UNC MS Biostats vs. NCSU MS Stats w/Biomed Concentration

[slubicki]

Well, I am pleased that I have these options, but I only have two weeks to make my decision, and I am stuck. I am pursuing this course of study as a mid-career professional, so at this point I do not plan to pursue a PhD. So, my question really boils down to which degree will give the most employment opportunities in the Triangle after completion. Any ideas?

[cyberwulf]

Assuming you want to work as a biostatistician, I would lean towards the MS in Biostats at UNC. UNC is recognized as an elite biostatistics department, while NC State is better known as a (somewhat applied) statistics department. It looks like the course offerings are essentially the same, so you're likely better off in the department which specializes in the topic you want to study.

[slubicki]

Yes, cyberwulf, in my mind I know you are correct, but for a variety of probably impractical reasons (greater cultural affinity with the other students, for example) I "emotionally" prefer NCSU. But given UNC's Biostats rep and direct medical affiliations, it probably will be the choice I make. Surprisingly, however, NCSU program seems more mathematically rigorous. For example, introductory Real Analysis is required.

[Takoyaki7]

Yes, cyberwulf, in my mind I know you are correct, but for a variety of probably impractical reasons (greater cultural affinity with the other students, for example) I "emotionally" prefer NCSU. But given UNC's Biostats rep and direct medical affiliations, it probably will be the choice I make. Surprisingly, however, NCSU program seems more mathematically rigorous. For example, introductory Real Analysis is required.

Don't worry, Bios at UNC is pretty theoretical. If you don't believe me, try reading the department chair's "introductory" text on empirical processes (available on his website).

http://www.bios.unc.edu/~kosorok/

I'm also pretty sure they'd let you take measure theory and/or probability over in the stats department at UNC (def. more theoretical than NCSU).

[cyberwulf]

Surprisingly, however, NCSU program seems more mathematically rigorous.

This isn't at all surprising; NCSU is a stat department and hence requires more theory. You don't need Real Analysis to be a Masters biostatistician, but if you're looking to continue on for a PhD you'll need to take it at some point.