The purpose of the admission requirements for the graduate program in bioinformatics is to identify and select outstanding candidates whose motivation, background, potential and character have prepared them for the rigors of study required in the program. The Bioinformatics Admissions Committee will screen applications. The following requirements and procedures incorporate and fully comply with those of the VCU Graduate School.

An undergraduate or previous graduate record indicating superior capabilities. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 credits of undergraduate work or for a completed graduate degree. This requirement may be waived by approval of the dean of the Graduate School.
Satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The verbal, quantitative and analytical writing sections of the GRE are required. Scores for appropriate advanced tests, in particular biology, chemistry or mathematics, are recommended.
For an applicant whose native language is not English, satisfactory scores from a standardized test commonly used and deemed appropriate for evaluation of English language, such as the TOEFL.
Letters of recommendation from at least three present or former instructors or other individuals qualified to evaluate the applicant's abilities to engage in graduate studies in bioinformatics.
A written statement describing the applicant's interests, motivation, education and goals for pursuing graduate study in bioinformatics.
Applicants must indicate which master’s degree (M.S. or M.Bin.) they intend to seek.