Learn to seamlessly traverse the spectrum between technology and biology in order to solve current and future challenges relating to energy, environment, human health, sustainability and security. You will work on use-inspired projects and research with world-class faculty and peers.
Degree Awarded: MS
Biological Design
Students pursuing the MS degree in biological design are trained in the continuum between technology and biology by participating in a flexible training program that requires students to take one program core course (Principles of Biological Design), one course from a suite of biotechnology courses, and one from a suite of statistics courses. The flexibility of this program, while maintaining key instructional structure, allows students from both traditional and nontraditional engineering backgrounds to have simultaneous access to training and mentoring in both engineering and technology with a biological focus. This allows students from diverse backgrounds to have access to transdisciplinary education and training that they would not have in traditional program settings. As part of coursework and applied projects or theses, students read literature; identify critical problems related to energy, environment, human health, sustainability and security; and develop solutions to these problems using a synergy of technological and biological solutions, either in teams (course projects) or individually (thesis or applied project). Students are mentored by faculty from different colleges and schools at ASU.
September 2025
Arizona State University
Tempe Campus,
1151 S. Forest Ave.,
TEMPE,
Arizona,
85281, United States
To be admitted to ASU, you must have earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution in the U.S. or the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor鈥檚 degree from an international institution that is officially recognized by that country.
Competitive applicants typically have a 鈥淏鈥 (3.00 on a 4.00 scale) grade point average in the last 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of undergraduate coursework. If you do not meet the minimum GPA requirements, your application may still be considered by the department.
English language proficiency requirements
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Score of at least 80 on the TOEFL iBT
International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Overall band score of the academic test of at least 6.5
Pearson Test of English (PTE): Score of at least 60
Duolingo English test: Graduate minimum score of 105