Is biostatistics a good choice for graduate education

[whitesmile]

Some say that biostatistics is a good choice for graduate education because it is easier to find a job, while others hold a totally opposite opinion.

I am confused...

[Sleepy]

I have spoken to a Biostatistician in a very large pharm company and he said the following:

1. There are plenty of jobs in the field.

2. It is better to get a PhD in Statistics and not Biostatistics since it is considered more prestigious, for some reason.

[whitesmile]

It is said that the master of biostatistics can do some job in health insurance company... Is it possible?

[Bruin123]

It is said that the master of biostatistics can do some job in health insurance company... Is it possible?

Often, a MS in Biostatistics with 5+ years of experience is considered to be roughly equivalent to a PhD when applying for jobs in industry. However, the potential for promotions is less for MS holders than for PhD. There is no shortage of jobs, however, for either degree as of yet.

I would disagree partially with an above comment that degrees in pure statistics are more preferred than biostatistics; the strength of the department in the particular school matters more. For example, the Johns Hopkins, UW, Harvard, and UNC Biostatistics departments are all considered "better" than the pure statistics counterparts at the same university. Pretty much any of the top 10-15 biostatistics departments are excellent for finding a job after graduation. If you know you want to work in the health care, health insurance, pharmaceutical, or biotech industries, there are many courses in biostatistics that will prepare you better for the specific types of analysis in these fields.

[Sleepy]

It is said that the master of biostatistics can do some job in health insurance company... Is it possible?

Most of the positions are in the pharm industry and not necessarily insurance.

But as the poster above me said, it will be hard to get your "foot in the door" with just an MS degree.

Edited April 7, 2011 by Sleepy

[OleMissRebGoinNorth]

I'm currently an employee at a CRO (contract research organization) that employees a very large number of biostatisticians. The previous posters are correct with their statements on the high ranking biostatistics programs being great for jobs. Specifically in the Research Triangle Park where I am located, there is a VERY large number of pharma companies and CRO's that are currently staffing biostatisticians. I'd say the majority of these people being offered jobs are from the aforementioned programs, but it isn't all of them. The biostats jobs are definitely out there for those who are aggressive enough to look for them.

[Hanyuye]

I'm currently an employee at a CRO (contract research organization) that employees a very large number of biostatisticians. The previous posters are correct with their statements on the high ranking biostatistics programs being great for jobs. Specifically in the Research Triangle Park where I am located, there is a VERY large number of pharma companies and CRO's that are currently staffing biostatisticians. I'd say the majority of these people being offered jobs are from the aforementioned programs, but it isn't all of them. The biostats jobs are definitely out there for those who are aggressive enough to look for them.

Hi Ole, I'm going to pursue a Masters in Biostatistics. But as you say that the Research Triangle is full of bio-statisticians. So do you recommend a Master's degree or Ph.d?

[OleMissRebGoinNorth]

Hi Ole, I'm going to pursue a Masters in Biostatistics. But as you say that the Research Triangle is full of bio-statisticians. So do you recommend a Master's degree or Ph.d?

It really depends. I know in my company there are both Ph.D.'s and Masters Biostat people. If you want to distinguish yourself, the Ph.D. is likely the best route. That isn't to say that if you have a masters that you are at a disadvantage. I know several very intelligent and respected statisticians who aren't Ph.D.'s. Make sure you network really hard when you are pursuing your degree. These jobs are competitive, but there are jobs out there. If you haven't chosen any research topics, I'd suggest looking at adaptive designs. Thats a new and hot topic in big pharma/CRO's these days.

[Hanyuye]

Thank you Ole! Math and science have always been my passion. I never took a biostat class yet (plan to this coming fall), and I've been reading about it. I have yet to choose a topic for my SOP or research area that fascinates me. I'm hoping to get into a Ph.d program without a masters, ultimately. Though working after the masters and returning for a ph.d is fine, Is earning a ph.d without work experience (let alone be accepted to one) still advantageous?