Online Master of Science in Computational Life Sciences
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.
Quick facts
Next start date: 08/21/2025
Total classes: 10
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 30
Prepare for a career at the forefront of biological big data and research
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:
Will my diploma say ‘online’?
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.”
Computational life sciences master’s courses
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:
The career paths you’ll be readied for
With knowledge of the life sciences, statistics and data science, you’ll be prepared for roles in a variety of industries, such as health care, academia, research and the government. Potential career paths include biotechnology, next-generation DNA and RNA analysis, biostatistics and more. Job titles you can pursue include, but aren’t limited to:
Learn from world experts in genomics, big data and more
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
Learn from world experts in genomics, big data and more
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
How to apply
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.
The largest and most diverse college at ASU
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.
31,572
students enrolled as of fall 2024
$161 million
in research expenditures in FY23
21
interdisciplinary schools and departments
100+
undergraduate degrees
Tuition calculator
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. Learn more.
Tuition calculator
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. Learn more.
