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 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.
This is a 4-semester program.
- 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.
How to apply to the M.S. in Computational Biology Program
Although the primary academic home for MS in Computational Biology is the Department of Biological Sciences in Mellon College of Sciences, applications are handled by the secondary academic affiliation, the Computational Biology Department in the School of Computer Science.
To apply, please refer to the instructions and steps in the School of Computer Science Application Portal.
International applicants, please follow the language score guidelines provided at the above link. Our program also follows the recommended scores and minimum allowable scores for admission found here: https://www.cmu.edu/student-success/other-resources/handouts/lang-supp-pdfs/memo-22_23-language-proficiency-score-guidance.pdf . (Non-native English speakers who have completed a bachelor's degree in a majority native English speaking country as listed on this page may submit outdated scores and their university education is considered as evidence of English proficiency.)
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.