Biostats MS Options

[Merlos]

Hi All,

 

I'm making a career switch and since my undergrad background is not quantitative, I've been taking all the required math classes to be able to apply for an MS in Biostats. So far I have taken Calc 1 & 2 (have gotten As) and will be taking Calc 3, Intro to Stats, and Linear Algebra next quarter. 

 

So, that said - I have the opportunity to apply to an accelerated one-year Masters in Epi/Bio starting this summer at a lower-ranked institution (low-ranked for Biostats). I'm thinking this is a good option because I'm not delusional about my chances of getting into top-ranked programs and am hoping that this one-year MS would make me a better candidate if I pursue a phD. But, I'm weighing this option against building my math background more and possibly applying to a more recognized program and starting a two-year MS next fall. 

 

Advice? Is an MS in Epi/Bio a good springboard to continue on to a phd, especially with my non-math background? I'm ready to jump into graduate school work, but I'm leaning towards Biostats...Or should I take the next year and keep taking more classes that would help (and if so, what classes should I take outside of the minimum requirements?) For the record, I have a solid, if not stellar, 3.5 GPA in liberal arts from a well-known university...aaand a not-so-good 163V/155Q on the GRE (however, this was taken before I jumped into the math courses I've since taken and I feel confident I can get a better score...though how much better is yet to be seen!).

 

Also, not sure if this would aid in my application, but I've been working in the "research" field for a while now, coordinating and organizing the data collection details for the people that read the data and do the analysis after. 

 

I appreciate any insights! Thanks!

[mittensmitten895]

I also came from a non-math/stat background, although I had more a quantitative orientation than it sounds like you have.  I found that it was important for myself and for others that I was able to articulate how I arrived at my interest in biostatistics.  For people changing fields, it helps to have CV items that tell the story of your trajectory so you aren't continually explaining yourself.  It shows you know what you are getting into and didn't just decide on biostatistics because you flipped open a career book and felt like it was a career you could see yourself doing (yes, this really happens, and it often goes poorly).  You can tell that story with other research or volunteer experiences, but a one year program in epi/biostat could be a good, low-cost way for you to see for your own benefit if you really like biostatistics or if you would prefer to stay in applied research.  If you end up liking biostat and want to pursue the PhD, it also demonstrates to others that your newfound interest isn't just a passing phase.

 

Because of a somewhat winding path, I will have an MPH epi and MS biostat from 3 years (90+ credits) of grad school.  It was a long slog, but I definitely use training from both fields on a daily basis.  Just make sure you lean towards the statistics classes as much as possible -- in my experience, the "bonus" insight from epi really only kicks in once you've mastered the stat basics.  I know it's not exactly the curriculum you're contemplating, but I've found my dual background to be highly valued on the job market.  It don't feel that it has kept me from any academic opportunities I wanted, either.

 

This is all just the perspective of a student situated right between the two fields.  Some of the biostatistics faculty members on here can probably tell you more about how this would be viewed from the PhD admissions perspective.  Just remember that getting into a PhD program is only a good thing if you actually want to be in that field.  Good luck with your decision!

[Merlos]

Hey mittensmitten895,

 

Thanks for taking the time to reply! I like hearing from people with non-traditional backgrounds and about their experience (it's been kind of intimidating scrolling through the forums!). I'm curious to know what you're background is in? Mine's is in sociology/global health...so I think that the fit is there with epidemiology, although I am finding that I really enjoy the applied math side of things, hence the interest in biostats. I also think that I want to teach way down the line and that's why the interest in the PhD (although I've heard how brutal the academic job market is but that's a post for another time!).

 

Also, thanks for the advice about taking as much stats as possible. After talking with professors and knowing I would be able to work with the Stats department on some of the more rigorous theory classes, I think this really helped seal the deal. I'll be applying to the program and hopefully starting by July. Price is definitely a concern :/ - it's not a state school so it would be more expensive, especially for a one-year program, and I was worried whether the program would be worth the investment. But, one of the bigger draws was the ability to start sooner rather than later and also finish in a year. I'm considering working as a math tutor and even though the program is not funded, maybe finding part-time work within the department as I know other students have done. 

 

It's also nice to know that the dual background is highly valued in the job market! Thanks again for the advice.