At a Glance: program details
Program Description
Degree Awarded: MS Computational Life Sciences
The MS 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 are introduced to a suite of statistical tools and computational approaches that enable them to uncover correlations, glean new understanding and help solve scientific problems.
Students examine many different types of data generated from a wide range of fields, including ecology, botany, evolutionary biology, neuroscience, molecular and cellular biology, and animal behavior. Students have the opportunity to investigate topics such as DNA, RNA, protein, imaging, conservation and even historical data from long-term ecological research sites.
Finally, students explore the ethical implications of collecting, analyzing and sharing the results of computational life sciences data.
Degree Requirements
30 credit hours including the required applied project course (BIO 593)
Required Core (1 credit hour)
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 admissions 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
Are you fascinated by the incredible way the tiniest organisms can impact our lives? Are you eager to make a difference in science, health and medicine? Dive in and explore the wonders of microbiology, and set yourself up for success in your future career.
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.
Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE
BS - Biological Sciences
Are you captivated by the variety and wonder of life? Are you curious about how organisms grow, interact and affect each other? Build a strong foundation of knowledge, critical thinking skills and key lab techniques that will launch your career in science, health care and research.
Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE
BS - Biological Sciences (Genetics, Cell and Developmental Biology)
Are you fascinated by how genes can affect change in organisms at the cellular level? Are you curious about how genetic information is organized and transmitted across generations? Experience the excitement of scientific discovery and gain the critical thinking skills and key lab techniques that will launch your career.
Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE
BS - Biochemistry
Explore the mysteries of life at the molecular and atomic level with hands-on lab experiences and problem-solving skills through a range of courses in the physical, quantitative and life sciences.
Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE
BS - Biological Sciences (Conservation Biology and Ecology)
Are you concerned about environmental challenges such as climate change and habitat destruction? Are you curious about how organisms interact with one another and their physical surroundings? Dive in and apply a biological approach combined with human perspective to develop a deep understanding of the complex problems threatening our world.
Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE
BS - Biological Sciences (Biology and Society)
How does science shape the way we understand our world? Explore the social context of science while developing the skills needed to navigate the ethical complexities of scientific discovery. Discover how policy decisions are shaped by biological research, and investigate the significance of the sciences in understanding our complex world.
Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE
BS - Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology
Are you fascinated by the interplay between biology and technology? Are you eager to make a difference through groundbreaking research? Dive in and explore the rapidly expanding field of biotechnology.
Website | Locations: TEMPE
BS - Biological Sciences (Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior)
Are you fascinated by animal behavior? Are you interested in making scientific discoveries at the laboratory bench and in the field? Dive in and build the strong foundation you need to launch your career in neuroscience, health care, veterinary medicine or biomedical research.
Website | Locations: TEMPE
BS - Microbiology (Medical Microbiology)
Are you passionate about understanding the way the tiniest organisms impact our lives? Are you eager to make a difference in science, health care or biomedical research? Build a strong foundation of coursework, competencies and critical thinking skills that will prepare you to take on the changing world of medicine.
Website | Locations: TEMPE
BS - Biochemistry (Medicinal Chemistry)
Learn about the molecular processes of life and how medicines work at this level to benefit human health. The conceptual and hands-on skills you gain through the molecular and life sciences courses are tailored for pre-health and pre-medical students, serving as your gateway to a dynamic career or medical school.
Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE
BS - Biological Sciences (Biomedical Sciences)
Are you passionate about health care and biomedical research? Are you eager to experience groundbreaking research and understand the process of scientific discovery? Build a strong pre-health foundation of knowledge, critical thinking skills and key lab techniques that will give you a valuable edge in your career.
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.
Career Opportunities
Career opportunities for graduates include working at biotechnology companies, working as a lab research technician in academia, and working for government or nonprofit labs doing computational life sciences analyses. The median annual pay for those who hold a master's degree in a computational research science is approximately three times the median annual wage for all workers.
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 here.
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.
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.