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 work in our Biostatistical Consulting Laboratory, where they collaborate to design studies, create and maintain research databases, analyze data, and report statistical evidence.
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 or statistical programming positions
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) are encouraged complete the verbal, quantitative and analytical writing sections of the Graduate Record Exam. However, GRE scores are not required for admission.
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.
Degree Requirements
M.S. students must complete at least 33 semester credit hours of courses, 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 required first-year courses. No thesis is required.
M.S. Alumna Perspective - Sherry (Xiyu) Zheng
![[VCUSOM Message From the Dean] - M.S. Testimonial - Zheng](/media/biostatistics-dev/headshots/alumni/zhengx4.jpg)
Apply Now
Have questions? Just call or email; we’re here to help.
Beth Ann Howard
Education Coordinator
(804) 827-2049
howardea@vcu.edu