Merlos

Hi sarabeth, I will be starting (if all goes well!) an MS in Epi/Biostats programs this summer, I got interested in this field for very similar reasons - i was working as a research study coordinator and wanted to get more on the data analysis side rather than just doing administrative-type work. I'm fairly new to this so I can't answer a lot of your questions, but I do know that with the degree I'll be getting I will be able to do work as a stats analyst. When I was researching schools, I also found that MPH programs with a concentration in Biostats would provide a very similar training to the type I'd be getting and with similar career options. But, maybe others can better speak to how true this is or not. Mainly, though, what i wanted to suggest is that with your background, and depending on how much flexibility you have, you could probably find a job as a clinic research coordinator at a university where you could get tuition reimburesment as a staff member for your MS. Depending on where you work now, the pay at a university might be less but the upside is that you get a good chunk of your Masters's degree paid for. That's how I was able to cover the pre-req classes that i took to be able to apply to this program. I also had the option to do this program part-time while I worked full-time, but unfortunately for me, the grant on the study I was on ended and I also decided that I'd rather finish the MS sooner rather than later so I opted to do the degree full-time. I know it's easier said than done, but just wanted to let you know that you have options if you still want to consider an MS or MPH while working full-time and not go the online route.

Hey mittensmitten895, Thanks for taking the time to reply! I like hearing from people with non-traditional backgrounds and about their experience (it's been kind of intimidating scrolling through the forums!). I'm curious to know what you're background is in? Mine's is in sociology/global health...so I think that the fit is there with epidemiology, although I am finding that I really enjoy the applied math side of things, hence the interest in biostats. I also think that I want to teach way down the line and that's why the interest in the PhD (although I've heard how brutal the academic job market is but that's a post for another time!). Also, thanks for the advice about taking as much stats as possible. After talking with professors and knowing I would be able to work with the Stats department on some of the more rigorous theory classes, I think this really helped seal the deal. I'll be applying to the program and hopefully starting by July. Price is definitely a concern :/ - it's not a state school so it would be more expensive, especially for a one-year program, and I was worried whether the program would be worth the investment. But, one of the bigger draws was the ability to start sooner rather than later and also finish in a year. I'm considering working as a math tutor and even though the program is not funded, maybe finding part-time work within the department as I know other students have done. It's also nice to know that the dual background is highly valued in the job market! Thanks again for the advice.

Hey guys, Thanks again. I think that since I've already been so invested in the necessary requirements for Biostats I'm gonna keep going down that road. Knowing that there is opportunity within the statistics fields to work with research groups or PIs that blend the two is nice to know, and I will definitely continue picking up on the computer programming skills on my own!

Hi All, I'm making a career switch and since my undergrad background is not quantitative, I've been taking all the required math classes to be able to apply for an MS in Biostats. So far I have taken Calc 1 & 2 (have gotten As) and will be taking Calc 3, Intro to Stats, and Linear Algebra next quarter. So, that said - I have the opportunity to apply to an accelerated one-year Masters in Epi/Bio starting this summer at a lower-ranked institution (low-ranked for Biostats). I'm thinking this is a good option because I'm not delusional about my chances of getting into top-ranked programs and am hoping that this one-year MS would make me a better candidate if I pursue a phD. But, I'm weighing this option against building my math background more and possibly applying to a more recognized program and starting a two-year MS next fall. Advice? Is an MS in Epi/Bio a good springboard to continue on to a phd, especially with my non-math background? I'm ready to jump into graduate school work, but I'm leaning towards Biostats...Or should I take the next year and keep taking more classes that would help (and if so, what classes should I take outside of the minimum requirements?) For the record, I have a solid, if not stellar, 3.5 GPA in liberal arts from a well-known university...aaand a not-so-good 163V/155Q on the GRE (however, this was taken before I jumped into the math courses I've since taken and I feel confident I can get a better score...though how much better is yet to be seen!). Also, not sure if this would aid in my application, but I've been working in the "research" field for a while now, coordinating and organizing the data collection details for the people that read the data and do the analysis after. I appreciate any insights! Thanks!

Hi mediumdouble2, I've been browsing the forums because I'm actually in a similar position as you were last year and I was wondering which program did you choose and why? I'm currently debating whether I should start the Northwestern program this summer or wait until next fall and apply to more recognized Biostats programs (despite the two-year degree). I've spoken with professors at the NU dept, and they have said that it's possible to use the electives to take the more theory stats classes I would have taken through a two-year program...What decision did you make and why?? Thanks!

Thanks for the advice! I will definitely expand my research into programs to include bioinformatics. My background isn't as science-heavy as it is math, but maybe I could add those science classes into the pre-reqs I'm taking now...

Hi All, Since the past 6 months, I've been taking the required courses to apply for an MS in Biostatistics program. I thought that that's what I wanted to do...but I've found myself really enjoying one of my intro to computer programming classes. I was wondering if there are any programs out there that combine a Master's level in both? Or what the pros/cons would be for entering one or the other? I'm close to finishing the required courses for Biostats (one year of calculus and a linear algebra course), but I'm not sure what classes I would need for a computer science degree and if it would be worth waiting a little longer to complete those, too. Any thoughts/insights are appreciated, thanks!!