Computational Life Sciences, MS

At a Glance: program details

Location:
Tempe campus,
or
online
Second Language Requirement: No

Student Handbook

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.

Program Description

Degree Awarded: MS Computational Life Sciences

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.

Degree Requirements

Curriculum Plan Options

30 credit hours including the required applied project course (BIO 593)
30 credit hours including the required capstone course (BIO 597)

Required Core (1 credit hour)
BIO 511 Big Data in Context (1) or
BIO 610 Introduction to Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) in Life Sciences (1)

Restricted Electives (18-20 credit hours)
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)

Choose two statistics and mathematics courses for six to seven credit hours:
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)

Choose two biology courses for six credit hours:
BIO 543 Molecular Genetics and Genomics (3)
BIO 544 Discovering Biodiversity (3)
EVO 601 Principles of Evolution (3)
MCB 540 Functional Genomics (3)

Electives or Research (6--8 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (3 credit hours)
BIO 593 Applied Project (3)
BIO 597 Capstone (3)

Additional Curriculum Information
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.

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.

Admission Requirements

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.

Flexible Degree Options

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:

BS - Microbiology

Investigate the unseen world of bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms and how they shape life, health and the environment. Develop laboratory and analytical skills to prepare for your career by uncovering how microbiology drives innovation and discovery in science and society.

Website | Locations: TEMPE

BS - Data Science

The shortage of data analysts in the U.S. is growing. In this high-demand field, you'll be able to impact the world in areas such as predicting consumer behavior, detecting fraud, improving manufacturing processes and analyzing medical images. Data science has exciting applications to any industry.