hedgie

I defer to cyberwulf. He knows way more about it than I do. Or anyone else. I think if you read through threads you'll get a good idea. Also apply to a decent amount of programs because if funding issues....especially state schools.

Yeah, maybe but the 3-4 were 250+ for phd's only. But I agree with the rest of your beliefs for the most part it was mixed ms/phd's. they were mostly foreign apps though. Maybe 60-75%.

Cyberwulf...........very true but the OP is in an applied stats program. I have seen some theoretical programs deal with large data sets still so it depends on the school but that's a good point though re: application in seeing messy real world data. In regards to your second question...yet I applied to 4 of them and they have 250-350 apps unless they blatantly lied...although I don't think so...many are foreign apps though.

I am interested in bio as well. But the advice I always heard was to do plain stats because it was more versatile and you can get all the Biostat jobs. I have heard some decent counter arguments to this as well, but others can chime in as I think that was always the general consensus. Although I think bio programs in general are easier to get into with a strong math background. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. You need to apply lower though for sure. Even the top 40-50 stats schools are getting 300+ apps a year now.

You can always apply but why not pick lower schools as cyberwulf suggested. Emory? Are you set on bio? You can always do stats or applied stats and work in bio? Why not just move up and do the Phd in applied stats at the univ your at? Then Goto bio for a job via a postdo

All the top schools you are interested in.....your profiel looks really good. Just apply to 5-10 institutions with some safeties because funding is hard. Are you a US Citizen? You can retake the GRE Q if you want...isn't out of 170? 165 should be 'OK' given the rest of your profile.

Pre-req's for a MS in Biostats you need at least single variable, multivariable calculus, and linear algebra. This usually takes 3 semesters. I am not as familiar with bio programs but the sciences are less important to take as an undergrad, though educationally they are helpful. To continue for a phd many programs (most) require the undergrad sequence in real analysis. Take as much linear algebra and real analysis as you can. You need to score high on the gre quant section in particular 750+. A PhD or MS in statistics can do what a PhD in Biostats does but the other way is more difficult. Of your options taking the pre-req's in fall,spring, and summer seems possible and I would apply to Suny's MS in statistics program. But that is just my opinion others with more knowledge in Biostats may be more helpful. An intro to programming course would be helpful too.

Thanks Poisson!

Thanks so much cyberwulf and Poisson! When you say numerical was easy to pickup on your own do you just mean a intro to numerical analysis or would the numerical linear algebra be similar and easy to study on my own? I wish we had a measure theory course offered but alas my school does not and I can it step into the real analysis 2 grad course...so I'll have to wait until next year.

What exactly do you mean by "mathematical culture" courses? I assume these will only be helpful in certain areas of stats that I do not know if I will go into or not. I know Stochastic is good for time series but who knows what I'll do. I guess my best option is wait till grad school and take them if I need them or read the books and learn it myself. Thanks for any comments thoughts and your initial response!

I am looking to do a PhD in Stats. I have limited time in the spring but could take a one or both: a stochastic processes course, and numerical linear algebra. Any advice whether these would be of value, or could one just self study the stochastic?

I know the Math GPA's are important for MS Stats and PhD programs but do CS course grades matter much? Obviously C's are bad but if you take a few and make B's but have a 3.7 in your math's does it matter? Thanks for any input. Best of luck to the OP.

How crucial/important is a school's ranking and the schools ability to place Stats PhD's in good jobs (outside of academia)? Is it more based on regional connections of prof's, industry connections or does one need to be in a top 30 program? As well any rec's for schools in the southeast and north east that are a mix of applied and theoretical?

Quick question regarding the Master's.....and this is more my situation. I did poorly in undergrad, returned to finish a Math Bachelor's and may do a Master's before a PhD. Will adcom's really even be paying much attention to the UG work or will it be my Master's work that would be focused on? I wish I was your age and was taking my do-over fallen....don't give up you have plenty of time/opportunities!

Thank you! I had planned on doing Real Analysis I/II as my electives in addition to the electives I listed out if I did the MS in Stats. Do you think I'd be better served if I could go to the program, not too far away which has measure theory in a sequenced grad course combined with RA versus the MS in Stats with electives in Real Analysis I/II? So it'd probably be a Math MS with the opportunity to get into their Stats PhD program which is unranked, but the placements of their grads has been good, and I am unsure of their research areas yet relative to my interests. I do have a couple of other follow up questions if you have the time to answer them. In finishing my undergrad work would abstract algebra, and partial differential equations be more useful than CS courses. I had been under the impression the adcom's look favorably on the Math's (as you also pointed out) and that CS beyond an intro to programming course was in about all that is necessary for the Stats PhD, the other languages one would learn on their own. Originally I had thought of not taking PDE's and abstract algebra (as well as one other math course) and getting a minor in CS, which would get me to a data and algorithm's course, and some C++, but I do not know how helpful that would be or not for the Stats PhD. Is it correct to think I would be better off with the math? Thanks for your time and advice, and thanks in advance.

Thanks! Stochastic is questionable if it helps or not? First for my undergrad do PDE's (still for my undergrad), linear optimization or abstract algebra help at all? The two MS options are as follows (the math maybe an MA I haven't looked): Math Master's: - Real Analysis I & II - hopefully a graduate level probability course at a nearby school (mine does not have one) - Math Stats I & II - Maybe a Numerical Analysis sequence or linear/non-linear optimization would be the choices of other require sequence. - Complex Calculus - Some elective (Probably can take 2-3 classes from the stats department) Applied Stat's MS: - Applied Regression Analysis - Applied Multivariate Analysis - Math Stats I/II (taught from the stats dept...and known for being less math heavy than the one from the math dept) - Stat Methods - Applied design of experiments - Then some elective courses in data mining, time series analysis, sampling techniques One other option I have is potentially go to a school not too far away and take all Math Stats I/II, some graduate sequenced probability theory based on measure theory (3-4 course sequence), real analysis I/II, and I am not sure what else there. I had assumed the last option if possible is my best, but what about between the Stat's MS and Math Master's. I could take the Real Analysis I/II as my electives for the Stats MS. Sorry if that is confusing, let me know and I'll try to clean up the post. Thanks for the time/advice!

I am pursuing a Stats PhD as well and will finish an undergrad in Math with a focus in stats and was wondering everyone's opinion on whether a Master's in Math or Stats would be better for applying to PhD program's. Due to life circumstances I am stuck somewhere for a year and figured I could pick up the Master's to strengthen my profile. In the Math program I would take the grad sequence of Math Stats I & II, Real Analysis I & II, and some courses that will be less relevant as my school does not offer much more that is as applicable. Maybe a grad level probability course but that's it. I also could take 1-3 courses from the Stats Grad department if I went this route. I could also not pick up the masters's and take grad level complex analysis, stochastic processes, RA I & II, Math Stats I & II, and some courses from the stats grad department. I had been advised by a few people to skip a lot of the math (except stats applicable) and just do a Masters's in stats and pick up the RA sequence. Any input would be great! Thanks if you have the time.

How easy is getting into the cryptography field? Do you need a Master's at least.....and what kind of course work? How far in CS etc...... Thanks if you have a chance to give more info there. Hope you still get your acceptance letter! Best of luck.

Thanks! I had planned on definitely taking Intro to Real Analysis I & II and Real Analysis I & II in the master's program. I had also definitely planned on taking the Advanced Linear Algebra, and the Numerical Linear Algebra. In regards to the Math Stats I & II do you have any advice/opinion regarding my dilemma. I can take Math Stats I & II w/applications as an undergrad course....then/or take Math Stats I & II as a grad course (two different series courses) which is more theory and requires 'Advanced Calculus' and by 'Advanced Calculus' that is not a Real Analysis course at my school...more of an engineering applications based Advanced Calculus beyond multi variable, Cal III. Would you think to take both sequences, or just the graduate? I figure I didn't want to waste 6 credit hours repeating coursework. I had also heard that Stochastic Processes was worthwhile and the undergrad Math Stats would be required for me take both sequences of it, if not I could complete one of the two out of the Stochastic sequence. Thanks I greatly appreciate the advice/thoughts! I had kind of thought of leaving open the PhD in Math route even though I am pretty set on Stats, but that was the reason I listed the Advanced DE 2, Modern Algebra, Complex Analysis, etc.... Thanks again!

I am planning out my next two years of Math/Stats course work before applying to a Statistics PhD program. My background....I have done two undergrad degree's the first one was miserable and was years ago...I assume most adcom's will look past that. By the end of this summer I will have completed: Cal I-III Intro Linear Algebra Discrete Probability Theory Applied Differential Equations I Programming I (Python) Econometrics **(Don't know that this is relevant) Econ Forecasting **(Don't know that this is relevant) Here is what I am looking take/do (the courses in italics I figured were what I should take: This is for the coming summer, undecided here but believe the intro to scientific computing is more relevant: Intro to Scientific computing (believe this is Mathematica based course based on numerical analysis) or Programming II (Python) Fall 2011 Intro to Real Analysis I Unsure what to take in the fall semester here are the options: Math Stats w/applications I **(More rigorous option in Masters program but this is required for stochastic processes in the spring, I don't know if taken math stats twice is good or bad??) Numerical Analysis I Linear Optimization Theory (linear programming) Applied Differential Equations II (recommend by grad advisor for applied math degree, but maybe not applicable for Stats PhD?) Foundations of Computer Science Programming III C++ (If I took Programming II in the summer) Spring 2012/Summer 2012 Advanced Linear Algebra Intro to Real Analysis II Advanced Calculus Principles of Modern Algebra I (recommended by grad advisor) Stochastic Processes w/Applications I Math Stats w/Applications II Data Structures and Algorithms for CS **Are four math courses a recipe for disaster? As well I have conflicting advice from advisors, professors, and PhD students on the Modern Algebra. It seems adcoms want heavier math but the math is rarely used....as I mentioned I have a strike against me due to my first poor showing in undergrad years ago. Fall 2012-Summer 2013 (MA in Applied Math) Real Analysis I & 2 (definitely taking) Numerical Linear Algebra Intro to Complex Calculus (this can be taken as an undergrad too, one of two courses offered in summer; only can take it as an undergrad if people think it is advisable to take 4 courses in one of the semesters) Stochastic Processes w/Applications II (only if I could handle 4 courses in a semester) Graph Theory with Applications (It's one of two courses offered in the summer, gets me out in a year) I am required to take two of these sequences: Math Stats I (more advanced than the undergrad version) (undergrad or grad?) Numerical Analysis I & 2 Linear Optimization I & Non Linear Optimization Theory I Is it feasible/logical to take four math courses a semester in grad school? I assume one could do it and get the grades....but I want to learn the material. If not that rules out Stochastic applications, and Numerical Linear Algebra or RA 2. Opinions, advice, thoughts, are all appreciated! Thanks for taking the time to look at my post. As well I could do a MS in stats instead of Math, but I assumed Math Stats I & II, Numerical LA, RA 1 & 2, and stochastic processes were almost two thirds of the degree and would help strengthen my application. I am trying to apply to a more theory oriented program and the Master's here would be applied and less math intensive i.e. no RA required. I have been advised by various adcom's to take math and I will learn stats when I get there...other PhD's have advised the opposite...learn linear algebra, RA, and stats. Thanks in advance, I know it is a lot but I have spent considerable time trying to come up with some sort of optimal solution to get in a good program. I currently have a math GPA of 3.75, with one B. If successful and assuming I can maintain a 3.75 or better and achieve a 3.5 or better in grad school what tier programs could I look at applying to. I assume I can bring the math GPA up as it had been some years since my last math course (10ish years). I am set on nothing and would scrap and start over...just trying to give my best shot at getting in a good program. Thanks again for taking the time out of your busy schedule to read this! Cheers!

I have heard from multiple posts/people that the PhD is basically required to do much above coding or editing/copying & pasting SAS code.....is that fairly true from what you understand BoundByAxioms? Thanks in advance.

What do you think of Alabama's Applied Stats PhD program? Could you PM me if you get a chance I have a few questions regarding the program if you have time. Thanks!

I've been looking for an answer to this question as well. I could do an OK MS at a state school or one of these and was wondering anyone's opinions of the online programs and how they are viewed? Also how are they viewed if using them as a stepping stone to a PhD. Thanks for bringing it up unsoldier!

I am trying to work my way into a phd program and most want at least the two sequence analysis course. Maybe you could taking the gre subject test for math but I'm fairly certain you'll need a lot more math than you have. I'm sure someone more knowledgeable and helpful will post what you'd need. At least I believe for lower tier programs you'd need the three sequences of calculus, differential equations, probabilities course, and linear algebra.