non math/bio major to a biostat program?

[epete25]

'm trying to keep my eyes open to things that I wouldn't have considered or thought about. I'm a psyc major graduating a year early. I like numbers and i think i have a liking to statistics so I am currently seriously considering quantitative psychology, except i'm taking a class on testing and measurement (iq tests, personality tests and such) and i'm a little doubtful that I really like this part of quant psych (which is basically 2 parts, test theory and stat for data analysis). I really think biostatistics is interesting because of the material it deals with (in comparison to data generated in psychology departments, some parts of which I really could not get excited about) and I've applied to a short summer program which is like an intro summer school program for people interested in biostat. But I feel that I lack both math (I've taken 2 stat classes in the psych department) and bio (i have credit for 101; i didn't take any more after that because i was eager to finish off my major classes) knowledge and feel that that might be a big obstacle.

If by some miracle I do have a chance, I do plan on taking as many classes in math/stat and bio, but realistically, does anyone think it would be feasible for me to apply in fall of this year (to start grad school in fall 2013)?

[twizzler86]

'm trying to keep my eyes open to things that I wouldn't have considered or thought about. I'm a psyc major graduating a year early. I like numbers and i think i have a liking to statistics so I am currently seriously considering quantitative psychology, except i'm taking a class on testing and measurement (iq tests, personality tests and such) and i'm a little doubtful that I really like this part of quant psych (which is basically 2 parts, test theory and stat for data analysis). I really think biostatistics is interesting because of the material it deals with (in comparison to data generated in psychology departments, some parts of which I really could not get excited about) and I've applied to a short summer program which is like an intro summer school program for people interested in biostat. But I feel that I lack both math (I've taken 2 stat classes in the psych department) and bio (i have credit for 101; i didn't take any more after that because i was eager to finish off my major classes) knowledge and feel that that might be a big obstacle.

If by some miracle I do have a chance, I do plan on taking as many classes in math/stat and bio, but realistically, does anyone think it would be feasible for me to apply in fall of this year (to start grad school in fall 2013)?

I'm wondering if biostats or epidemiology is a better path for you. A lot of schools have certificate programs in "General Public Health" that would give you a taste of the five core areas of public health (health ed/behavioral science, policy, environmental health, epi, and biostats). Usually 15 credits and would transfer to the same school's MPH program, but the summer program also sounds like a good idea.

From my experience, its hard to know what you like until you try it. But I think it is feasible to apply to start in Fall 2013 (especially with a letter of rec from someone who runs this summer program). You'll need a very solid quantitative GRE score as well, which is completely doable if you start practicing early. I hope this helps!

[cyberwulf]

For most decent Masters programs in Biostatistics, you will need at least two semesters (probably three) of calculus, plus a semester of linear algebra. If you don't have time to get those pre-reqs, epidemiology might be a good alternative, because it is about study design and quantitative analysis, but doesn't emphasize mathematical formalism to the degree that biostat does.