Where biology meets big data
At Presbyterian College, computational biology students explore the intersection of life sciences, mathematics, and computer science to solve real-world problems. From genetic sequencing to drug discovery, this major prepares you to work on the front lines of innovation in medicine, biotechnology, and research. If you’re passionate about biology and technology, this program provides a strong foundation for a future in science and analytics.
The Power of Your Degree
- Expand your perspective.
Explore complex biological systems using computational tools and modeling. - Broaden your knowledge.
Blend disciplines like biology, computer science, mathematics, and chemistry. - Solidify your skill set.
Develop coding, data analysis, and lab techniques used in cutting-edge science. - Become a critical thinker.
Interpret large datasets, identify patterns, and turn data into insight.
43-46 Hours
Required for Computational Biology & Bioinformatics major coursework
Senior Capstone
To demonstrate your skills in research, writing, and presentation
12:1 Student-To-Faculty Ratio
In discussion-based classroom settings
Hear from Computational Biology Majors
Students in PC’s Computational Biology program gain hands-on research experience, close faculty support, and the skills to succeed in a fast-evolving field. From presenting at conferences to pursuing advanced degrees, our students and alumni share how PC has prepared them to make an impact in science and beyond.
Hear from Computational Biology Majors
Students in PC’s Computational Biology program gain hands-on research experience, close faculty support, and the skills to succeed in a fast-evolving field. From presenting at conferences to pursuing advanced degrees, our students and alumni share how PC has prepared them to make an impact in science and beyond.
What You’ll study
The Computational Biology major blends coursework in biology, computer science, and mathematics. You’ll study genetics, molecular biology, bioinformatics, statistics, and coding languages like Python and R.
In your upper-level years, you’ll take courses such as Biostatistics, Introduction to Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology. The program culminates in a senior capstone project, where you’ll conduct independent research under faculty guidance and present your findings.
This interdisciplinary degree prepares you for graduate study or careers in biotechnology, healthcare analytics, or research.
Get Involved
At Presbyterian College, you can actively pursue your passion for computational biology and bioinformatics through programs and opportunities that take your discipline out of the classroom and into the real world—all while expanding your experience, perspective, and skillsets.
Careers in Computational Biology & Bioinformatics
Graduates of the computational biology program are well-positioned for careers in biotechnology, genomics, public health, pharmaceutical development, and scientific research. Many go on to pursue advanced degrees in computational biology, bioinformatics, or data science.
With expertise in coding, data interpretation, and biological systems, you’ll be ready to impact industries that rely on science and technology.
Career Professions
Bioinformatics Scientist
Computational Biologist
Genomic Data Analyst
Systems Biologist
Biostatistician
Biomedical Data Scientist
Research Scientist (Computational Biology)
Clinical Bioinformatician
Proteomics Specialist
Pharmacogenomics Analyst
Computational Geneticist
Drug Discovery Scientist
Quantitative Biologist
Machine Learning Engineer (Biotech)
Biotech Software Developer
Population Geneticist
Academic Professor or Researcher
Cancer Genomics Analyst
Data Engineer (Biomedical Focus)
Artificial Intelligence Researcher (Life Sciences)
Acquired Skills
Programming (e.g., Python, R, Perl, Java)
Data analysis and visualization
Understanding of molecular biology and genetics
Statistical modeling and hypothesis testing
Use of bioinformatics tools and databases (e.g., BLAST, Ensembl)
Machine learning and AI for biological data
Genomic sequencing analysis (e.g., RNA-seq, DNA-seq)
Systems biology modeling
Algorithm design and optimization
Use of high-performance computing (HPC)
Knowledge of omics technologies (genomics, proteomics, metabolomics)
Familiarity with clinical data and electronic health records (EHR)
Network biology and pathway analysis
Scientific writing and documentation
Reproducible research (e.g., Git, Jupyter notebooks)
Knowledge of regulatory standards (e.g., HIPAA, FDA)
Interdisciplinary collaboration
Experimental design in computational research
Data mining and pattern recognition
Presentation of complex data to non-technical audiences
Quick Stats
$91,100
Average Median Salary
Computational Biology professionals, who integrate biology with data science, earn competitive salaries. Entry-level positions typically start around $52,230 annually, with experienced professionals earning up to $158,730 per year
10% Growth
Projected Employment Rate
The field is experiencing solid growth, driven by advancements in genomics, bioinformatics, and personalized medicine. This growth is expected to continue as industries seek professionals skilled in analyzing complex biological data.
75% Versatility
Career Diversity Index
Graduates can pursue various roles, including bioinformatics analyst, computational biologist, and data scientist, across sectors like healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and academia. The interdisciplinary nature of the field allows for flexibility in career paths.
Source(s): Career Guide
