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Biological Data Science, MS

Training in Genomics Research program

The Training in Genomics Research (TiGeR) program is designed to train students who hold an undergraduate or graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution in computer science, mathematics, statistics, or a related field, with limited or no prior experience working with genomics datasets

The program is designed to support qualifying Biological Data Science graduate students to integrate intensive in-person hands-on exposure to genomics datasets and bioinformatic tool sets, as well as mentored research experiences. The TiGeR program will prepare its students for successful careers as computational experts in genomics research.

Contact

  • For questions about applying to the MS Biological Data Science Program, please email
    [email protected]
  • For questions about the TiGeR program, please email Professor Sree Kanthaswamy: [email protected]

About this award

  • Training Stipend of approximately $30,240 distributed over 5 semesters
  • Tuition award equal to 100% of resident tuition*
  • ASU health insurance during enrollment in the MS Biological Data Science program
  • Support for research-related conference travel expenses
  • Support for lab material and supply costs **

* Non-Arizona residents will be responsible for additional tuition expenses 
** Does not cover mandatory university fees or program tuition


Expectations

The TiGeR program is focused on training students for the scientific workforce who hold an undergraduate or graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution in computer science, mathematics, statistics, or a related field, with limited or no previous experience working with genomic datasets.

Recipients must meet all eligibility criteria:

  • All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
  • To earn your master’s degree under the TiGeR program's sponsorship, you need to complete 35 credit hours of core and required courses.
  • Enrollment in a genomics laboratory is mandatory (a stipend will be paid for up to 20 hrs/ week of wet-lab training)
  • Completing a paid three-credit-hour summer internship program is required
  • Recipients must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress
  • The award is renewable for a maximum of two years
  • If the recipient defers their start in the Biological Data Science MS program, they will need to reapply for TiGeR grant funding.
  • Students who do not maintain continuous enrollment, take a leave of absence, or do not make adequate progress in the Biological Data Science MS program will not be eligible for funding.

Benefits

  • The TiGeR program will prepare its students for successful careers as computational experts in genomics research.
  • The program will provide intensive, in-person, hands-on exposure to genomic datasets and bioinformatics toolsets, as well as mentored research experiences.
  • The TiGeR program will provide financial assistance to cover tuition, educational research-related expenses, health insurance, travel expenses, conference costs, and stipends.
  • A master’s degree in biological data science with a focus on genomics/bioinformatics will enhance your earning power and marketability with employers and/or enhance your success if you choose to continue your studies in a Ph.D. program. 

Deadlines

Academic year 2025-2026: July 31, 2025

Note: Submission deadline is 5:00 p.m. Arizona time (-7 UTC).


Eligibility

The applicant must:

  • Applicants shall be required to have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, statistics, or a related field with limited or no previous exposure to genomics datasets.
  • Applicant is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
  • Admitted to the Biological Data Science MS campus-immersion program.
     

Submission procedures

Program participants will be selected based on a review of all application materials. The applicant must:

When uploading documents to the TiGeR Applicant Dropbox, please label the file with “TiGeR Grant - Last Name - Document Type”.
 


Award Information

Taxes
Each fellow is personally responsible for individual taxes related to this award. Additional information regarding tax issues related to awards can be found on the tax considerations webpage. Specific questions should be directed to a tax advisor or contact the ASU Financial Aid and Scholarship Services.

Overawards
An "overaward" is when a student's need-based awards exceed their financial need, or the total of the awards exceeds the cost of attendance. If a student has been overawarded, federal regulations require ASU to adjust their awards which may result in a reduction in awards or a bill. Need-based aid includes grants, scholarships, Federal Work-Study, Federal Perkins Loans, and outside resources (e.g., faculty/staff tuition benefits, scholarships, stipends). Non-need-based aid includes unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans, Federal Graduate PLUS Loans, and Private Education Loans. Questions regarding overawards should be directed to the ASU Financial Aid and Scholarship Services.
Applicant is eligible to receive an ASU tuition award and stipend and will not receive any other ASU tuition benefit (i.e., Qualified Tuition Reduction).

Federal Funding
Program-supported students may not concurrently hold another federally sponsored stipend or fellowship, or any other federal award that duplicates support, or supplemental salary support, e.g., from a mentor’s federal research grant. However, concurrent with support, students may make use of federal educational loan funds and assistance under the Veterans Readjustment Benefits Act (G.I. Bill) or may receive funds from a Pell Grant, based on financial need. Such funds are not considered supplementation or compensation. Funding announcement for reference.