bioinformatics professionals bridge academia and industry by working in roles that foster collaboration between universities and biotech/pharmaceutical companies. They help translate research findings into practical applications.

9. Entrepreneurship: Graduates with an entrepreneurial spirit can explore opportunities in starting their bioinformatics consulting firms or developing software and tools tailored to the needs of the life sciences and healthcare industries.

10. Continued Education: The M.S. in Bioinformatics program also prepares students for further academic pursuits, such as Ph.D. programs, where they can deepen their expertise and contribute to advanced research in the field.

11. Government and Regulatory Agencies: Bioinformatics professionals are in demand in government agencies responsible for health and environmental regulation. They contribute to policy development, data analysis, and public health initiatives.

12. Global Opportunities: Bioinformatics is a global field, and graduates may find opportunities to work with international organizations, research institutions, or biotech companies around the world.