Bioinformatics Program

dual-degree program: bs biology - ms bioinformatics

The Bioinformatics & Proteomics/Genomics Program along with the Department of Biological Sciences offers a Dual-Degree BS/MS in Biological Sciences and Bioinformatics. This "pipeline" program is available to students at the end of their first semester at the University of Toledo. The program is part of both the College of Medicine & Life Sciences and College of Natural Science & Mathematics.

How the Pipeline Program Works

If you are in UToledo's BS program in Biological Sciences, or University of Findlay's biology degree program, you can take up to 9 semester credit hours of graduate coursework that can count towards BOTH the BS degree AND the MS in Bioinformatics.

Getting both degrees this way allows you to:

  • Receive a Bachelors degree in Biological Sciences AND a Masters degree in Bioinformatics in 5 1/2 years
  • Save between 1 and 2 years over what it would take to earn both degrees separately
  • Save the tuition and housing costs associated with that extra time
  • Attend graduate school without taking the GRE 
  • Improve job prospects or your chances of getting into top-tier graduate or professional programs

PIPELINE CURRICULUM                                  

Program Code: MD-BIMS-MS                                     

 pipeline 

Kathryn Helminiak, Elizabeth Shedroff, and Leah Stevenson (left to right) celebrate their graduation from the undergraduate portion of the Biology BS – Bioinformatics MS pipeline program, in May 2021. The three, who were all recipients of Choose Ohio First scholarships, are now continuing their graduate studies.

 


APPLYING TO THE BIOLOGY-BIOINFORMATICS PIPELINE

 

WHEN TO APPLY:  

  • You need to have declared your major as biological sciences, but can apply at any time.
  • You must have completed at least one term at UToledo, including having taken at least one UT biology course. 
  • If you apply as a freshman, you can get the fullest benefit of shortening time-to-graduation offered by the pipeline. 
  • If you apply as a senior, it is too late to benefit from the pipeline’s counting of 9 credit hours towards both degrees, but you can still be considered for early decision regarding the bioinformatics masters program and get a “running start” on the masters degree. 

REQUIREMENTS:  

  • Download the application form (PDF)
  • A total GPA of ≥3.0 (4-point scale), and ≥3.3 in biology courses taken to date.
  • Two letters of recommendation. One must be from your advisor in the Department of Biological Sciences, and the other can be from any UT faculty member who knows you well enough to write a meaningful letter. These letters can be a few sentences, that simply indicate why you would be successful in the pipeline program.
  • A short resume (high school, employment, interests)
  • A paragraph on why you would like to enter the Biology-Bioinformatics pipeline program.
  • You do NOT need to take the GRE.
  • If you are an international student, or your native language is not English, then TOEFL scores are needed. (We require a score of 550 or higher for the paper-administered version, 213 or higher for the computer-administered version, and 80 or higher for the Internet-administered version).

FUNDING

COST COMPARISON

This program will save you a substantial amount of money compared to separately completing the two degree programs.

COST COMPARISON:  Pipeline vs. BS + MSBS Taken Separately
$56,625 = approximate cost of tuition only for BS and MSBS taken separately
$49,103 = approximate costs of tuition only for the Pipeline Program
$7,522 Savings.

Complete financial details can be found at the UT Treasurer's Office


CURRENT PIPELINE STUDENTS

Students need to apply to the Graduate School at the beginning of the 4th year fall term. Click here to apply. This is required, as you will being taking ALL graduate courses in the spring term of your 4th year. Documents you will be required to submit: Online application, Statement of Purpose, resume. Recommendation letters submitted when you applied to the pipeline can be used.

Please Note:  After your 4th year fall semester, ANY UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS YOU HAVE WILL NO LONGER BE APPLICABLE.  This is because you will begin taking all graduate courses in your 4th year spring semester. 

Below are required forms and their due dates for current pipeline students:

  1. PLAN OF STUDY: A plan of study is your tentative course schedule. This form is required at the end of your first graduate semester.

  2. G.R.A.D:The Graduate Research Advisory Committee Approval & Assurances Form is required prior to the student beginning any research. You will select your advisor and thesis committee before completing this form.

  3. FIRST COMMITTEE MEETING: The first committee meeting is required 8 months after matriculation. It is required for Project Approval.

  4. QUALIFYING EXAM: The Qualifying Exam will be taken after the first graduate semester and must be taken before thesis research begins.

  5. REPORT OF QUALIFYING EXAMINATION: The Report of the Qualifying Exam form should be completed and signed by all members of the Advisory Committee.

  6. SECOND COMMITTEE MEETING: The second committee meeting is required no later than 14 months after matriculation. 

  7. APPLY TO GRADUATE: When you are nearing the completion of your program, you must complete an online application to graduate.

  8. THIRD COMMITTEE MEETING: The third committee meeting is required no later than 18 months after matriculation. Is it required for Thesis Approval.

  9. ACCEPTANCE OF THESIS: This form is required before the thesis defense. Students must obtain the signature of their advisor for approval to present/defend their thesis.

  10. REPORT OF THESIS EXAMINATION: This form is required during the thesis defense. It is used to grade the defense.

  11. APPROVAL OF THESIS: This form is required after the thesis defense. This form must be submitted with the original advisor and committee member signatures in order for the MSBS degree to be awarded.
    • Due before the last day of the term in which you are graduating. 
  12. UPLOAD THESIS TO OHIOLINK: All students are required to upload their electronic thesis or dissertation (ETD) to OhioLINK  in order to graduate.

QUESTIONS?

Contact any of the following:

Dr. John Gray, Biological Sciences Pipeline Advisor
Dr. Sadik Khuder, Program Director

Last Updated: 3/5/24