Biological Sciences

Computational Biology Bachelor's Degree

Work with Revolutionary Biological Information

Rapid developments in genomic and molecular research plus extreme advances in information technologies equals a multitude of biological information—and a growing need for experts able to compute, process, model, simulate, and analyze it. Learn how at Tech.

Computational biology is a fusion of biology and information technology. Specialists in this field use computational analyses to study the vast amount of digital information provided by modern molecular biology—such as DNA sequences, which are growing at an unprecedented rate. Our genomics lab at Tech is the ideal place to learn by doing. Get involved in undergraduate research through paid work experience. Earn research credits toward your degree, or apply for a summer undergraduate research fellowship or undergraduate research internship. With a Bachelor of Science in Computational Biology, you'll be prepared to enter a unique and cutting-edge field of biology/medicine and analyze data that may support the creation of new pharmaceuticals, treatments for life-altering diseases, improvements in crop production, or protections for the environment.

  • 35%
    of undergraduates do research with faculty every year
  • No. 1
    Best Value College in Michigan (Niche, 2024)

Tomorrow Needs Innovative Computational Biologists

As the world of biological data expands, so does the need for talented mathematicians and statisticians who understand biological information, genomes, and molecules. A degree in computational biology opens doors—you'll have opportunities to solve real-world problems in a diverse range of fields, including pharmaceuticals, healthcare, academia, government, and more. Blend your biology skills with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Be Career Ready

Computational biology majors are in demand, especially as healthcare and research incorporates tools like artificial intelligence. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 26% employment growth between 2023 and 2033 for computer and information research scientists. Plus, computational biologists work in some of the best-paying and most satisfying jobs. Data Scientist (#8) and Statistician (#92) are among the 100 Best Jobs according to U.S. News & World Report in April 2025.

Career Opportunities for Computational Biology Majors

Some of the jobs open to you with a BS in Computational Biology:

  • Genotyping
  • Genomic sequence analysis
  • Sequence assembly
  • Database administration
  • Pharmacogenomics

Michigan Tech Computational Biology Majors Get Hired

The growing list of companies that have hired Michigan Tech computational biology graduates includes:

  • Douglas Corporation
  • Empirical Bioscience
  • MDI Biological Laboratory
  • National Marrow Donor Program

Ready to take the next step?

Learn more about studying computational biology at Michigan's flagship technological university.

Watch Michigan Tech Computational Biology Major video
Preview image for Michigan Tech Computational Biology Major video
"It's a little bit of math, it's a little bit of science, and it's a lot of numbers. Essentially it takes someone who really likes to learn. I have great mentors pushing me to learn more and more about what I like."Lucy Arbanes, computational biology
"In computational biology, you think of a biological question you want to answer and see if you can figure it out by playing with data! You could end up researching cancer biology, developing new DNA sequencing and annotation algorithms, or mining the rapid influx of biological data."Emily Taylor '24, BS Computational Biology

Read Full Article

Study Biological Sciences at a Technological University

At Michigan Tech, you’ll build research skills and foundational knowledge required to succeed in graduate school, research, or industry. You'll learn and experience first-hand how biology is central to solving real-world problems in sustainability, human health, environment and industry. With biology faculty that also serve as your research advisors and mentors, you'll investigate, explore and experiment in the lab and present results in classrooms, research symposia, and scientific journals.

 

College of Sciences and Arts

The College of Sciences and Arts is a community of faculty, staff, and students committed to excellence and driven by our passion for education, outreach, research, and creativity across the social and natural sciences, humanities, and the arts. Uniquely situated in the heart of Michigan's R1 flagship technological university, we specialize in human-centered potential and discovery-based learning designed to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. Knowing that every student at Michigan Tech will pass through our doors, our college strives to be at the forefront of interdisciplinary collaborations that lead to breakthrough solutions.

Our students gain a profound understanding of social and cultural contexts through experiential learning and innovative research. We welcome you to be part of our caring, expansive college community, with 32 undergraduate and 24 graduate degrees to choose from.

The opportunities in Michigan Tech's College of Sciences and Arts are limitless. Transform into a civic leader ready to contribute to a sustainable future. Lead and participate in action-based experiences that are critical to the start of a fulfilling career. Job-shadow at a local hospital or veterinary clinic while preparing for a career in health. Design sound and lighting for a regional production. Conduct community forums on the implications of artificial intelligence. Work to purify vaccines. Study the impact of social media on society. Research the mysteries of space and galaxies beyond our universe. Explore transforming abandoned iron and copper mines into giant batteries. Understand freshwater ecosystem health. Document the nature of changes in cognitive function and motor behavior in aging and dementia.

At Michigan Tech, your academic growth is supported by a variety of learning centers, along with our Humanities Digital Media Zone and Writing Center. Model climate in the only cloud chamber of its kind. Take part in interdisciplinary health research in our state-of-the-art H-STEM Complex. Create amazing sights and sounds in our visual art, sound, and theatre performance spaces. 

Tomorrow Needs You

Supercharge your analytical skills to meet the demands of a technology-driven society at a flagship public research university powered by science, technology, engineering, and math. Graduate with the theoretical knowledge and practical experience needed to solve real-world problems and succeed in academia, research, and tomorrow's high-tech business landscape.

Undergraduate Majors in Biology

Not sure which major is the right fit? No problem. Browse the entire list of College of Sciences and Arts majors. Or, give yourself time and declare the General Sciences and Arts major, which lets you decide when you arrive on campus. To learn more, speak to an academic advisor.

"My favorite parts of the Bio Sci department were definitely the people. The professors and graduate students that I got to work with were all very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about their subjects, and my academic advisor was always very helpful and inviting."

Charlotte Hildebrandt
Charlotte Hildebrandt '22
BS Bioinformatics (now called Computational Biology)