Bioinformatics and Genomics hero

Bioinformatics and Genomics

Find and interpret patterns in large and complex biological data

The application deadline is updated annually, please see the “Apply Now” page for current information

Program Overview

  • Provides students with educational and research training in broad areas of computational, evolutionary, and functional genomics
  • Offers optional specialization in algorithms and computation and statistical genomics
  • Delivers problem-based instruction, starting with exposure to bioinformatics and genomics tools and moving on to in-depth analysis of genomic and proteomic data
  • Positions students to be competitive for NIH-funded training fellowships in the “Computation, Bioinformatics, and Statistics”, “Biomedical Big Data to Knowledge”, or “Eukaryotic Gene Regulation” programs
  • Offers both M.S. and Ph.D. programs, including laboratory rotations
  • The Penn State Bioinformatics & Genomics program does not accept or consider GRE scores as part of our admission decision process. We employ a holistic review based on several criteria including academic performance, research experience, participation in scientific and professional development activities, and accomplishments outside of academia, among others

Opportunities for Underrepresented Minorities and Students with Disability

The bioinformatics and genomics program actively recruits students of diversity and disability. Senior undergraduate students interested in gaining research experience may consider attending the Summer Research Opportunity Program (SROP) and J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School Open House. Accommodations are available for students with disabilities. Students are considered for predoctoral trainee fellowship support.

Computation, Bioinformatics, and Statistics (CBIOS) Training Program

Eukaryotic Gene Regulation (EGR) Training Program

News

New clues for using common fungus to promote crop growth and health

Trichoderma species — a common fungus found in soils — have varying abilities to promote tomato plant growth and differentially affect the abundance of certain soil bacteria, according to a study led by researchers at Penn State. The work was the latest in a line of research evaluating the use of this common group of fungi as an alternative to pesticides for controlling soilborne pathogens, said Seogchan Kang, professor in the College of Agricultural Sciences and co-corresponding author of the study.

Student teams win cash awards for their AI solutions in the Nittany AI Challenge

A panel of industry experts and Penn State faculty selected five student teams as winners of the 2026 Nittany AI Challenge. The teams will use their prize money to continue developing projects that use artificial intelligence (AI) for the good of society.

Four Huck Trainees Among Graduate Student Award Winners

Four Huck graduate students are among the 42 that have been recognized as outstanding scholars with Graduate Student Awards by the Office of the President and the Fox Graduate School.

News

New clues for using common fungus to promote crop growth and health

Trichoderma species — a common fungus found in soils — have varying abilities to promote tomato plant growth and differentially affect the abundance of certain soil bacteria, according to a study led by researchers at Penn State. The work was the latest in a line of research evaluating the use of this common group of fungi as an alternative to pesticides for controlling soilborne pathogens, said Seogchan Kang, professor in the College of Agricultural Sciences and co-corresponding author of the study.

Student teams win cash awards for their AI solutions in the Nittany AI Challenge

A panel of industry experts and Penn State faculty selected five student teams as winners of the 2026 Nittany AI Challenge. The teams will use their prize money to continue developing projects that use artificial intelligence (AI) for the good of society.

Four Huck Trainees Among Graduate Student Award Winners

Four Huck graduate students are among the 42 that have been recognized as outstanding scholars with Graduate Student Awards by the Office of the President and the Fox Graduate School.

Plant scientists receive $1.96M NIH grant to study plant-bacteria partnerships

A team of plant scientists in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences has received a $1.96 million, five-year grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to fund a study of how beneficial plant-bacteria partnerships evolve, persist, and can be harnessed to improve health and agriculture. This grant, called a Maximizing Investigator’s Research Award, supports a lab's long-term research vision rather than an individual project.