Overview

The M.Sc. in Computational Biology at Columbia University provides students with a rigorous foundation in the computational techniques required to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of biomedical research. This programme bridges the gap between high-throughput biological data and the development of new understandings in genomic and medical sciences.

Students engage with sophisticated methodologies to analyse genome sequences, protein structures, and metabolic pathways. The curriculum is designed to address the genetic basis of disease and support innovations in drug design and clinical diagnosis. By integrating computer science with biological disciplines, the programme prepares graduates for the technical demands of modern biotechnology.

Why Computational Biology at Columbia University?

Columbia University offers a unique environment where students benefit from the intersection of the Department of Computer Science and world-class biomedical research facilities. The programme provides a state-of-the-art understanding of the growth in experimental techniques, such as DNA sequencing and RNA expression measurement via microarrays.

The curriculum is highly flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies through a variety of technical electives and interdisciplinary coursework. Participants have access to the Computing Research Facilities and can collaborate with faculty who are leaders in machine learning, genomics, and systems biology.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 64800 per year
National fee: USD 64800 per year
Local fee: USD 64800 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum requires the completion of 30 points of coursework at the 4000 level or above, including specific breadth and technical requirements. Modules may include:

Computational Genomics
Machine Learning for Functional Genomics
Probability and Statistic
Statistical Machine Learning
Databases
Computational Learning Theory
Advanced Machine Learning
Molecular Biology
Bioinformatics of Gene Expression

Careers with Computational Biology

Graduates are prepared for diverse roles within the pharmaceutical and medical industries, focusing on areas from diagnosis to drug design. The programme equips students with the skills necessary to work in high-tech biomedical research environments, genomic laboratories, and biotechnology firms. Common career paths involve the application of computational models to solve complex biological problems and the management of large-scale biological datasets.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Computational Genomics
Machine Learning for Functional Genomics
Machine Learning or Statistical Machine Learning
Probability and Statistic
Computational Learning Theory
Advanced Machine Learning
Genetics

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-19 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-15 00:00:00
Starting 2027-09-08 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-15 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Manhattan, United States

Disciplines

Biology Web Technologies & Cloud Computing View 115 other Masters in Web Technologies & Cloud Computing in United States

This information is based on LinkedIn alumni data for graduates from 2018 to 2024 and may not fully represent all career outcomes

Total alumni

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

Other requirements

General requirements

Transcript
Personal Statement
Recommendation Letter
Financial Support Document

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

64800 USD / year

≈ 64800 USD / year
Out-of-State

64800 USD / year

≈ 64800 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

64800 USD / year

≈ 64800 USD / year

Living costs

Manhattan

United States

2638 - 5751 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

Interested in financing your studies? Find a student loan that works for you.

MPOWER Financing No cosigner. No collateral. No hidden fees.

Check your Eligibility

Get the funding you need to study in the U.S. or Canada - with a process that's fast, simple, and built for international students.

Flexible loans from US$2,001 to US$100,000
Fixed interest rates -- no inflation surprises
No upfront fees or prepayment penalties
Accepted at 500+ universities across the U.S. & Canada
100% online application -- instant conditional offer
Free visa & career support through our Path2Success program

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Computational Biology.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About