Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Graduate Pathway

Saint Louis University's Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Graduate Pathway Program prepares students to enter the next semester of the Master of Science in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology degree program. Upon successful completion of the graduate pathway program and meeting the SLU's requirements for matriculation, students may enter the next semester of graduate study.

Program Entry Requirements

One-Semester (Accelerated) Pathway

  • Undergraduate degree or equivalent with 2.75 GPA on 4.0 scale
  • Current résumé, two letters of recommendation, professional goal statement
  • Language requirement (one of the following):
    • TOEFL 75 (17 in reading and writing)
    • IELTS 6.0 (6.0 in reading and writing) 
    • PTEA 50
    • IELA 171 (169 in reading and writing)
    • Duolingo 105

Two-Semester (Standard) Pathway

  • Undergraduate degree or equivalent with 2.75 GPA on a 4.0 scale
  • Current résumé, two letters of recommendation, professional goal statement
  • Language requirement (one of the following):
    • TOEFL 70 (13 in reading and writing)
    • IELTS 6.0 (5.5 in reading and writing)
    • PTEA 48
    • IELA 169 (162 in reading and writing)
    • Duolingo 95
  1. Students will be able to execute a variety of verbal tasks in academic settings using English that can be understood by those unaccustomed to non-native speakers.
  2. Students will be able to execute a variety of written tasks in academic settings using English that can be understood by those unaccustomed to non-native writers.
  3. Students will be able to apply a process-driven approach to completing verbal and written academic assignments in multiple disciplines and modes.
  4. Students will be able to deploy reflective and self-regulated learning strategies.

One-Semester (Accelerated) Pathway

Required Courses
EAP 4200Advanced Reading and Writing as Researchers for International Graduate Students3
EAP 4250Advanced Listening and Speaking for International Graduate Students II2
BCB 5200Introduction Bioinformatics I3
Elective Course
Select three credits3
Total Credits11

Two-Semester (Standard) Pathway

Required Courses
EAP 4100Introduction to Reading and Writing for International Graduate Students I3
EAP 4150Listening and Speaking for International Graduate Students I2
EAP 4200Advanced Reading and Writing as Researchers for International Graduate Students3
EAP 4250Advanced Listening and Speaking for International Graduate Students II2
BCB 5200Introduction Bioinformatics I3
BCB 5250Introduction Bioinformatics II3
Elective Course
Select three credits3
Total Credits19

Continuation Standards

  • Minimum of 3.0 cumulative SLU GPA

  • Grade of "B-" or better in BCB 5200 and BCB 5250

Progression Requirements

  • Minimum of 3.0 cumulative SLU GPA

  • Grade of "B-" or better in BCB 5200 and BCB 5250

  • No C-/D/F/W/I/P/NP/S/U grades

  • Successful completion of program portfolio 

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

One-Semester (Accelerated) Pathway

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
EAP 4200 Advanced Reading and Writing as Researchers for International Graduate Students 3
EAP 4250 Advanced Listening and Speaking for International Graduate Students II 2
BCB 5200 Introduction Bioinformatics I 3
Elective 3
 Credits11
 Total Credits11

Two-Semester (Standard) Pathway

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
EAP 4100 Introduction to Reading and Writing for International Graduate Students I 3
EAP 4150 Listening and Speaking for International Graduate Students I 2
BCB 5200 Introduction Bioinformatics I 3
 Credits8
Spring
EAP 4200 Advanced Reading and Writing as Researchers for International Graduate Students 3
EAP 4250 Advanced Listening and Speaking for International Graduate Students II 2
BCB 5250 Introduction Bioinformatics II 3
Elective 3
 Credits11
 Total Credits19