Program Overview

Biological Data Science Graduate Certificate Program

The Biological Data Science Graduate Certificate program is an interdisciplinary program that combines biology, computing, mathematics, and statistics to provide students with a comprehensive toolkit for analyzing biological data. This program is designed for life scientists who want to improve their understanding of large data sets and for data scientists who need additional insight into the life sciences.

Program Description

The program provides students with hands-on training at the interface of the natural and mathematical sciences. Students learn to manipulate big data, including the generation and analysis of data, using statistical and computational tool sets. The program focuses on the analysis of data in the context of biological applications, including ecological, environmental, toxicological, and other biological applications.

At a Glance

• College/School: New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences
• Location: West Valley or Online
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

Degree Requirements

The program requires 15 credit hours, including:

• Required Core (3 credit hours): LSC 540 Statistics for Biological Data Science I (3)
• Other Requirements (3 credit hours): ACO 501 Database Systems and Problem Solving in Python (3) or ACO 580 Practicum (3)
• Restricted Electives (9 credit hours):
  • ACO 501 Database Systems and Problem Solving in Python (3)
  • ACO 580 Topic: Intro to Python Programming for Problem Solving (3)
  • FOR 540 Advanced Topics in Human Forensic DNA Typing (3)
  • LSC 541 Statistics for Biological Data Science II (3)
  • LSC 555 Molecular Biology (3)
  • LSC 556 Evolutionary Biology (3)
  • LSC 562 Applied Mathematics Techniques in Biology (3)
  • SDS 510 Data Wrangling (3)

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
• Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in 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.
• All applicants must submit:
  • Graduate admission application and application fee
  • Official transcripts
  • Personal statement
  • Proof of English proficiency

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Career Opportunities

With the multiple levels of experiential learning in the program, graduates who hold the biological data science certificate are ready to enter one of the fastest-growing job markets. Graduates are prepared to work in emerging areas of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research. They have the foundation they need for a wide variety of careers that require skills in analytical reasoning, computer programming, and database design in environments such as consulting firms, government agencies, and nongovernmental organizations. Career fields relevant to the certificate program include:

• Bioinformatics
• Data management and databases
• Data processing, hosting, and related services
• Environmental consulting
• Marketing or advertising for companies with large consumer data sets
• Research data analysis
• Work in health care industries that involves dealing with patient data

Graduates are also prepared to pursue advanced professional or graduate degrees.