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

Investigating the microbiome’s role in intestinal disorder in pregnancy

Jessica Grembi, an assistant professor of pharmacology in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, has received a $500,000 grant from the Gates Foundation to investigate the role of the microbiome in environmental enteropathy — a condition characterized by inflammation of the small intestine that affects nutrient absorption.

Mentorship and communication take center stage

The second annual Huck Institutes T32 Training Summit brought together more than 100 scholars, mentors, and program leaders to network, share research, and strengthen mentor-mentee relationships. The event emphasized that developing successful researchers goes beyond science, focusing on interpersonal skills, communication, and building mutually beneficial mentorships.

Warblers borrow color-related genes from evolutionary neighbors, study finds

Wood warblers, also called New World warblers, are some of the most colorful birds in North America, with more than a hundred species in the family ranging in color from yellow, orange and red to blue, green and pink. A new study led by researchers at Penn State has uncovered several instances of the birds passing color-related genes to other species of wood warblers, including those that are not closely related.

News

Investigating the microbiome’s role in intestinal disorder in pregnancy

Jessica Grembi, an assistant professor of pharmacology in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, has received a $500,000 grant from the Gates Foundation to investigate the role of the microbiome in environmental enteropathy — a condition characterized by inflammation of the small intestine that affects nutrient absorption.

Mentorship and communication take center stage

The second annual Huck Institutes T32 Training Summit brought together more than 100 scholars, mentors, and program leaders to network, share research, and strengthen mentor-mentee relationships. The event emphasized that developing successful researchers goes beyond science, focusing on interpersonal skills, communication, and building mutually beneficial mentorships.

Warblers borrow color-related genes from evolutionary neighbors, study finds

Wood warblers, also called New World warblers, are some of the most colorful birds in North America, with more than a hundred species in the family ranging in color from yellow, orange and red to blue, green and pink. A new study led by researchers at Penn State has uncovered several instances of the birds passing color-related genes to other species of wood warblers, including those that are not closely related.

Two College of Ag Sciences faculty earn spots on highly cited researchers list

Francisco Dini-Andreote and Andrew Patterson in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences are among the most highly cited researchers in 2025, according to the Clarivate Analytics Web of Science Group.