Thank you all for replying!
I have just recently become aware of the field of stats/biostats and the employment opportunities and am very interested in pursuing this as a career. As I am just starting to research this path, at this time I am not 100% certain on career goal specifics, however I am fairly certain that I am not interested in academia. I (think) I would like to work in the pharmaceutical industry/clinical trials.
A little about my background: BS in Biology (2010), mediocre-to-low GPA without any hard math courses (i.e., I have not taken Calc). I took Biostats as part of a public health graduate certificate and made an A in the course…Enjoyed the Biostat class and the epidemiology course as well, which is what led me to start exploring this as a career option.
I live in an area where my options are MS in Stats or MPH in Biostat, and I am unable to relocate. Two local schools do offer a PhD in Biostat, if I decide later that I’d like to take that route. Although I am more interested in Biostat and believe I would thoroughly enjoy the MPH program, it seems that the MPH does not prepare students as well for PhD in Biostats. Additionally, having the MS in Stats would open employment doors in other industries besides bio/medical in the event that I am unable to find Biostat specific employment in my geographic area... there's tons of Stat/Data Scientist job openings around here all the time. The downfall to going the MS route is that I would need to take at least 4 undergrad courses before I would even be considered…and probably need to retake my GRE as I didn't exactly prepare for it the first time around..
MPH Bios Pros: (1.) I did my PH certificate at that school, so I am almost a shoe-in to the program. (2.) At most I might have to take Calc 1 for this program, if even that.. so the need for undergrad classes before starting grad-level is minimal
I guess I am just nervous to move forward with the MPH for fear that it will limit my options in the future... but at the same time I am impatient and ready to get started on my grad work!!
Thank you in response for entertaining my questions and my mixed-up mind that won't stop racing!!
PS I apologize for any poor grammer, etc.. I work nights and am typing this as I attempt to stay awake for the rest of my shift...