Biostatistics M.S. Program

Applications now open for Fall 2025 admission!

Students receive in-depth training in database management and analysis — plus they partner with health sciences researchers on real projects in fields such as public health, surgery, dentistry and oncology.

Each semester, students earn credit for working in our Biostatistical Consulting Laboratory, where they collaborate to design studies, create and maintain research databases, analyze data, and report statistical evidence.

Our 100% placement rate for jobs or further graduate studies shows that students in our MS program are well-equipped for whatever path they may choose upon graduation. MS Biostatisticians earn an average base salary of $85K, according to payscale.com.

Optional Concentrations

Students can add an optional concentration that allows specialization within biostatistics:

• M.S. with Genomics Concentration
• M.S. with Clinical Research Concentration (requires the applicant hold a M.D., D.D.S., Ph.D., Pharm.D. or equivalent health professional “terminal” degree)

Program Highlights

Our M.S. program offers a quicker degree path than a doctoral track, allowing full-time students to complete the program in as little as 18 months. Other highlights include:

• No thesis requirement
• Many elective course options
• One culminating applied examination

Student Profile

Students in our M.S. program typically:

• Have a solid math background, some applied experience and basic-level programming skills
• Want a combination of relevant coursework and experiential learning through collaboration on actual research projects
• Are interested in data analysis, statistical programming positions or applying for Ph.D. programs upon graduation

Meet our students

Admission Requirements

In addition to the general admission requirements of the VCU Graduate School, applicants must:

• All applicants are expected to hold at least a B.S. or B.A. degree and have completed courses as specified in the VCU Bulletin (multivariate calculus, linear algebra, probability theory, and statistics)
• Have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
• Transcripts of all previous college work
• Statement of intent detailing career goals and how the MS with a clinical research concentration applies to those goals
• Provide at least three professional letters of recommendation

Admission items to note:

• Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for Fall 2025 admission
• No test scores required
• International students no longer need to provide evaluated transcripts. The International Admissions office at VCU will evaluate educational materials internally.

Our departmental admissions committee evaluates all applicants for graduate work in biostatistics and arranges personal interviews when possible.

Apply Here   International Students Apply Here

Are you a current VCU undergrad? Don't forget about the RAM Opportunity! 

Degree Requirements

M.S. students must complete at least 33 semester credit hours of courses, and may participate in the Summer Student Training Program and present at the Biostatistics Student Research Symposium. All M.S. students must pass an applied qualifying exam after completing the following courses: BIOS 524, BIOS 601, BIOS 602, and BIOS 606. No thesis is required.

View MS Curriculum Here

Cost and Funding

The University's Student Financial Services office has a calculator to help you determine the exact cost of your tuition and fees. You may also want to review the Graduate School's list of funding opportunities to assist in paying for graduate school.