BioInformatics and Integrative Genomics

Entry requirements

Prospective students apply through GSAS; in the online application, select “Division of Medical Sciences” as your program choice and select "Bioinformatics and Integrative Genomics" in the Area of Study menu.

Candidates for BIG must have completed a Bachelor's degree in a quantitative science or a Bachelor's degree with a substantial minor in engineering or physical science.

Recommended degrees

• Biology
• Bioinformatics
• Mathematics
• Computational Sciences
• Statistics
• Physics
• Mechanical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Computer Science

Recommended undergraduate courses

We recommend that you prepare for BIG with at least one undergraduate subject in each of the following areas:

• Biology
• Computational Science
• Statistics
• Linear Algebra
• Calculus

GSAS and Harvard University offer a range of exciting and challenging summer research and internship programs designed to help current undergraduates boost crucial research skills.

GRE general tests are strongly recommended and should be taken by October. Subject-specific tests are not required.

Months of entry

August

Course content

The interdepartmental Bioinformatics and Integrative Genomics (BIG) PhD program trains future leaders in the field of bioinformatics and genomics. Our mission is to provide BIG graduate students with the tools to conduct original research and the ability to develop novel approaches and new technologies to address fundamental biological questions.

Fees and funding

British citizens who are – or will be – graduates of British universities should check out both Kennedy Scholarships and Frank Knox Fellowships

Both of these awards offer full tuition and health insurance coverage and a generous stipend towards living expenses. They are offered annually in competition.

Please note that you will need to submit your application to either or both awards ahead of the deadline for your Harvard application. Kennedy Scholarship and Frank Knox Fellowship applications are to be made online via their websites between mid-August and late-October in the same application season as you will submit your application to Harvard. Please also note they are totally separate from, and independent of, admission to the program. Awards made at interview in London in January are provisional, pending confirmation of a place on the course.