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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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Program Overview
The biostatistics master's program is a hands-on applied curriculum 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 biostatistics program features directed courses in biostatistics and a culminating capstone experience. As a Professional Science Master's (PSM) program, there are two required professional courses and a required valuable internship 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
For general requirements for graduate admission, visit Grand Valley State University’s admission section of the online catalog.
Admission into the biostatistics program has additional requirements, which are available on this page.
If you have additional questions, please contact our graduate admissions office.
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.”
ROBERT DOWNER, PH.D.
DIRECTOR, GVSU BIOSTATISTICS PROGRAM
DIRECTOR, GVSU BIOSTATISTICS PROGRAM