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Biostatistics M.S. Program

Our M.S. in biostatistics program prepares students to manage and analyze increasingly complex data in research and healthcare in as few as 18 months.

Applications due May 15 for fall 2024 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:

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 for the M.S. in biostatistics (including the clinical research or genomics concentrations) must complete the verbal, quantitative and analytical writing sections of the Graduate Record Exam. However, GRE scores are not required for admission. This change is new for applicants for Fall 2024.

All applicants are expected to hold at least a B.S. or B.A. degree. Priority is given to applications received by May 15 prior to the fall semester of enrollment.

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

MS admission requirements

Apply now

Admissions items to note:

  • Applications are viewed on a rolling basis for fall 2024 admission.
  • Unofficial test scores and transcripts are suitable for the application. Admitted students will need to submit official materials before the fall 2024 semester begins.
  • International students no longer need to provide evaluated transcripts. The International Admissions office at VCU will evaluate educational materials internally.

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

Students who graduate from a bachelor's program at VCU in Summer 2023, Fall 2023, or Spring 2024 are eligible for an application fee waiver plus a $500 tuition scholarship (Virginia residents only).

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.

MS curriculum and exams

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.

M.S. Alumna Perspective - Sherry (Xiyu) Zheng

“I received a Master’s degree in Biostatistics from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2016. This experience has equipped me with not only a solid background in the quantitative analysis field but also strong interests in analyzing and exploring problems by utilizing my statistical knowledge in a broad range of areas. You will find countless potential job opportunities.”

Employment: Healthcare Data Analyst, West Corporation, Los Angeles, CA