Admission information

Biological Data Science, MS

Welcome from Program Director

Thank you for your interest in the Master’s in Biological Data Science program at Arizona State University. Selecting the right graduate program to achieve your personal and career goals is an extremely important decision. I am delighted that you are considering our program, where students like you prepare to shape the future of biological sciences through data. At ASU, we are committed to excellence, access, and social responsibility, ensuring that all learners have the opportunity to succeed and make meaningful contributions to society.

Our program attracts a diverse and interdisciplinary community of students that includes domestic and international scholars, along with working professionals, LGBTQ+ members, parents, and veterans who share a passion for transforming biological sciences using the power of data. We believe in fostering meaningful connections among students, faculty, and staff to create an environment where everyone feels encouraged, challenged, and motivated to solve real world biological problems with data driven solutions.

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Program at a Glance

Campus Immersion Details

Location: West Valley Campus
Credit Hours: 32
Schedule: day and evening classes
Time to Completion: 5 semesters within 24 months (cohort-based)
Admit Term: Fall — now accepting applications through July 15, 2025

Program Handbook          BDS Coursework          Program Advising

Pursuing a graduate degree represents a pivotal juncture in your academic and professional path. We are committed to ensuring that you are well-informed and well-prepared for this significant journey. To facilitate your exploration and understanding of the program, we encourage you to delve into our advising website. Here, you can access vital information regarding program prerequisites, course offerings, and the expertise of our esteemed faculty.

We particularly recommend a thorough review of the curriculum check sheet and the program handbook. These documents offer an insightful glimpse into what you can expect during your academic journey, helping you gain a comprehensive understanding of the program's requirements and guidelines. Your time spent exploring these resources will be invaluable as you embark on this next chapter of your education.

Application Components

The ASU Graduate Admission Application requires personal information, academic history, residency information and degree selection.  After you select your degree, you will be prompted for the following supplemental materials.  
 
If you need assistance with filling out any part of the application please visit us online at: https://admission.asu.edu/apply/graduate/admission

Completed applications must be electronically submitted to ASU and include the following:

photo of dna
photo of dna strands


The Biological Data Science program requires two letters of recommendation.  It is preferred that letters of recommendation be from faculty members who know the applicant's work well; if these are not available, letters of recommendation from individuals in supervisory or professional roles will be accepted. If letters of recommendation from three faculty members are not available, then it is strongly preferred that at least one letter be from a faculty member.


The statement of purpose should address the following requests in 250 words or less:

  1. Applicants should describe their career goals and how a graduate certificate in biological data science will help them achieve those goals.
  2. Biological data science is a discipline that spans a broad range of biological topics from molecular biology to ecology, and it uses a variety of computational methods. Applicants are asked to briefly describe two aspects of biological data science that most interest them, and explain why.
  3. Optional: Applicants are asked to explain any extenuating circumstances that affected their undergraduate performance or that affect them now. This is not necessary if the applicant feels their application meets all the program's admission requirements.

  This program requires the submission of your professional resume or curriculum vitae as part of your application materials.

  A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on 4.0 scale in the last 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of undergraduate coursework. If you do not meet the minimum GPA requirements, a GRE score is required.


If you are recommended for admission by the academic unit, you will be required to provide an official transcript (sent to us by mail directly from the institution). Your offer of admission and ability to register for classes will be contingent upon the receipt and verification of these official documents (which must show the award of degrees where appropriate).

The unofficial transcript that is uploaded must match the official transcript we receive. Do not upload spreadsheet documents as these are not acceptable for review. Instead, you can use a screen-capture or a picture of the official transcript and copy and paste the image onto a Word document. You are also allowed to scan and upload a copy of your official transcripts (this is preferred). Please include the transcript key or legend (often on the back of the official transcript) in your upload.

Arizona State University reserves the right to require official transcripts any time prior to admission review and revoke any admission decisions if the unofficial transcript(s) do not match the official transcripts.

Please make sure your unofficial transcript document includes your required bachelor's degree transcript. If you have transcripts from more than one university or have multiple degrees from the same university, please upload all transcripts in one file.

If unofficial transcripts are not uploaded at time of application, official transcripts will be required to be submitted before your application will move forward for review for admission.


International applicants should review details online to determine if a TOEFL or IELTS score must be submitted. Information can be found by visiting students.asu.edu/graduate/proficiency.

Review Process

Review of applications for admission are done on a rolling basis. Typically decisions are returned within 14 calendar days from the date the application is ‘in review’. The decision timeframe may increase during peak cycles.

Applicants can view the status of their application online via My ASU. The New College may reach out to request additional information or provide updates so it is important to check your email regularly.  

After submitting your application please contact ncgradadmissions@asu.edu with any questions.


While you wait for a decision we recommend that you:

Accelerated Options


New College offers a number of accelerated master's programs, providing top undergraduate students in select programs the flexibility to begin taking classes (up to twelve credit hours) toward their master’s degree during their senior year. By combining undergraduate and graduate coursework in your senior year for shared credit, you’ll save up to an entire year of schooling and receive both degrees in as little as five years. *Accelerated Master's options are available to current ASU undergraduate students in select programs. To learn more approved programs and requirements, click here.