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 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

MS Flyer                                                  About VCU

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. 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. The committee reviews completed applications on a rolling basis and conducts phone/zoom interviews with qualified candidates throughout the fall and spring semesters.

M.S. admission requirements »

Admissions items to note:

• Unofficial test scores (GRE) 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.
• Application fee waivers are given on a limited basis to competitive applicants who demonstrate financial need. To see if you qualify for a fee waiver please email the education coordinator at howardea@vcu.edu.

Please note! All applicants who attend the VCU Virtual Open House on Thursday, Oct. 26, will receive an application fee waiver. Please visit the registration page for more information and to sign up! Our session is under the School of Population Health.

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. They have the option to 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. curriculum and exams »