About B.s. Computer Science With A Specialization In Bioinformatics in University of California San Diego
Biomolecular data is rapidly transforming Modern Biology into a computational and data science. This one-of-a-kind major provides an opportunity for students to understand the sources of biomolecular data, instruments that generate the data, and the computational methods--- algorithms, machine learning, statistics, and databases---used to analyze the data and make biological discoveries. It is intended for students who would like to pursue careers in academia, as also in healthcare, biotechnology, and data science companies.
The explosion in biological knowledge spawned by the various genome projects has created entirely new fields and industries, and a need for trained computational biologists who are familiar with biology, mathematics, and computer sciences. The computer science and engineering department offers rigorous, interdisciplinary training in the new and rapidly evolving field of bioinformatics.
Bioinformatics refers to advanced computational and experimental methods that model the flow of information (genetic, metabolic, and regulatory) in living systems to provide an integrated understanding of the system properties of organisms.
This interdisciplinary major also is offered by the Division of Biological Sciences and the Department of Bioengineering
GPA (Grade-Point Average) Requirement
To be eligible for admission to UC San Diego, you must earn the following minimum GPAs:
- California residents must earn a GPA of 3.0 (or better) with no grade lower than "C."
- Non-California residents & International applicants must earn a GPA of 3.4 (or better) with no grade lower than "C."
Your GPA is based on the above college preparatory (A-G) courses taken during 10th and 11th grades. Students admitted to UC San Diego have GPAs that exceed these minimums.
UC San Diego will not consider SAT or ACT test scores as a factor in admissions decisions through Fall 2024. If you choose to submit test scores as part of your application, they may be used as an alternative method of fulfilling minimum requirements for eligibility or for course placement after you enroll.
International Students
If your native language is not English and your secondary/high school education was in a country where English is not the language of instruction, you must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination (academic modules) and have your scores reported to the UC San Diego Office of Admissions. A minimum score of 83 is required for the TOEFL, or a minimum score of 7 is required for the IELTS. Learn more on the International Students page.
University of California Cost of Attendance
An expected budget for overseas students wishing to study in the United States is as follows for potential university aspirants enrolling in the forthcoming sessional term:
| Cost of Attendance |
On-Campus (USD) |
Off-Campus (USD) |
| Tuition |
14,480 |
14,480 |
| Housing and Meals |
14,680 |
13,942 |
| Books and Supplies |
1,124 |
1,124 |
| Transportation |
1,363 |
1,537 |
| Personal Expenses |
723 |
1,287 |
| Non-California Resident Supplemental Tuition |
29,754 |
29,754 |
| Total |
62,124 |
62,124 |
The cost of attendance for graduate programs varies by program. However, the estimated cost is presented below:
| Fees |
Amount (USD) |
| Student Services Fee |
1,128.00 |
| Tuition |
11,442.00 |
| University Center Fee |
304.38 |
| Recreation Facility Fee |
351.00 |
| GSA Fee |
36.00 |
| Student Transportation Fee |
193.74 |
| Health Insurance |
3,900.00 |
| Nonresident Supplemental Tuition |
15,102.00 |
| Total |
32,457.12 |
