Nightgaunts

I was wondering if anyone has checked out University of Iowa's MPH in Quantitative Methods program. I'm considering the program, since i don't have the background needed to apply for MS biostatistics programs, so this seemed like a nice alternative. It seems like I'd be up against MS biostat graduates when looking for a job. Any idea how this type of degree (compared to an MS in biostats) is viewed? Any input is surely helpful!

This post is ridiculously self aggrandizing. Wow. You're great, we get it. I'm going to go ahead and say your situation isn't the norm. I understand you're trying to refute some of the points JoeShmo is making, but come on... Vulpes, I think you should reach out to the program(s). Try to speak with someone on the phone to see if you can get a sense for everything.

Why are some schools listed twice? UW, Harvard, and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor all seem to be listed twice.

Thanks for the advice! I do plan on taking a coursera on r programming. Is this something I should mention in my SoP? I will be applying in the fall, so the goal is to take one before I apply.

I just forgot to mention whether I was domestic or international. 'White' was referring to the 'minority' piece. Thanks. For clarification purposes, I'm a non-minority, domestic male

So I spoke with an old professor and she the institution shouldn't make or break my application. But she believes that if it's me or someone who went to a top 50 school, then they may get the nod over me. She wasn't sure how much my research experience would help though. Any thoughts?

Undergrad Institution: Went to a state school. not highly regarded at all... usually 'ranks' in the 500s... went for $ reasons... Major(s): Psychology Minor(s): -- GPA: 3.9 Type of Student: (Domestic/International (Country?), Male/Female?, Minority?) white male in late 20s GRE General Test: Q: 160 V: 153 W: 4.0 Programs Applying: MS programs in Biostatistics Research Experience: Have been working for 3 years to gain experience to make up for my undergrand institution. Secondary author on 3 other papers all published in relatively high impact public health journals ( another being revewed in Milbank Quarterly currently). I coordinate three grants... one of which is an R01. Currently writing a manuscript that will hopefully be accepted by the time I apply (shooting for a medium impact public health journal) Awards/Honors/Recognitions: dean's list Pertinent Activities or Jobs: Research Coordinator at a highly regarded teaching hospital. Letters of Recommendation: One from my boss who is highly regarded in the public health field, one from a clinician who I've run stats for and one from a professor who I took a directed study (in stats) with in undergrad. Have A's in Calc I-III, linear algebra, and probability/stats courses. I was a psychology major (BA), so I haven't taken any math courses outside of the required courses. I have a little experience with R and SQL. I know SPSS well. Any idea if my undergrad institution will keep me from getting into top tier programs?