Because our bioinformatics B.S. program provides excellent preparation for a graduate program in bioinformatics, we offer a combined program that allows our B.S. students to complete the M.S. (or Ph.D.) somewhat sooner than students with a less tailored preparation. The combined B.S./graduate program does not make any changes to the undergraduate program, except that students must pass courses that count for their graduate requirements with a grade of B- or better. The requirements at the graduate level are changed to reduce the number of additional courses required after the B.S. by two, to account for the overlap. To apply for the combined program, students apply to the M.S. or Ph.D. program through the normal graduate admission process in the fall of the senior year. Undergraduates who are admitted into the graduate program are automatically included in the combined B.S./M.S. or B.S./Ph.D. program.