Computational Life Sciences, MS
Big Data, Bioinformatics, Coding, Data Science, Functional Genomics, Genetics, Health, Systems Biology, Transcriptomics, approved for STEM-OPT extension, medical
Be part of the data-driven revolution in the life sciences. Today's breakthroughs rely on powerful computational methods that extend beyond the bench, enabling once impossible discoveries. In this program, you'll gain advanced skills in data analysis, modeling and informatics that complement experimental approaches, preparing you to tackle complex biological questions.
The Master of Science program in computational life sciences introduces students to a burgeoning new field. Huge leaps in processing technologies have thrown open the doors for new research techniques and exciting opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations, focusing heavily on genomics data generation, analysis and interpretation.
Students gain expertise in statistical modeling, bioinformatics and data science methods that drive discoveries across genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, epigenomics and imaging data. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on training in data integration, visualization and machine learning to uncover patterns and generate actionable insights.
Drawing from disciplines such as molecular and cellular biology, neuroscience, evolutionary biology, ecology and systems biology, students work with diverse datasets ranging from DNA and RNA sequencing to protein networks, single-cell analyses, ecological monitoring, and long-term environmental data.
In addition, students critically engage with the ethical, legal and social implications of computational life sciences, including responsible data sharing, reproducibility and the challenges of working with sensitive biomedical information.
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:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe or Online
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
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.
30 credit hours including the required applied project course (BIO 593), or
30 credit hours including the required capstone course (BIO 597)
Required Core (1 credit hour) Restricted Electives (18-20 credit hours) Choose two statistics and mathematics courses for six to seven credit hours: Choose two biology courses for six credit hours: Electives or Research (6--8 credit hours) Culminating Experience (3 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information Students pursuing the applied project or capstone course complete three to six credit hours of electives or research. Students should consult the academic unit for a list of approved electives and research course requirements. Courses not selected for the restricted electives may be used as elective coursework on the same plan of study. Students should check with their academic advisor to ensure that the total number of credit hours of their plan of study is equal to 30.
BIO 511 Big Data in Context (1) or
BIO 610 Introduction to Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) in Life Sciences (1)
Choose two computing in life sciences courses for six to seven credit hours:
BIO 539 Computing for Research (3)
BIO 591 Topic: Quantitative Methods in Conservation and Ecology (4)
BIO 598 Topic: Medical Genetics and Genomics (3)
BIO 598 Topic: Transcriptomics (3)
BIO 514 Statistical Models for Biology (4)
BIO 579 Data Analysis and Visualization in R (3)
BIO 598 Topic: High-Throughput Genomics Analysis and Visualization (3)
BIO 598 Topic: General Linear Models for Biology (3)
BIO 543 Molecular Genetics and Genomics (3)
BIO 544 Discovering Biodiversity (3)
EVO 601 Principles of Evolution (3)
MCB 540 Functional Genomics (3)
BIO 593 Applied Project (3)
BIO 597 Capstone (3)
For restricted electives, students complete two computing in life sciences courses, two statistics and mathematics courses, and two biology courses. Restricted elective and electives or research credit hours are variable.
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 College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in biology, statistics 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:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- personal statement
- 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.
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.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 07/15 | Final |
| Session A/C | Online | 07/15 | Final |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 12/15 | Final |
| Session A/C | Online | 12/15 | Final |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | Online | 04/15 | Final |
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:
- Employ statistical concepts used in computational life sciences.
- Organize various types of biological data using bioinformatics tools and simple computer scripts.
- Interpret the implications (ethical, legal, medical, and social) of biological data.
Career opportunities for graduates include:
- academic research labs and teaching institutions
- biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies
- environmental and conservation organizations
- hospitals and medical research centers
- public health agencies and nonprofit research institutions
Median salaries in computational life sciences-related positions are significantly higher than the overall workforce median, reflecting the high demand for professionals with this hybrid expertise in biology and data science.
School of Life Sciences
|
LSA 181
On Campus: sols.grad@asu.edu
ASU Online: solsonline.grad@asu.edu
480-965-1768
Admission deadlines
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.
