FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a Professional Science Master's degree different from a Master of Science?
What are GVSU's admission requirements? Am I eligible for admission?
Do I have to take a GRE? What is the minimum GRE score that is acceptable?
Do I have to take TEOFL/IELTS? What is the minimum TOEFL/ IELTS score that is acceptable?
What are the application deadlines?
What type of financial aid is available for students at Grand Valley?
Where are the classes located?
How do I register for classes?
When will I know if I have been admitted?
How is a Professional Science Master's degree different from a Master of Science?
Professional Science Master's (PSM) is an innovative, new graduate program which involves training in both science and professional skills. There are four PSM programs offered at Grand Valley State University: Biostatistics, Data Science, Cell and Molecular Biology and Health and Bioinformatics. The PSM program offers two years of training in respective biological or computer science courses along with a professional training in workplace areas such as business, communications and regulatory affairs. The PSM is intended to train students for entry directly into a job career and not as an intermediate degree to be followed by PhD study.
What are GVSU's admission requirements? Am I eligible for admission?
The admission requirements for GVSU are:
- Grade point average of 3.0 (B) from all undergraduate coursework or a satisfactory score on the GRE or GMAT.
- 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.
- Written recommendations from at least two individuals who are in positions to attest to the applicant's potential for successful completion of the program.
- Applicants must have a base of underlying knowledge relevant to graduate study in one of the appropriate disciplines: medical informatics or bioinformatics, data science, cell and molecular biology, or biostatistics. This can be demonstrated by previous academic study or work experience. Consultation with a program faculty advisor is necessary to verify appropriateness of work experience as a substitute for academic preparation. Candidates without sufficient relevant background experience may satisfy any deficiency with appropriate graduate or undergraduate courses, as recommended by a faculty advisor in the program and approved by the Admissions Committee and the program director.
Do I have to take a GRE? What is the minimum GRE score that is acceptable?
Yes. GRE/ GMAT or its equivalent is required. Each program determines the minimum acceptable GRE/GMAT or its equivalent.
Do I have to take TEOFL/IELTS? What is the minimum TOEFL/ IELTS score that is acceptable?
Any applicant whose undergraduate degree was earned at an institution where the primary language of instruction is not English must submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores. The minimum TOEFL score is 550 written, 79 Internet-based or 213 computer-based and the minimum IELTS score is 6.5. Submission of an official TOEFL or IELTS score report is required of applicants whose native language is not English.
What are the application deadlines?
May 1 - Fall application deadline for all students.
May 1 - Deadline for international students to be considered for an academic scholarship for Fall semester. Students must be admitted to Grand Valley and meet the minimum scholarship criteria by this date.
June 1 - Fall housing deadline for international students wanting on campus housing.
Last week of August - Classes for the fall semester begin.
October 15 - Winter semester admissions deadline.
You can apply online by visiting Admissions
What type of financial aid is available for students at Grand Valley?
Three types of financial aid are available to degree-seeking graduate students enrolled for at least five credit hours at Grand Valley:
- Federal College Work-Study Program: The majority of campus jobs are funded under this program.
- Student Loans: Federal Direct Student Loans of up to $9,250 per semester are available.
- Graduate Assistantships: Limited graduate assistantships are available.
You can send your documents to the university admissions office at:
ADMISSIONS OFFICE
1 Campus Drive Allendale, MI 49401-9403 Phone (616) 331-2025 1-800-748-0246 [email protected]
Where are the classes located?
Most of the classes are located at the Cook-Devos Center for Health Sciences (CHS) and the L.V. Eberhard Center buildings located in downtown Grand Rapids. Some classes are located on the Allendale campus.
How do I register for classes?
Once you are accepted into the program, you will receive a letter containing the information you need to log into the student records system through Grand Valley's home website and set up your schedule.
When will I know if I have been admitted?
Students will receive an email and a letter informing that you have been admitted. For any questions please contact the admission office at:
ADMISSIONS OFFICE
1 Campus Drive Allendale, MI 49401-9403 Phone (616) 331-2025 1-800-748-0246 [email protected]