MrsJ2011

Thanks everyone for the input!

I've heard/read a lot about public health being a hot field right now, but what's the earning potential? From what I can see, aside from Biostats, it's not that great (at least where I live). Frankly, I don't care to take on 2-3 more years in school and the loans that come along with it, if I am not going to get a good return on investment... Money/income isn't everything but it does play a role in decision making. Seems like with stats, the option to work across various fields might make earning potential higher (?) I don't know... I don't have really any statistical knowledge from undergrad so I am also kind of leery of going into MPH where many courses are based outside of learning the practical skills needed on the job. I'm also terrible at decision-making when it comes to my life/career in general...not much of a risk taker.. ha! *sigh*

Hi statsgirl, Thank you for the response! I am feeling the same as you... I have health care background so I kind of feel like I could still end up in a Biostats job with the BS bio + MS stats. I have taken some Pub Health courses previously and loved the content, but as you said.... having the MS stats will open many more doors.... typing 'public health' in a job search does not yield many results, and the majority of the results are jobs that don't really require an MPH. Additionally, It seems as though good Biostat jobs are concentrated in particular areas of the country, and I am not really willing to relocate at this time. I do hate to have to take so many undergrad courses for the MS entry, but I'd hate even MORE to have a degree (and student loans) and no job!

Anybody have any suggestions? Sorry for bugging you all! I just feel a little lost right now.... and am SO afraid of making a bad decision!

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...

Hi, I see that nobody replied in this thread; I was hoping there'd be some responses as I am in the same situation. Have you decided on whether to pursue MS or MPH?