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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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19%
Job Growth in West Michigan by 2024
Source: EMSI, 2020
Program Overview
The Master of Science (M.S.) 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.
For more PSM program information, visit gvsu.edu/psm/.
Why Study Biostatistics at Grand Valley?
- Master's level biostatisticians are in demand. This demand results in higher starting salaries within exciting scientific work environments.
- Partners such as the Priority Health and Spectrum Health provide formal support for internships and continuing assistance to GVSU students.
- Graduates of the GVSU biostatistics master's program have secured employment with outstanding employers such as the Van Andel Institute, Henry Ford Health System, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, and the MD Anderson Cancer Center.
- Class times later in the day allow degree completion by working professionals.
- The program is very applied with an emphasis on modern statistical techniques using prominent statistical software.
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
- A culminating capstone experience
Career Options
Master's level biostatisticians are in demand in industry, research institutions, government, and academia, including:
- Consulting support
- Clinical medicine
- Drug development/clinical trials
- Environmental health
- Epidemiology
- Health analytics
- Hospital Research
- Public health
For more information, visit gvsu.edu/grad/biostats/.
Skills Employers Want
The M.S. in Biostatistics at GVSU will develop the skills you need to land the job you want. Whether the skills are advanced or general, you will build a resume of qualifications that are sure to attract employers. The following skills correlate with those pulled from actual job postings in the biostatistics field.
- SAS Software
- Statistics
- Biostatistics
- R (Programming Language)
- SQL (Programming Language)
- Data Management
- Statistical Softwares
- Stata
- Epidemiology
Source: EMSI, 2020
Application Deadline
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. Please visit gvsu.edu/gradapply/.
Admission Requirements
- 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 Program
gvsu.edu/biostats
A-1-112
Mackinac Hall
(616) 331-2247
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.”
ROBERT DOWNER, PH.D.
DIRECTOR, GVSU BIOSTATISTICS PROGRAM
DIRECTOR, GVSU BIOSTATISTICS PROGRAM
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