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Biological Data Science (Biotechnology), MS

Biological Data Science (Biotechnology), MS

Academic programs / Graduate degrees / Biological Data Science (Biotechnology), MS

Bioentrepreneurship, Bioinformatics, Biological Science, Biotechnology, Data Science, Entrepreneurship, Health, Informatics, Public, Systems Biology, Technology, approved for STEM-OPT extension, biological, biomedical, biostatistics

You can lead biotech innovation. Learn modern biotechnologies, apply data-driven analytics and master commercialization strategies through a hands-on curriculum and partner collaborations, which prepares you for careers in public health, life sciences, regulatory compliance and biotechnology management.

Program description
Degree awarded: MS  Biological Data Science (Biotechnology)

The Master of Science program in biological data science with a concentration in biotechnology prepares you to become a leader at the intersection of technology, data science and the biological sciences. You develop the entrepreneurial and professional skills needed to translate scientific discoveries into innovative biotech solutions.

Courses in this concentration provide you with advanced knowledge in biostatistics, artificial intelligence and systems biology, with opportunities to specialize in public health and biomedical technologies. Additional coursework supports advanced study and research within diverse areas of specialization. Through hands-on learning and collaborations with local biotechnology organizations, you gain practical experience applying data-driven methods to improve existing technologies and drive innovation in the biotechnology sector.

GI Bill® benefits
This new program is not yet approved for use with GI Bill® benefits.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.

STEM-OPT for international students on F-1 visas

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.

At a glance
  • STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.

This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:


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.

Degree requirements

33 credit hours including the required capstone course (LSC 585)

Required Core (9 credit hours)
LSC 540 Foundations of Biostatistics (3)
LSC 541 Advanced Biostatistics and Machine Learning (3)
MNS 521 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technologies (3)

Concentration (9 credit hours)
LSC 555 Molecular Biology (3)
MNS 551 Systems Biology (3)
MNS 552 Biotech Startup Foundations (3)

Laboratory Experience (3 credit hours)
LSC 547 Wet Laboratory Experience (3)

Restricted Electives (9 credit hours)
Courses in Public Health Technologies:
LSC 432 Fundamentals of Pharmacology (3)
PTX 430 Environmental and Human Toxicology (3)
PTX 432 Fundamentals of Pharmacology (3)
TPH 550 Data Science for Public Health (3)
TPH 551 Public Health Technologies (3)
TPH 552 Systems Design and Engineering for Public Health (3)
TPH 553 Health Technology and Equity (3)
TPH 554 Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Public Health (3)
TPH 555 Health Communication, Behavior and Technology (3)
TPH 556 Public Health Technology Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Leadership (3)
TPH 557 Public Health Technology Ethics, Policy and Law (3)

Courses in Biological Science and Data Science:
BMD 513 Principles of Diagnostic Technology: Immunoassays (4)
BMD 514 Principles of Diagnostic Technology: Molecular Diagnostics (3)
BMI 502 Foundations of Biomedical Informatics Methods I (3)
BMI 550 Translational Bioinformatics (3)
BMI 598 Topic: Imaging Informatics and Diagnostics (3)
BMD 667 Regulation of Medical Diagnostics (3)
HCR 563 Fundamentals of Regulatory Affairs (3)
HCR 576 Drug Discovery, Development and Regulations (3)
HCR 577 Global Regulatory Affairs (3)
LSC 555 Molecular Biology (3)
LSC 598 Topic: Geospatial Data Science (3)

Culminating Experience (3 credit hours)
LSC 585 Capstone I in Biological Data Science (3)

Additional Curriculum Information

Restricted electives for this program are offered in two categories: Public Health Technologies and Biological Science and Data Science. Students are required to complete nine credit hours of restricted elective coursework by taking three courses. These courses may all be selected from a single category or combined from both, depending on the student's academic interests and career goals.

Admission requirements

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants | International applicants | English proficiency

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in biological sciences, mathematics, statistics, computing or a related field 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.

Applicants are required to submit:

  1. graduate admissions application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. personal statement
  4. professional resume
  5. two letters of recommendation
  6. proof of English proficiency

Additional Admission Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of 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.

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Application deadlines
Session Modality Deadline Type
Session A/C In Person Rolling
Session Modality Deadline Type
Session A/C In Person Rolling
Career opportunities

Graduates of this program are prepared for diverse careers across government agencies, private companies, regulatory bodies and clinical laboratories, including startups, global pharmaceutical leaders and federal institutions such as the NIH or the Department of Agriculture. They can pursue roles as:

  • clinical analysts
  • data scientists
  • product development specialists
  • research scientists

Having developed the skills to lead innovation and commercialize new technologies, program graduates are equipped to contribute to trailblazing areas in biotechnology, including personalized medicine, AI platforms, intelligent drug delivery systems, gene therapy, disease treatment and environmental applications such as geospatial and sustainable technologies.

Contact information

Program term definitions

Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

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. 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.

Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.

Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.

ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.

The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

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