The University of Arkansas at Little Rock offers a 35-credit Master of Science in Bioinformatics through a joint program with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. The degree applies computing, statistics, and biological science to research areas that include genomics, computational biology, drug discovery, and biomedical informatics. UA Little Rock also offers a research-focused Ph.D. in Bioinformatics.
UA Little Rock Bioinformatics Graduate Programs: Quick Facts
| Degree options | Master of Science in Bioinformatics; Doctor of Philosophy in Bioinformatics |
|---|---|
| Location | Little Rock, Arkansas |
| Format | Campus-based, with coursework and research across UA Little Rock and UAMS |
| M.S. credits | 35 |
| M.S. focus areas | Drug design and discovery; integrated bioinformatics and genomics; computational biology; biomedical informatics |
| Final requirement | Capstone project or thesis with an oral defense |
| Minimum GPA | 3.0 cumulative or 3.3 across the final 60 undergraduate credits |
| Preferred background | Life sciences, statistics, information science, or computer science |
| Application deadlines | April 1 for fall; October 15 for spring |
| Tuition | Varies by residency, course subject, fees, and whether a course is taken through UA Little Rock or UAMS |
| Program partnership | Joint program of UA Little Rock and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences |
Program Overview
The UA Little Rock/UAMS Joint Graduate Program in Bioinformatics combines UA Little Rock’s strengths in computing, information science, statistics, and engineering with UAMS clinical and biomedical research resources. This structure gives students access to faculty, courses, and research settings across both institutions.
The program sits within UA Little Rock’s Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. It is a strong fit for this directory because biomedical informatics is one of its four stated research areas. However, the degree is broader and more research-centered than a typical professional health informatics program.
Review the official UA Little Rock M.S. in Bioinformatics page for current program requirements.
M.S. Curriculum
M.S. students complete 35 credits through core courses, research experiences, electives, and either a capstone project or thesis. The curriculum builds a shared foundation across biology, computation, statistics, and bioinformatics before students move into more focused research.
- Bioinformatics Theory and Applications introduces the main methods and tools used to analyze biological data.
- Biostatistics and quantitative study support research design, data analysis, and interpretation.
- Computational and information science coursework develops skills for handling biological and biomedical datasets.
- Research rotations or research experiences help students identify a topic and faculty mentor.
- Approved electives let students deepen their work in genomics, drug discovery, computational biology, or biomedical informatics.
Students must complete an approved program of study with at least a 3.0 GPA and no more than one grade below B. The final requirement is a successful defense of a bioinformatics capstone project or thesis before a faculty review committee.
Research Areas
UA Little Rock identifies four main areas for graduate bioinformatics research:
- Drug design and discovery uses computational methods to study compounds, targets, and potential therapies.
- Integrated bioinformatics and genomics examines genomic information and links multiple types of biological data.
- Computational biology uses algorithms, models, and quantitative methods to answer biological questions.
- Biomedical informatics applies data and information methods to medicine, clinical research, and human health.
The biomedical informatics area gives the program its clearest connection to health informatics. Students who want clinical data, biomedical research, genomics, or precision-medicine work may find this pathway especially relevant.
Capstone or Thesis
The M.S. requires students to complete and defend either a capstone project or thesis. A lead faculty research mentor and at least two additional bioinformatics graduate faculty members serve on the review committee.
This requirement distinguishes the degree from course-only professional programs. It gives students a substantial research product that may support doctoral study, research employment, or technical work in biotechnology and healthcare.
Ph.D. Option
UA Little Rock and UAMS also offer a Ph.D. in Bioinformatics. The doctoral program is intended for students who want advanced research training and careers in academic, government, clinical, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical settings.
The university provides fewer public details about the Ph.D. curriculum on its overview page, so prospective students should confirm current credit requirements, milestones, funding, and faculty availability directly with the program. See the official Ph.D. program page.
Format and Location
UA Little Rock presents the joint bioinformatics degrees as campus-based programs. Students may take courses or work with research mentors at both UA Little Rock and UAMS in Little Rock. The university does not advertise the M.S. or Ph.D. as fully online programs.
Students who take UAMS courses may need non-degree student status at UAMS because UA Little Rock serves as the primary institution that manages the degree. This cross-registration process is an important planning detail for self-funded students and those working with UAMS mentors.
Admission Requirements
Applicants need a four-year bachelor’s degree. The program prefers preparation in life sciences, statistics, information science, or computer science. Applicants from other fields may still qualify through relevant work experience or added prerequisite coursework.
The published minimum is a 3.0 cumulative GPA or a 3.3 GPA across the final 60 undergraduate credits. The application includes transcripts, three reference letters, a statement of intent, a resume or CV, and GRE scores or an approved GRE waiver. International applicants may also need TOEFL scores.
Students should have prior study in genetics, calculus-based statistics, and programming. Database coursework is recommended. The program may require remedial courses when an applicant lacks part of this background.
The main review deadlines are April 1 for fall entry and October 15 for spring entry. UA Little Rock notes that applications may be considered at other times, but most reviews occur around these dates.
Tuition and Funding
UA Little Rock publishes 2026–2027 graduate tuition by college and subject area rather than one rate for the joint bioinformatics program. Most science courses carry resident tuition of $343.75 per credit and nonresident tuition of $776.50 per credit, while computer and information science courses carry resident tuition of $371.50 and nonresident tuition of $792.50. A $15.50 per-credit technology fee and other university fees may apply.
A simple 35-credit estimate is unreliable because the curriculum crosses subject areas and some students take courses through UAMS. The program FAQ states that self-funded students pay UAMS directly for UAMS courses. Students should request a course-by-course cost estimate from the program before enrolling.
Check the official UA Little Rock graduate tuition page for current rates.
Ph.D. students usually receive priority for available assistantships. The program may sometimes support highly qualified M.S. students, but funding is limited and should not be assumed.
Who Is This Program Best For?
UA Little Rock may fit students who want research training at the intersection of biology, computing, statistics, and medicine. The joint structure can be useful for students who want access to both a university computing environment and an academic medical center.
The program may be especially relevant for future bioinformatics analysts, computational biologists, genomics specialists, biomedical data scientists, research software professionals, and applicants planning to pursue a Ph.D.
Students who want a fully online degree, a course-only curriculum, or a program centered on electronic health records and healthcare administration may prefer a traditional health informatics program. UA Little Rock places more weight on biological data and research.
The Verdict
UA Little Rock offers a credible Arkansas option for students who want graduate training in biomedical data and computational research. The 35-credit M.S., four research areas, UA Little Rock–UAMS partnership, and required capstone or thesis create a stronger research profile than many professional health informatics degrees.
Its main limits are the campus-based format and a tuition structure that requires a course-by-course estimate. For students interested in genomics, computational biology, drug discovery, or biomedical informatics, the program deserves consideration.
Compare UA Little Rock with other health informatics programs in Arkansas.
- Arkansas Tech University - Russellville
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences - Little Rock