Grand Valley State University

Program Information

Degree Offered

Master of Science in Biostatistics (PSM)

Format: Campus

Program Description:

Grand Valley State University's Master of Science in biostatistics is part of Grand Rapids' only Professional Science Master's degree program.

Biostatistics is the application and development of statistical techniques for the biological and health sciences. The program maintains the "hands-on" approach used by faculty members in Grand Valley's statistics and biomedical disciplines to prepare professional biostatisticians who are capable of taking leadership in the application of statistics to the biological and health sciences industries.

Grand Valley's Professional Science Master's (PSM) program in biostatistics is one of only two such PSM biostatistics programs in the country. Its interdisciplinary and professional science curriculum provides students with a well-rounded education while giving strong instruction in applied biostatistical techniques. Appropriate application of statistical software is an emphasis of the directed statistics courses. The Grand Valley statistics department’s strong ties to the biomedical community have led to valuable internship experiences and placement of graduates.

Innovation. Grand Valley's Professional Science Master's programs are different from traditional science master's programs in that they are interdisciplinary, directly tied to the scientific work force needs of business and industry, include an intensive scientific business/industry internship component, and have strong business, communication, project management, teamwork, and ethics components.

Collaboration: Designed to meet the need for team-oriented professionals with advanced interdisciplinary skills, the program equips graduates to be effective leaders and team members in their professions and to communicate effectively with individuals in other disciplines.

Accessibility: The Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences puts students in the heart of Grand Rapids' Health Hill near the Van Andel Research Institute, Spectrum Health, St, Mary's Health Care, and other scientific health care providers and businesses.

Opportunity: An internship with one of Grand Valley's partnering workplace organizations assures experience and exposure prior to completing the program. Master's-level biostatisticians are in demand in industry, research institutions, government, and academia. This demand results in higher starting salaries within exciting scientific work environments.

The M.S. in biostatistics program is 36 credits including 12 interdisciplinary credits shared with PSM programs in medical and bioinformatics and cell and molecular biology, an internship, 15 credits in program specific courses, and a Capstone course.

Accreditation:

Grand Valley is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission; Member - North Central Association, 30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2504; telephone: (312) 263-045

Tuition & Financial Aid

Financial Aid Offered: Yes

Classification: Master's Colleges & Universities I

Institution Sector: Public

Locale: Fringe Rural Area

Size & Settings: 20,000 and above