Biological Data Science, MS
Analytics, Applied Math, Bioinformatics, Biology, Computational Biology, Computational Mathematics, Computational Science, Data Mining, Data Science, Data analysis and mining, Datasets, Science, approved for STEM-OPT extension, life sciences, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), statistics
Are you a data scientist who wants to learn more about biology or a biologist who needs a better grasp of data sets generated in the life sciences? This program is for you. Work with faculty members who are passionate about bridging the gap between biology and data science.
The Master of Science program in biological data science provides students with a foundation in biology and computational methods along with hands-on training through practical projects at the interface of the natural and mathematical sciences.
Students learn to manipulate big data, including the generation and analysis of data using statistical and computational toolsets. They use their analytical skills in ecological, environmental, toxicological and other biological applications. The program incorporates multiple levels of experiential learning to ensure students gain critical-thinking skills in addition to core competencies.
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences
- Location: West Valley or Online
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
33 credit hours and a thesis, or
33 credit hours including the required applied project course (ACO 593, BIO 593, LSC 593 or MAT 593), or
33 credit hours including the required capstone course (LSC 585)
Required Core (18 credit hours)
ACO 501 Database Systems and Problem Solving in Python (3)
LSC 540 Statistics for Biological Data Science I (3)
LSC 541 Statistics for Biological Data Science II (3)
LSC 555 Molecular Biology (3)
LSC 556 Evolutionary Biology (3)
LSC 562 Applied Mathematics Techniques in Biology (3)
Other Requirements for Campus Immersion (3 credit hours)
LSC 519 Applied Learning Lab (1)
LSC 547 Wet Laboratory Experience (1)
LSC 591 Seminar (1)
Other Requirements for Digital Immersion (6 credit hours)
ACO 580 Practicum Topic: Intro to Python Programming for Problem Solving (3)
LSC 519 Applied Learning Lab (2)
LSC 591 Seminar (1)
Electives (6 or 9 credit hours)
Culminating Experience (3 or 6 credit hours)
ACO 593 Applied Project (3)
BIO 593 Applied Project (3)
LSC 593 Applied Project (3)
MAT 593 Applied Project (3)
ACO 599 Thesis (6)
BIO 599 Thesis (6)
LSC 599 Thesis (6)
MAT 599 Thesis (6)
LSC 585 Capstone I in Biological Data Science (3)
Additional Curriculum Information
The MS program in biological data science is delivered through the campus immersion or digital immersion modality. Culminating experiences require three or six credit hours.
Campus students typically select either an applied project or thesis based on their interests and career goals in biological data science. The applied project option typically results in a written summary of work completed. Students who pursue the applied project completes nine credit hours of electives. The thesis is best suited for students who want to pursue a research career because it requires an oral defense, and the written thesis is considered a publication. These students complete six credit hours of electives in consultation with the academic unit and faculty advisors.
Online students typically complete the capstone course and six credit hours of electives. The capstone course incorporates a work-based learning model and provides industry-relevant projects for students.
A list of preapproved elective courses are provided in the program handbook and faculty members may approve other courses on a case-by-case basis.
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences.
Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field such as biology, mathematics, statistics or computing, as well as unrelated fields from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- statement of purpose
- two letters of recommendation
- professional resume
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
It is preferred that letters of recommendation be from faculty members who know the applicant's work well; if these are not available, letters of recommendation from individuals in supervisory or professional roles are accepted.
The statement of purpose should describe the applicant's educational background, scholarly interests, and academic and professional goals.
Depending on the applicant's educational background, additional courses may be required.
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.
The proliferation of big data sets generated in biological science fields has dramatically increased the demand for individuals with solid skill sets needed to manipulate and interpret this data.
Graduates are ready to enter one of the fastest-growing job markets to work with consulting firms and government agencies as well as nongovernmental organizations, in data science, informatics, data analytics, database development and mathematical modeling of biological systems that are relevant to a variety of industries. They are well suited for employment in positions such as:
- bioinformatics data scientist
- chemical biology data scientist
- clinical data analyst
- computational biologist
- data engineer or data mining engineer
- database developer
- fisheries scientist, dairy scientist or animal scientist
- genomic scientist
- natural resources data scientist
- pharmaceutical scientist
Graduates also are ready to seek advanced professional or graduate degrees, such as in medical, dental, veterinary and public health fields.
School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences
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FAB N101
ncgradadvising@asu.edu
602-543-3000
Admission deadlines
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
