M.S. in Computational Biology (MSCB) at Carnegie Mellon University
A Joint Program from the Departments of Computational Biology Department and Biological Sciences.
The MSCB program at Carnegie Mellon University is designed to prepare the world’s top computational biologists at the master’s level. This joint program between the Computational Biology Department and Department of Biological Sciences offers rigorous training in biology, computer science, statistics and machine learning, equipping graduates with the skills needed to tackle complex biomedical challenges.
Whether you're interested in bioinformatics, personalized medicine, genomics, neuroscience, drug design or environmental health, the MSCB curriculum provides the analytical tools and biological insight to make a meaningful impact.
Why Choose the MSCB program at CMU?
- Interdisciplinary Excellence: A joint program between the Mellon College of Science and the School of Computer Science, combining world-class expertise in biology and computer science.
- Flexible Career Paths: Graduates pursue careers in biotech, pharma, government, and academia, or continue on to top-tier Ph.D. programs.
- Hands-On Research: Students may conduct in-depth research and participate in internships to gain real-world experience.
- Customizable Curriculum: Courses span computer science, machine learning, statistics, biology, chemistry, biomedical engineering, and more.
- Small Cohort, Personalized Advising: Low student-to-faculty ratio ensures individualized mentorship and academic guidance.
Completed in three to four semesters.
The curriculum is structured to include Foundation Courses, Background Courses, and Breadth & Depth Courses, offering comprehensive training across disciplines such as biology, computer science, statistics, and machine learning. Students have the opportunity to engage in hands-on research projects and participate in academic seminars, including the Graduate Research Seminar (Journal Club) and Departmental Research Seminars. In addition to technical training, the program emphasizes professional development through seminars focused on ethics, scientific integrity and career readiness, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for both industry and academic careers.
Typically completed in 3–4 semesters.
- Course Structure: Includes Foundation Courses, Background Courses, and Breadth & Depth Courses.
- Research Opportunities: Students can engage in research projects and attend seminars such as the Graduate Research Seminar (Journal Club) and Departmental Research Seminars.
- Professional Development: Seminars on ethics, scientific integrity, and career readiness are part of the experience.
Fast-Growing Field with High Earning Potential
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in computational biology, medical science, biochemistry, and computer research are growing faster than average. These roles offer median starting salaries above $75,000, with MSCB graduates often earning significantly more.
Graduates of the MSCB program have secured positions at leading institutions such as:
- J. Craig Venter Institute
- Thermo Fisher Scientific
- Philips Research
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard
Others have pursued Ph.D. programs at prestigious universities worldwide. According to exit survey data, the median starting salary for MSCB alumni is approximately $100,000, significantly higher than the national average for biology majors.
Related Program
The M.S. in Automated Science at CMU shares some faculty and core courses with MSCB but focuses on automating experimental design and data acquisition. While MSAS emphasizes hands-on use of automated instruments, MSCB provides broader training in genomics, biological modeling and machine learning.
Application Fee:
$80 for the early deadline and $100 for the final deadline.
Application Deadlines:
- Applications are live on September 3
- Early Deadline: November 19 at 3 p.m. US/EST
- Final Deadline: December 10 at 3 p.m. US/EST.
You may simultaneously apply to other programs in the School of Computer Science, including related Ph.D. program in Computational Biology and M.S. Program in Automated Science.
How to apply to the M.S. in Computational Biology Program
Step 1: Start Your Application
Begin your journey toward a career in computational biology
- Create an account through the School of Computer Science Graduate Programs.
Step 2: Submit Transcripts
- All Applicants: Upload unofficial transcripts during the application process. Official transcripts will be required only if admitted.
Please Note: If you are applying to multiple programs with the same application, other programs may require official transcripts in the application, please check with those programs.
If you want to submit official copies with your application, please follow the instructions for School of Computer Science. However, you should also be aware that if you are admitted, a second copy of official transcripts will be required over the summer. We verify all students completion of degree over the summer. To send official transcripts which show completion of your degree, please use the information below.
Please Note: This information is different from other programs in School of Computer Science because our program is a joint program with a primary academic home in the Department of Biological Sciences in the Mellon College of Sciences and is shared with School of Computer Science.
To save you time, we recommend that you wait until summer to submit these official transcripts, and only do so if you are admitted and plan to come in the Fall.
Institution code: CMU 2074
Department code: Biology 0203 - International Applicants: International applicants: The admissions committee will not review an application without transcripts in English. If your school will not provide English transcripts, then a World Education Services (WES) evaluation is required for all international transcripts.
Step 3: GRE Scores (Optional)
- GRE scores are not required, but will be reviewed if submitted.
- Photocopies are accepted for initial review; official scores must be submitted if admitted.
Institution Code: CMU 2074
Department Code: Biology 0203
Please Note: Most other programs that use School of Computer Science admissions have stricter GRE requirements than we do, specifically GRE are required by other programs even for students who have studied in the US. Our program's academic home is not School of Computer Science, thus we do have different requirements (GRE optional). If you are applying to other programs through the same application, please review their requirements.
Step 4: English Language Proficiency (For Non-Native Speakers)
If you will be studying on an F-1 or J-1 visa, and English is not a native language for you (native language… meaning spoken at home and from birth), an official copy of an English proficiency score report is required (no older than two years). The English proficiency requirement cannot be waived for any reason. We strongly encourage applicants to take either the TOEFL or IELTS exam, but you may take the Duolingo English proficiency test if you are unable to test for TOEFL or IELTS.
If you are currently working on or have received a bachelor's and/or master's degree in the U.S. and your native language is not English, then you may submit an expired test score up to five years old.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - Request ETS to send valid/official score reports using the SCS/CMU codes:
- TOEFL Institution Code: 4256
- TOEFL Department Code: 78
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - We accept IELTS scores through E-delivery. Use the information below when arranging the delivery of your IELTS scores to SCS.
Account Name: Carnegie Mellon University School of Computer Science
Address:
School of Computer Science
5000 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
United States
Step 5: Letters of Recommendation
Submit three letters of recommendation from individuals who can assess your academic and research potential.
- At least one letter should be from your most recently attended college or university.
Step 6: Statement of Purpose
Craft a compelling 1–2 page essay that outlines:
- Your motivation for pursuing a degree in Computational Biology
- Any research experience — and your role in those projects — and if, applicable any publications
- Your primary areas of interest within Computational Biology
- Why you are choosing Carnegie Mellon University’s MSCB for graduate work
Step 7: Finalize Your Application
- Ensure all materials are submitted before the deadline.
- After submission, monitor your application status page for updates.
Questions? Contact us at MSCB Admissions
Please Note: Your application is not complete until you receive confirmation that the online form is filled out AND have mailed in all the required forms.
CMU Rales Fellows
The Carnegie Mellon University Rales Fellows Program is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of STEM leaders and driving innovation by increasing access to a life-changing graduate education. By removing financial barriers to obtaining advanced degrees and providing Fellows with holistic support, the Rales Fellows Program empowers and connects scholars with others who share a passion for progress and innovation.
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