CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY · UNITED STATES
M.S. in Computational Biology
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
6.5
IELTS
€52k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 4 semestersProgram Duration
- Joint program from Mellon College of Science and School of Computer ScienceInterdisciplinary Excellence
- Flexible career paths in biotech, pharma, government, and academiaCareer Opportunities
- Hands-on research and internship opportunitiesPractical Experience
- Customizable curriculum with a wide range of course optionsCurriculum Flexibility
- Low student-to-faculty ratio for personalized advisingPersonalized Support
The Master of Science in Computational Biology (MSCB) at Carnegie Mellon University is a joint program offered by the Departments of Computational Biology and Biological Sciences. It is designed to provide rigorous graduate-level training at the intersection of biology, computer science, statistics, and machine learning. The program equips students with the analytical skills and biological insights necessary to address complex challenges in areas such as bioinformatics, personalized medicine, genomics, neuroscience, drug design, and environmental health. Graduates are prepared for diverse career paths in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, government, and academia, or to pursue further doctoral studies.
Curriculum
The MSCB curriculum is structured over four semesters and includes Foundation Courses, Background Courses, and Breadth & Depth Courses. This comprehensive training spans biology, computer science, statistics, and machine learning. Students have opportunities for hands-on research, participation in academic seminars (including Graduate Research Seminar/Journal Club and Departmental Research Seminars), and professional development focusing on ethics, scientific integrity, and career readiness.
- Year 1
- Foundation Courses
- Background Courses
- Graduate Research Seminar (Journal Club)
- Year 2
- Breadth & Depth Courses
- Departmental Research Seminars
- Professional Development Seminars (Ethics, Scientific Integrity, Career Readiness)
Careers
Graduates are well-prepared for a variety of roles in rapidly growing fields, with high earning potential. The program's interdisciplinary nature and strong foundation in computational and biological sciences open doors to diverse career paths in both industry and academia.
- Bioinformatician
- Computational Biologist
- Data Scientist
- Research Scientist
- Medical Science Liaison
- Biochemist
- Computer Research Scientist
Frequently asked questions
- What are the admission requirements for the M.S. in Computational Biology program?
- You need a strong academic record and prerequisite coursework in life sciences, statistics, and programming. Official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores meeting the minimum requirements are also mandatory for non-native English speakers.
- What is the tuition and estimated living cost for this program?
- Tuition is $60,900 per academic year. Estimated living expenses are $34,018 per academic year, covering housing, food, books, personal expenses, and travel.
- How long is the M.S. in Computational Biology program?
- The program is structured over four semesters, spanning two academic years.
- What are the career prospects after completing the M.S. in Computational Biology?
- Graduates are prepared for roles such as Bioinformatician, Computational Biologist, or Data Scientist in biotech, pharma, and government, or can pursue further doctoral studies.
- When is the application deadline for the M.S. in Computational Biology program?
- Applications open on September 9, 2026, for Fall 2027 admissions. Admissions are for the Fall semester only.
- Are there any scholarships or fellowships available for international students?
- The Rales Fellowship Program is available, aiming to cover financial barriers and provide holistic support for students pursuing advanced STEM degrees.
Entry requirements
Undergraduate DegreeStrong academic record is expected. Background in Computer Science, Biology, or a related field is recommended.
Prerequisite CourseworkCollege-level coursework in life sciences, statistics, and programming is required. Prior study in algorithms and data structures is ideal.
TOEFLOverall 86 (Reading 22, Listening 22, Speaking 20, Writing 22)
IELTSOverall 6.5 (Reading 6.5, Listening 6.5, Speaking 6.0, Writing 6.0)
DuolingoOverall 115 (Literacy 105, Conversation 95, Comprehension 115, Production 90)
English proficiency scores are mandatory for non-native English speakers. Waivers are not issued. Expired test scores (up to 5 years) may be accepted for applicants who have recently completed a degree in residence in the United States, Australia, Canada (excluding Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom.
Fees
Tuition (international)$60,900 per academic year
Tuition (home)$60,900 per academic year
LivingEstimated $34,018 per academic year (includes housing, food, books, personal expenses, travel, and transportation. Health insurance cost is TBD.)
Tuition and fees are for the 2026-2027 academic year. Living expenses are estimates.
How to apply
1. Complete the Online ApplicationSubmit your application through the School of Computer Science's online graduate admissions portal.
2. Upload TranscriptsProvide a PDF of your most recent transcript from each college and/or university attended.
3. Submit ResumeUpload your resume in PDF format.
4. Write Statement of PurposeClearly articulate your research interests, experience, and objectives. You may include an optional paragraph on contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
5. Obtain Letters of RecommendationArrange for three letters of recommendation, with at least two from faculty or recent employers.
6. Submit English Proficiency ScoresProvide official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores that meet the minimum requirements. Waivers are not available.
Scholarships
Rales Fellowship ProgramCovers financial barriers to advanced degrees and provides holistic support.
Frequently asked questions
What are the admission requirements for the M.S. in Computational Biology program?
+
You need a strong academic record and prerequisite coursework in life sciences, statistics, and programming. Official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores meeting the minimum requirements are also mandatory for non-native English speakers.
What is the tuition and estimated living cost for this program?
+
Tuition is $60,900 per academic year. Estimated living expenses are $34,018 per academic year, covering housing, food, books, personal expenses, and travel.
How long is the M.S. in Computational Biology program?
+
The program is structured over four semesters, spanning two academic years.
What are the career prospects after completing the M.S. in Computational Biology?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles such as Bioinformatician, Computational Biologist, or Data Scientist in biotech, pharma, and government, or can pursue further doctoral studies.
When is the application deadline for the M.S. in Computational Biology program?
+
Applications open on September 9, 2026, for Fall 2027 admissions. Admissions are for the Fall semester only.
Are there any scholarships or fellowships available for international students?
+
The Rales Fellowship Program is available, aiming to cover financial barriers and provide holistic support for students pursuing advanced STEM degrees.