Computational Life Sciences, MS
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.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
The Master of Science program in computational life sciences introduces you 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.
You 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, you 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, you 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.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
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.
What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- 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.
Employ statistical concepts used in computational life sciences. Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
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: Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Application deadlines
| 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* |
*A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Admission Services by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your 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:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
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.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Life Sciences
|
LSA 181
On Campus: sols.grad@asu.edu
ASU Online: solsonline.grad@asu.edu
480-965-1768
Admission deadlines
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
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.
