Biostatistics, Master of Science (M.S.)
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
| 2026-09-01 | - |
| 2027-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Program Overview
The Master of Science in Biostatistics is a graduate program offered by the Department of Biostatistics at Virginia Commonwealth University. The program aims to improve human health through methodological research, education of graduate students and health science researchers in biostatistical methods and applications, and collaborative health sciences research.
Program Goal
The mission of the VCU Department of Biostatistics is to improve human health through methodological research, the education of graduate students and health science researchers in biostatistical methods and applications, and collaborative health sciences research. Faculty members conduct methodological research motivated by collaborative alliances, which in turn contributes to and enhances the department's educational mission.
Student Learning Outcomes
The program is designed to help students achieve the following learning outcomes:
- Explain biostatistical concepts, ideas, and methods in plain terms to non-biostatistical researchers using exceptional written and oral communication skills.
- Effectively collaborate with biostatistical and health science researchers.
- Demonstrate fluency in a minimum of two computational languages.
Admission Requirements
- Degree: Master of Science (M.S.)
- Semester(s) of entry: Fall (preferred)
- Deadline dates: Applications received prior to May 15 given priority consideration
- Test requirements: GRE (optional)
In addition to the general admission requirements of the VCU Graduate School, applicants for the M.S. in Biostatistics are encouraged to complete the verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing sections of the Graduate Record Exam; however, this is not a requirement.
The following mathematics courses or their equivalents are required for admission:
- MATH 307: Multivariate Calculus (4 hours)
- MATH 310: Linear Algebra (3 hours)
- STAT 212: Concepts of Statistics (3 hours)
- STAT 309: Introduction to Probability Theory (3 hours) Although not required, prior coursework in additional mathematics, statistics, or computer science is helpful.
Degree Requirements
In addition to the general VCU Graduate School graduation requirements, M.S. students must complete a minimum total of 33 graduate credit hours of coursework. M.S. students have the option to participate in the Summer Student Training Program and present at the Biostatistics Student Research Symposium. M.S. students interested in applying to the Ph.D. program in biostatistics (with no concentration or with a concentration in genomic biostatistics) are strongly encouraged to take BIOS 513, BIOS 514, BIOS 653, and BIOS 654.
Course Requirements
Required Core Courses
- BIOS 524: Biostatistical Computing (3 hours)
- BIOS 601: Analysis of Biomedical Data I (3 hours)
- BIOS 602: Analysis of Biomedical Data II (3 hours)
- BIOS 603: Biostatistical Consulting (one-credit course taken two semesters) (2 hours)
- BIOS 606: Clinical Trials (3 hours)
- BIOS 690: Biostatistical Research Seminar (one-credit course taken two semesters) (2 hours)
- BIOS 697: Directed Research in Biostatistics (1 hour)
- OVPR 601: Scientific Integrity (1 hour)
Required Additional Courses
- BIOS 512: Basic Mathematical Statistics (3 hours)
- or BIOS 513: Mathematical Statistics I
Elective Courses
- Choose at least 12 credits from the following 500- or 600-level courses (minimum three credits), which may be selected from the following list or other courses with program director approval.
- BIOS 514: Mathematical Statistics II
- BIOS 615: Advanced Inference
- BIOS 631: Mixed Models and Longitudinal Data Analysis
- BIOS 647: Survival Analysis
- BIOS 649: Advanced Spatial Data Analysis
- BIOS 653: Biostatistical Methods I
- BIOS 654: Biostatistical Methods II Total Hours: 33
Applied Examination
Students pursuing the M.S. degree must pass an applied examination administered after completion of the following courses: BIOS 524, BIOS 601, BIOS 602, and BIOS 606. This examination is graded as pass or fail. A student who does not pass the applied examination will have one opportunity to retake the examination.
Thesis
There is no thesis requirement for the M.S. program.
Graduation Requirements
As graduate students approach the end of their academic programs and the final semester of matriculation, they must make formal application to graduate. No degrees will be conferred until the application to graduate has been finalized. Graduate students and program directors should refer to the VCU Graduate Bulletin for a complete list of instructions and a graduation checklist.