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.

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 they must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program

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.