Computational life sciences is a multidisciplinary field centered on collecting and analyzing biological data using programming and statistics. You’ll work with data types such as DNA sequences, neurological activity, ecological monitoring and long-term environmental samples.
You’ll also examine the ethical considerations of large biological datasets, such as personalized genomics and endangered species monitoring, in alignment with ASU’s commitment to use-inspired research and principled innovation.
Demand in this field is growing rapidly, opening career opportunities for professionals who can analyze complex data in the life sciences. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for data scientists is projected to grow 36% from 2023 to 2033 — much faster than average. The median annual salary in 2024 was $112,590.
What you’ll learn in this program
You’ll gain a strong foundation in both hypothesis-driven and hypothesis-generating research. Coursework centers on four key competencies:
- Biology relevant to big data
- Computational programming for life sciences
- Scientific ethics
- Statistical analysis
Along the way, you’ll also build career-ready skills such as:
- Command line programming in Bash/Unix
- Data visualization
- Genomics data quality control
- Statistical programming in R
- Workflow development and scripting
Who is a good candidate for this program?
This program is ideal if you have multi-academic interests and want to be at the forefront of biological big data and research. Because computational life sciences have wide applications, strong candidates often come from STEM backgrounds and may also have experience in education, business, academia, government and more.
If you’re interested in more focused studies, you may also consider:
Master of Science in biological data science
Focus on mathematical modeling and data analysis to interpret complex biological systems. This program blends life sciences with computational tools to support data-driven research and discovery.
Master of Advanced Study in health informatics
Gain expertise in clinical health data and information systems. You'll learn how to organize, analyze and apply health data to improve patient care and support clinical decision-making.
Does the intersection of computation, statistics and biological data interest you? If so, Arizona State University’s online Master of Science in computational life sciences prepares you to apply skills in these areas across academic, private, public and nonprofit settings. Your work could lead to breakthroughs in areas like disease detection, ecosystem health and personalized medicine.
You’ll take one core course and choose two courses from each of the three main areas of computational life sciences: biology, statistics and programming. Topics range from medical and functional genomics to transcriptomics and statistical programming. The program culminates in a capstone or applied project to give you hands-on experience.
Courses may include:
From Royal Society and American Academy Fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members who include:
- Fulbright American Scholars
- Guggenheim Fellows
- MacArthur Fellows
- Nobel laureates
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences takes a transdisciplinary approach to education with a vast spectrum of degrees in the social sciences, natural sciences and humanities. We inspire students to become socially aware critical thinkers and global citizens.
students enrolled as of fall 2024
in research expenditures in FY23
interdisciplinary schools and departments
undergraduate degrees
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for humanities research, according to the National Science Foundation
Applicants to the Master of Science in computational life sciences program must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA in the last 60 hours of their bachelor's program. Alternatively, applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA in an applicable master's program.
All applicants must submit:
- Graduate admission application and application fee.
- Official transcripts.
- Personal statement.
- Up-to-date curriculum vitae or resume.
The personal statement should be one to two pages, or a maximum of 500 words, about your background, interests and career experience in computational life sciences.
An applicant whose native language is not English (regardless of current residency) must provide proof of English proficiency.
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”