Computational Life Sciences, Certificate
Solve complex biological problems using data science, programming and quantitative modeling. You'll build in-demand technical skills in coding, data analysis and modeling that strengthen any STEM degree and open doors to careers in bioinformatics, biotechnology, biomedical research and data science.
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Additional facts
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Certificate description
Computational Life Sciences undergraduate certificate description
In the computational life sciences certificate program, you discover a burgeoning new field where huge improvements in processing technologies have opened the door to exciting new research techniques and interdisciplinary collaborations.
You engage with a suite of tools and approaches that enable you to uncover correlations, gain new understanding and help solve scientific problems.
Using your mastery of these new techniques, you examine data generated from a variety of fields, including ecology, botany, evolutionary biology, neuroscience, molecular and cellular biology, and animal behavior. You investigate topics such as DNA, RNA, protein, imaging, conservation and historical data; and you explore the ethical implications of collecting, storing, analyzing and sharing the results of computational life science data.
Why earn a computational life sciences undergraduate certificate at ASU?
ASU integrates biology, data science and computation within a major interdisciplinary research university. You'll work with real biological data and computational tools where you'll analyze large-scale datasets from genomics, ecology, health and systems biology, while benefiting from strong cross-college collaboration that connects the school with computer science, mathematics, engineering and health science programs. Because the certificate is available fully online and on campus, you can complete coursework in a way that fits your schedule, preparing you for high-demand careers in bioinformatics, biotechnology and data-driven life sciences with marketable technical skills that employers value across research and industry settings.
Additional details
The School of Life Sciences offers a vibrant student community where you can connect with peers who share your interests. You'll find clubs, events and resources that support your academic goals and help you build relationships with faculty and fellow students.
Courses
This undergraduate certificate includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below:
2026-2027 Catalog Year
The certificate requires 15 credit hours. A "C" minimum is required for all courses in the certificate, although students must maintain a 3.00 GPA in the post-baccalaureate certificate program.
| Requirement | Minimum grade | Credit hours |
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The certificate in computational life sciences requires 15 upper division credit hours. A minimum of six upper-division credit hours must be taken from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. When selecting courses, the college offering the course can be identified by viewing the course details in Class Search. Only courses completed with a grade of "C" (2.00 on a scale of 4.00) or better can be used to satisfy certificate requirements. |
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3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
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C | 3 |
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The computing course not used toward the core requirements in this section may be used toward the elective credit hours below.
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
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C | 3 |
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9 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
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C | 9 |
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Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.
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What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Summarize key computational concepts, such as algorithms and relational databases, and their applications in the life sciences and apply statistical concepts used in computational life sciences.
- Use bioinformatics tools and command line bioinformatics tools, and write simple computer scripts to find, retrieve and organize various types of biological data.
- Interpret the ethical, legal, medical and social implications of biological data.
Summarize key computational concepts, such as algorithms and relational databases, and their applications in the life sciences and apply statistical concepts used in computational life sciences.Enrollment requirements
A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded before the completion of an undergraduate degree. A student who already holds an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.
Here are the admission and application details
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
Careers this computational life sciences undergraduate certificate prepares you for
Graduates of the computational life sciences certificate program have gained data interpretation skills and experience using new computational approaches and programs. Graduates who have combined this program with their major program of study are in high demand for roles that involve identifying and interpreting data in a variety of fields, including ecology, medicine, botany, evolutionary biology and animal behavior.
Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
School of Life Sciences
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LSC 104
SOLS.advising@asu.edu
480-727-6277
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.
