MS Biostats offer from Yale U

[dukefeng]

Hi guys,

 

I get my MS Biostats offer from Yale U, but I am really struggling to make decisions. My ultimate career goal is to work in some business industry where I can use linear regression, time series analysis (such as consultant, business analyst, data analyst, statistical analyst etc) after the master study. I have seen some job placements of MS Biostats students and most of them either go phd in biostats or medical research companies which are not my interests. However, some of my friends suggest me to go Yale and they said that it would be easy to get an analyst job with Yale on your resume even if it's MS Biostats degree. So I am super confused about how to choose. Can anyone tell me if it's easy to get a consultant / analyst job after obtaining a MS degree in Biostats (from Yale)?

 

ps: I am also applying to MS Statistics in U of Chicago, Northwestern, Duke, and Cornell. U of Chicago have put me on the waitlist but no info from other schools.

 

Thanks!!

[Biostat_Assistant_Prof]

If you don't have interest in biostatistics, then I don't think it would be a good idea to attend a biostatistics program, even at a world renowned brand name place like Yale (who's Biostat department in particular isn't ranked all that high to begin with). 

 

If I were you and not interested in being constrained to biomedical research, then I'd consider offers from all the statistics programs before any biostatistics offers. 

[outliers1]

I am not qualified to give you suggestions in regards to your academics or career, but in terms of life choices:

Yes, degrees, accreditation, certificates, prestige of school, research etc.. they all matter, but ultimately you go to school for one reason, and that is to learn.

If you have no interest in Biostats, do not waste your time on it. Only an insignificant minority of people in the world gets the chance to go to grad school, so we should treat it as a privilege. I don't know if this is the best option for your career or finances (it might be), but life is short so go with your heart and choose your path.

[sittingduck]

I've been to a couple open houses and talked to some current students, and the overall impression that I get is Biostatistics is hard and it requires a lot of long hours, perseverance, and dedication. Having said that, you should look for a university that you "click" with: one where you feel like you will get the most support from students, faculty, and staff. The prestige of the university you go to is great, but you also want to excel. It might make your resume look good, but when you go into job interviews, they will want to test your technical skills.

 

The MS degree is typically advertised as a research, academic-oriented degree. If you study hard and understand the material, you should be prepared for whatever career path you choose. How easy it is to find a job largely depends on what you doing during your graduate career and what connections you make as a student, whether it be with local orgs, professors, or even other students (e.g. alumni). You might see most MS students continue onto academic pursuits because that's what the degree is geared for. Terminal degrees are generally the MPH, though that degree is more public health-oriented. (And there is a chance for a doctoral degree if the university offers the DrPH track.)