The CBB Ph.D. program is part of the Yale's Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS). BBS is an umbrella program that incorporates a number of different areas of biological research. Students apply to the CBB track of the BBS program and are part of this track for their first year of studies. After their first year, students join the CBB interdepartmental program and work towards a degree in Computational Biology and Biomedical Informatics. Alternatively, students may join any of the other departments associated with BBS if they find that another department better fits their interest after the first year.
The CBB terminal MS program is not part of BBS. Students looking to apply for the terminal MS in Computational Biology and Biomedical Informatics (Computational Biology or Biomedical Informatics concentration) should select "Computational Biology and Biomedical Informatics" as their program of study to select the MS as their intended degree program.
Prospective students may apply through the Yale Graduate School's online application (with some BBS-specific information, including application fee waivers and program funding, found here and here). Applications are due by December 1st every year for the following fall term.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants are expected 1) to have a strong foundation in the basic sciences, such as biology, chemistry and mathematics, and 2) to have training in computing/informatics, including significant computer programming experience.
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test is not required and will no longer be accepted.
Note: Applicants for whom English is not their native language are also required to submit results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). This requirement is waived only for applicants who will have received a baccalaureate degree, prior to matriculation at Yale, from a college or university where English is the primary language of instruction (see the full requirements here).
FAQ for the CBB terminal MS
Are GRE scores required?
GRE scores are not required and will no longer be accepted as part of the application process.
Are TOEFL iBT or IELTS scores required?
TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic is required of most applicants whose native language is not English. More information on English proficiency requirements and exemptions can be found here. BBS requires a score of at least 600 on the paper version, 250 on the computer-based exam, and 100 on the internet-based exam. A conversational interview may be required for applicants with scores close to the minimum.
What are the course requirements for applicants?
There are no formal course requirements for applicants; however, we typically look for applicants with a strong background in computer science, data science, statistics, mathematics, biology, the physical and chemical sciences, and/or health-related fields.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is December 1st.
What are the tuition and living costs?
For more information on tuition, funding, and living costs, visit here.
Where can I find information for international students?
International students can find helpful guidance here.
Are application fee waivers available?
Yes, application fee waivers are available. For more details, please refer to this link.
Is there a limit on the number of Yale master’s programs I can apply to in the same year?
Students can only apply to a single program in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Yale in a single year.
Can I complete the program part-time?
The CBB MS program is only available for full-time enrollment, which spans two years.
Are there online options for completing this program?
The CBB MS program is a residential program based at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. Online enrollment options are not available for this program.
Does this program provide direct entry into Ph.D. programs at Yale?
The MS in Computational Biology & Biomedical Informatics is a standalone graduate program. It does not provide direct entry into a PhD program at Yale. Graduates interested in pursuing a PhD at Yale must apply separately to that program with a target starting date after finishing the MS degree.
If I apply to the Computational Biology & Biomedical Informatics PhD program but am not admitted, will I automatically be considered for the master’s program?
No, applicants to the PhD program who are not admitted will not automatically be reconsidered for the master’s program. A separate application must be submitted for each program.
What financial support is available to students?
There are several financial support options available:
- A full tuition scholarship will be awarded to one student each year. Applications for this scholarship will open after admission decisions are made.
- Students can apply for summer research internships funded by the program. Applications will open in late fall of the first year, and 10-15 students are selected to receive funding each year.
- Paid teaching assistantships are available each semester, with positions assigned by the program instructional faculty.
- Paid research assistantships during the summer and academic year are also available with CBB faculty. Students may work up to 19 hours per week during the academic year.