Biological Data Science (Graduate Certificate)
Big Data, Biology, Bioscience, Computer, Data analysis and mining, Environmental Science, Mathematics, Python, Science, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), statistics, systems
Want to make the connection between biology and data science? Strengthen your skills in handling large data sets while gaining biological insight. You'll be well prepared to solve complex problems in research, health care, biotechnology and beyond.
The graduate certificate program in biological data science sits at the intersection of biology, computing, mathematics and statistics, providing you with a valuable opportunity to develop an integrative skill set that is in high demand. You receive hands-on training that bridges the natural and mathematical sciences.
You learn to manipulate big data, including the generation and analysis of data, using statistical and computational tool sets. You can use your analytical skills in ecological, environmental, toxicological and other biological applications.
- College/school:
New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences
- Location: West Valley or Online
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
Students can complete two graduate certificate programs and combine them into a Master of Advanced Study degree, giving ultimate flexibility to build their own master’s degree. Interested students can learn more about MAS requirements and the admission process.
15 credit hours
Required Core (6 credit hours) Restricted Electives (9 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information
LSC 540 Foundations of Biostatistics (3)
MNS 521 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technologies (3)
ACO 501 Database Systems and Cloud Computing (3)
LSC 519 Computational Methods in Environmental Health (3)
LSC 541 Advanced Biostatistics and Machine Learning (3)
LSC 555 Molecular Biology (3)
LSC 556 Evolutionary Biology (3)
LSC 562 Applied Mathematics Techniques in Biology (3)
LSC 598 Topic: Data Science for Genomics (3)
LSC 598 Topic: Geospatial Data Science (3)
LSC 598 Topic: Marine Conservation Policy and Management (3)
Restricted electives coursework may be substituted with the approval of the academic unit.
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 must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in 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.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- personal statement
- 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.
The personal statement should be a maximum of 250 words and incorporate responses to the following prompts:
- Describe your academic or career goals and how a graduate certificate in biological data science will help you achieve those goals.
- Biological data science is a discipline that spans a broad range of biological topics, from molecular biology to ecology, and it uses a variety of computational methods. Please describe two aspects of biological data science that you are most interested in, and explain why.
- (Optional) If any extenuating circumstances affected your undergraduate performance or affect you now, you may explain your situation. You do not need to include this information if your application meets all requirements for admission to the program.
A professional resume may be included in the application materials but is not 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.
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:
- Evaluate biological data with statistical tools to derive meaningful insights.
- Effectively communicate complex biological data and data-driven insights through oral presentations to a general audience
The program's multiple levels of experiential learning prepare graduates to enter one of the fastest-growing job markets. Graduates are prepared to work in emerging areas of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research. They have the foundation needed to pursue a wide variety of careers that require skills in analytical reasoning, computer programming and database design in environments such as consulting firms, government agencies and nongovernmental organizations. Career fields relevant to the certificate program include:
- bioinformatics
- data management and databases
- data processing, hosting and related services
- environmental consulting
- marketing or advertising for companies with large consumer data sets
- patient data in health care contexts
- research data analysis
Graduates are also prepared to pursue advanced professional or graduate degrees.
School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences
|
FAB N101
NCGradAdvising@asu.edu
602-543-3000
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.
