Biomedical Informatics Bachelor's Degree

Undergraduate programs in bioinformatics focus on life science exploration and are preparatory for graduate studies in biomedical informatics. Learn about bachelor's degree coursework and related graduate program options. Schools offering Bioinformatics degrees can also be found in these popular choices.

What Degrees Are Available in Biomedical Informatics?

Degree programs in biomedical informatics can only be found at the graduate level, but you may enroll in a bachelor's degree program in bioinformatics, which is a related, but less-specialized field. Alternatively, you could major in biology, statistics, computer science, engineering or chemistry. These subjects can give you the health science and technology skills you need to apply to a master's degree program in biomedical informatics. Although distance education options are available on the graduate level, online bioinformatics bachelor's degree programs are not typically offered.

Program Fields Biology, statistics, computer science, engineering, chemistry
Common Courses Biochemistry, data structures, cell biology, advanced statistics, bioinformatics lab
Possible Careers Biostatistician, computer biologist, biological software developer, pharmaceutical researcher
Continuing Education Master's degree in Biomedical Informatics; Ph.D
Job Outlook (2016-2026)*7% (for biomedical engineers)
Median Pay (2018)*$88,550

Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

What Will I Learn?

Bachelor's degree programs in bioinformatics teach you to use computational and experimental methods to investigate how living organisms work. Time is usually divided between classroom lectures and laboratory research activities. You might take courses like the following:

  • Organic chemistry
  • Data structures
  • Cell biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Biological database management
  • Advanced statistics
  • Bioinformatics laboratories

What Careers Could I Pursue?

With a bachelor's degree in bioinformatics, you could be qualified for a number of careers in healthcare administration, information technology or laboratory research. Potential employers include pharmaceutical companies, healthcare consulting firms, research laboratories, public health agencies or medical corporations. You might apply for jobs as a:

  • Biostatistician
  • Computer biologist
  • Biological software developer
  • Pharmaceutical researcher or developer

How Can I Continue My Education?

After earning a bachelor's degree in bioinformatics, you could apply to a master's degree program in biomedical informatics. This degree program typically takes 18 months to three years to complete and can be found online. You can also enroll in a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program. While a master's degree program in this field prepares you for non-academic jobs, doctoral degree programs typically prepare you for work as a professor. For this reason, Ph.D. programs usually focus on research and culminate in a dissertation project.


  • 1. Degree Options:

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