Biostatistics, M.S.
Biostatistics is the application and development of statistical techniques for the biological and health sciences.
Visit the program website for more information.
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Program Overview
The Master of Science in biostatistics is a Professional Science Masters' (PSM) program developed in parallel with the applied statistics, data science and analytics, health informatics and bioinformatics, and cell and molecular biology programs. Visit gvsu.edu/psm for more PSM program information.
Why Study Biostatistics at Grand Valley?
- Master's level biostatisticians are in demand, which means higher starting salaries within exciting scientific work environments.
- Partners such as Priority Health and Spectrum Health provide formal support for internships and continuing assistance to GVSU students.
- Graduates enjoy careers with outstanding employers such as Van Andel Institute, Henry Ford Health System, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, and the MD Anderson Cancer Center.
- Classes are held later in the day, making it easier for working professionals to complete their degree.
- Program emphasizes current statistical techniques using prominent statistical software.
Career Insights
This tool shows an overview of potential career opportunities for this major. Actual salaries, employment opportunities, and job titles may change over time.
Location & Format
Graduate students in this major study at Grand Valley's Allendale Campus and the Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus.
Format:- Face To Face
Coursework
The five PSM programs are interdisciplinary and feature common core courses. The biostatistics program features directed courses in biostatistics, an internship, and a culminating capstone experience.
Application Deadline
Good performance in undergraduate statistics will strengthen an
application. This coursework should include SAS and be equivalent to
STA 216 at GVSU. Completion of this course and other statistics
courses is recommended either concurrent with an application or later.
Some other programming language experience is advantageous as part of
an application (R, Python etc.) but it is not required.
Quantitative/data-oriented work experience would also be considered
relevant but is not required.
Deadline for fall semester is June 1; winter deadline is November 1. The $30 nonrefundable application fee is waived if the applicant has previously applied to Grand Valley State University.
Admission Requirements
To be admitted into the M.S. in biostatistics, the following is required:
- An official transcript from your baccalaureate degree granting institution
- Grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale from all undergraduate coursework or a satisfactory score on the GRE
- Resume detailing work experiences and accomplishments
- Personal statement of career goals and background experiences, including an explanation of how this program will help achieve educational and professional objectives
- Letters of recommendations from at least two individuals who are in positions to attest to the applicant's successful completion of the program
Additional program information can be found here.
Helpful Links
For More Information
Biostatistics ProgramDr. Robert Downer, [email protected]
gvsu.edu/biostats
A-1-112 Mackinac Hall | (616) 331-3355
Program Director
Robert Downer, Ph.D.
(616) 331-3355
“Through their applied coursework and internships our students have strong hands-on experience in the application of statistics to the biological and health sciences. I believe our graduates will become leaders in their positions within industry and the academic world.”
DIRECTOR, GVSU BIOSTATISTICS PROGRAM
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