regress2themean

If you're torn between the two, there are a few newer interdisciplinary PhD programs that are a nice mix of both + incorporate some bioinformatics as well - these could be worth looking into. Thinking specifically of programs like Dartmouth QBS or Clemson BDSI. Obviously, you won't get as deep theoretical training and the 'prestige' may not be as high as a traditional biostats program (due to their newer nature); however, it could be a good move as you would gain more of that health data science training and be able to jump around research groups spanning both subject areas. As for applied biostatistics programs, places that come to mind would be lower ranked schools such as Pitt, Boston, VCU, MUSC, etc.

Curious to your take on one more q -- I've heard the Michigan ordeal is ~4-5 years after the MS and highly theoretical. Do you think an extra few years and a more theory heavy courseload actually outweighs going to a lower ranked and finishing in 5 years if academia isn't the end goal?

This is really helpful, thanks everybody -- definitely feeling good about the UM master at this point!

Hi everyone, hoping to find some help on this thread. I've been accepted to a few biostats programs for Fall 2021 and am having a tough time picking a destination. My math background's not too deep -- only have calc 1-3, linear algebra, probability (C/B), math stats (C/B), normal & nonlinear modeling in R, and biostatistics. As for research interests, anything on the epi side of things interests me as I have prior coursework there as well. I don't have any interest in academia but rather would like to work in industry or the public sector down the road. Really interested in coming out with a solid understanding of theoretical foundations and a very robust technical skillset in statistical programming/computing. See below for the list of programs I'm choosing among. I'm still waiting on Harvard's MS program to get back to me. Washington MS (thesis) - no funding Michigan MS to PhD - funded VCU PhD - funded MUSC PhD - funded Right now, I'm pretty torn on trade-offs between going for a lower ranked PhD vs. a higher ranked MS with (1) option to get into the PhD if I do well / like it, or (2) even transfer to another field if it's not the right path -- I know I'll eventually want a PhD in some quantitative field. And aware there's also the risk of mastering out of any PhD program for various reasons (e.g., don't like it, quals, unexpected life things), so also have that in the back of my head. Realize this is kind of a strange place to look for advice, but any input would be really helpful. Thank you!