Biomedical Informatics & Genomics Master's Program

A Bachelor’s degree (B.S. or B.A., preference majors are computer sciences, biological sciences, statistics, biostatistics, bioinformatics, public health, engineering, biomedical engineering, and mathematics) with GPA ≥ 3.1 on a 4.0 scale.

In addition, TOEFL ≥ 85 for applicants whose first language is not English. Language testing will be waived if the student has received a degree from an accredited U.S. institution.

The following documents must be submitted for candidates to receive full consideration:

• Transcripts: Official transcripts from all previous undergraduate and graduate studies are required. Applicants whose highest degree is from a foreign university must have their credentials evaluated course by course; even if the primary language of instruction is English and/or the school uses a 4-point grading system. International applications will not be reviewed without this evaluation. Applicants are encouraged to have their institution send credentials electronically to BIMI@tulane.edu.
   
• Personal Statement: Applicants must prepare a personal statement that demonstrates how their career goals and interests align with their selected degree program. Students will submit their statements through the application portal.
   
• Required Letters of Recommendation: Applicants must request letters of recommendation through the application portal. Recommenders can include professors, employers, or other academic mentors. Letters of recommendation should indicate the applicant’s academic history and/or potential for success in the Biomedical Informatics and Genomics Graduate Program.
   
• Test Scores: The GRE test score submission is not a requirement at this time; however, we encourage you to submit your test scores if available.
   
• English Proficiency: Applicants who are not native speakers of English must demonstrate an adequate command of the English language. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores, or any other evidence of English proficiency is required. A minimum TOEFL score of ≥ 85 or 7.0 overall band score for the IELTS is normally required. English language testing requirements are waived for applicants who have received a degree from an institution where instruction is conducted in English. All application materials must be in English.

Applicants must:

• Earn at least a baccalaureate degree (or its equivalent) from an accredited institution of higher education prior to the start of classes
• Show a strong science coursework foundation
• Demonstrate English language proficiency through standardized testing, if English is not your native language

We are currently accepting applications for the Spring 2025 semester until December 15, 2024.  Applications for the academic year 2025-2026 will open on October 1, 2024 and remain open until July 15, 2025.  Applications are only reviewed once all required documentation is received. Applicants will be admitted on a rolling basis, therefore, early submission of applications is highly encouraged. There is no application fee.

For questions regarding the program, please contact us at BIMI@tulane.edu.

The core curriculum emphasizes biomedical applications of data science and big data knowledge. Students must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours, with 21 being core credit hours and at least 9 elective credit hours.

All students are required to take at least one biologically relevant elective course within their elective credit hours. Other elective courses may be substituted with permission of the Program Director.

Visit the Tulane Catalog for more information on the required coursework and all elective options.

There is no application fee.

Your personal statement should describe your purpose in pursuing a MS in Biomedical Sciences. Include an explanation of any past research and future research interests, indicating how they are related to your professional goals. Please limit your statement to approximately two pages. You will also be asked to include the names of any Tulane School of Medicine faculty members whose research is of interest.

Applicants must request one letter of recommendation in the application system to be able to submit an application. Letters from professors who know your academic history and capabilities or researchers with whom you have worked are weighted much more heavily than friends, acquaintances or people you know in other capacities. The letters should address your potential to succeed in Tulane’s Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences.

Recommenders will receive an email with instructions for uploading their letter into the application system along with a rating scale for other attributes.

Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate study programs are required. Electronic official transcripts from the school or a transcript service are preferred, sent to bms@tulane.edu.  We also accept mailed sealed official transcripts, our institution code is 6178. Photocopied transcripts, faxed transcripts, and student copies of transcripts are not acceptable for admission. Final transcripts indicating receipt of degree must be submitted before the beginning of the incoming semester. Email and postal mail addresses are provided in the application system. International applicants whose highest degree is from an international university must have those transcripts evaluated by a service (www.naces.org) and the evaluation must be received before the admissions committee will review your application.

In addition to admissions requirements, applicants who are not native speakers of English must demonstrate an adequate command of the English language. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores, International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores, or other evidence of English proficiency are required. For more information about the tests, visit the TOEFL or IELTS website or contact ETS. When requesting ETS to send your score to the Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, please use code 6178. English language testing requirements are waived for applicants who have received a degree from an institution where instruction was conducted in English.

For the MS program, minimum scores of 90 for the TOEFL or 7.0 overall band score for the IELTS are normally required. Applicants with lower scores will be evaluated based on their complete application package. An applicant whose competence in English is unproven or insufficient may be admitted with probationary status on the condition that competence will be proven or improved. The student may be required to prove competence by earning an acceptable score on a test of English. A student who scores below the acceptable level of competence may be required to register for less than a full graduate program and to take English as a Second Language instruction without credit until the ESL program director certifies the student's competence.

Applicants whose highest degree is from a foreign university must have their credentials evaluated. This evaluation is required even if the primary language of instruction is English and/or the school uses a 4 point grading scale. Applications will not be reviewed without this evaluation.  There are no exceptions. The university will accept evaluations done by any credentialing agency listed on the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services web site (http://www.naces.org). Tulane does not have a preference for which credentialing agency you use.