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2024-2025 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog

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Professional Science Master's

Admission

The following are required for admission to professional science master's (PSM) degree programs:

  • Grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale 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
  • A base of underlying knowledge relevant to graduate study in one of the appropriate disciplines: health informatics and bioinformatics, cell and molecular biology, biostatistics, or data science and analytics. 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.

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate assistants work with PSM program faculty and staff. Qualified, full-time candidates are selected on the basis of aptitude, interests, and background.

Graduate Programs

Each of the five M.S. programs are interdisciplinary, share a common core of courses, have a similar curriculum design, and a mandatory business/industry internship component, and can be characterized as a professional science master's degree program, a graduate degree closely related to scientific workforce needs of business/industry. Specific details of the programs and specific requirements for each of the PSM degrees can be found in the Grand Valley State University Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog under the individual school/department/program listings.

Health Informatics and Bioinformatics, M.S.

Bioinformatics Focus, Health Informatics Focus

Health informatics and bioinformatics utilizes computer technology to manage and analyze information in the life and health sciences. This degree is granted by the College of Computing. More specific information about this program can be found in the Computer Information Systems section of the Grand Valley State University Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog.

Cell and Molecular Biology, M.S.

Biotechnology Emphasis

Biotechnology involves the industrial use of living organisms to produce food, drugs, and other products. This degree is granted by the Cell and Molecular Biology Department within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. More specific information about this program can be found in the Cell and Molecular Biology section of the Grand Valley State University Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog.

Biostatistics, M.S.

Biostatistics involves the application of statistical techniques to scientific research in the life and health sciences. This degree is granted by the statistics department within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. More specific information about this program can be found in the Statistics section of the Grand Valley State University Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog.

Data Science and Analytics, M.S.

Data science and analytics provides students with the fundamental analytics background necessary to work with big and complex data sets in any discipline. This degree is granted by the College of Computing. More specific information about this program can be found in the computer information systems section of the Grand Valley State University Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog.

Applied Statistics, M.S.

Applied statistics is a practical, hands-on program that provides a comprehensive set of applied statistical techniques, which allows students to succeed as applied statisticians in academia and industry. The program allows students to combine strong communication skills with an ability to interpret and present statistical findings. The curriculum emphasizes practical experience and statistical applications, so students are ready to make an immediate impact on the applied statistics industry. The degree emphasizes teamwork, problem-solving communication, scientific knowledge, and technical skills and is offered by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Find out more about the program on GVSU Professional Science Master's program website.

Requirements

Common Core Courses

Requires four courses (12 credits), including:

AND one of the following biostatistics courses (3 credits):

Common Seminar Course

Requires two credits:

Internship

Requires four credits:


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