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Computational Life Sciences, MS

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Degree Requirements Admission Requirements Next Steps Learning Outcomes Career Opportunities Request Information
  1. Degree Programs
  2. Graduate Degrees
  3. Computational Life Sciences

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 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.

Learning Outcomes
  • Interpret the implications (ethical, legal, medical, and social) of biological data.
  • Organize various types of biological data using bioinformatics tools and simple computer scripts.
  • Employ statistical concepts used in computational life sciences.

At a Glance: program details
  • Location:
    Tempe campus,
    or
    online
  • Second Language Requirement: No

Student Handbook

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:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. personal statement
  4. professional resume
  5. 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

Explore the unseen world of microorganisms and their profound influence on human health, ecosystems and global systems. You'll get training that blends foundational biological science with hands-on laboratory training in modern molecular techniques.

Microbiology Program 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.

Data Science Program Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

BS - Biological Sciences

Explore the diversity of living systems and the connections that sustain life with a degree that offers flexible specialization options and hands-on research experiences. Work alongside faculty in research labs and develop practical skills in laboratory work, field studies and scientific communication.

Biological Sciences Program Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

BS - Biological Sciences (Genetics, Cell and Developmental Biology)

Study the biological mechanisms that control gene expression, cellular communication and organismal development, gaining deep knowledge in areas that can help you drive advances in medicine and biotechnology.

Biological Sciences (Genetics, Cell and Developmental Biology) Program Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

BS - Biochemistry

Explore the mysteries of life at the molecular and atomic levels with hands-on lab experiences. You'll gain problem-solving skills through a variety of courses in the physical, quantitative and life sciences.

Biochemistry Program Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

BS - Biological Sciences (Conservation Biology and Ecology)

Study how organisms engage with their environments, analyze ecological data, and conduct fieldwork in Arizona's deserts and beyond. Explore the science of biodiversity as you prepare to design solutions that conserve species, sustain ecosystems and promote a more resilient and sustainable planet.

Biological Sciences (Conservation Biology and Ecology) Program Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

BS - Biological Sciences (Biology and Society)

Explore the intersection of biology and human systems while you examine how scientific knowledge shapes our understanding of the world and the systems we create, including health care, environmental policy, public communication and ethical decision-making.

Biological Sciences (Biology and Society) Program Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

BS - Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology

Explore how biological systems function at the molecular level and how that knowledge drives innovation in health care, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. You'll study molecular biological processes that shape health and disease while gaining extensive hands-on laboratory experience with techniques such as molecular cloning, PCR and protein analysis.

Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology Program Website | Locations: TEMPE

BS - Biological Sciences (Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior)

Explore how organisms think, move and behave. Investigate the biological mechanisms behind neural processes, physiological systems and behavior while developing research and analytical skills through laboratory experiences and faculty-led investigations.

Biological Sciences (Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior) Program Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

BS - Microbiology (Medical Microbiology)

Study infectious disease through a degree that prepares you to understand pathogens, diagnostics and disease mechanisms. Explore the biology of microorganisms and obtain training in clinical laboratory techniques used in health care and research settings.

Microbiology (Medical Microbiology) Program Website | Locations: TEMPE

BS - Biochemistry (Medicinal Chemistry)

Learn how life works at the molecular level and how medicine helps keep people healthy. Through hands-on science courses, you'll build skills that prepare you for medical school or a career in health and science.

Biochemistry (Medicinal Chemistry) Program Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

BS - Biological Sciences (Biomedical Sciences)

Explore human biology, disease processes and molecular health mechanisms. You'll build a foundation in chemistry and biology while gaining practical laboratory and research experience essential for success in health-related professions.

Biological Sciences (Biomedical Sciences) Program Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE


Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.



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Application Deadlines

Fall

Session
Modality
Deadline
Type
Session A/C
In Person
July 15th
Final
Session A/C
Online
July 15th
Final

Spring

Session
Modality
Deadline
Type
Session A/C
In Person
December 15th
Final
Session A/C
Online
December 15th
Final

Summer

Session
Modality
Deadline
Type
Session A/C
Online
April 15th
Final


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Career 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.

Attend Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information.

Learn about online options

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

  • [email protected]
  • 480/965-1768


Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine 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.
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor's degree in 2.5 or 3 years.

Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.

Accelerated bachelor's degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions 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.
A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.
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