Biostatistics MS- Michigan or Duke?

[ilovethaitea]

Hi!

I am currently choosing between the biostats MS at Michigan and Duke. I have visited both schools and liked both of them. For Michigan, that's a very well-establised program with amazing facilities and faculty members. Graduates from that program mostly have very good jobs. The Duke program is rather new as it was launched last year. But I like the facts that they emphasize on practical skills and most of the students there can have internship in Duke Medical Center. But I am concern about the students outcomes. As I want to get a job and have no intension of pursuing a PhD degree in the future, which program is a better choice for me? Please give me some advice! Thank you very much!!!

[minhnhat131289]

Dear ilovethaitea,

Congratulate on these two spectacular results. These two universities are really fantastic and you will not go wrong with either.

In term of ranking, the Department of biostatistics of Umich seems to hold a little advantage( from NRC's ranking, it ranks in first position, and from USnews' ranking, it ranks top 5). However, with the internship provided from Duke, participating in Duke's master program is an attractive opportunity for you.

I attach one link( Alumni's newsletter of Umich biostatistics):http://www.sph.umich.edu/biostat/pdf/July2003.pdf. They have a number of students going to famous universities like Harvard, John Hopkins, Washington Seatle( academic) or working at prestigious companies like Abott, Merck & Co., Inc,.... Therefore, you should not worry about the jobs after graduating from Umich. One big advantage of Umich over Duke is that it has long-term reputation in biostatistics program.

This is my two cents. As i say before, these two universities are incredible. You will get a huge number of job opportunities after graduating from their top-notched master biostatistics programs.

Good lucks with your decision.

Best regards.