Will having a Statistics minor help you in the job market?

[lemoncupcake]

Just like everyone else on this forum, I am trying to make a decision between two schools. 

One of my options is UIC's Ph.D. program in Psychology. I would be studying Community and Prevention Research with minor in Statistics, Methods and Measurement.  Another option is Boston College's Ph.D. program in Education (C&I). According to the program description, I can take more Statistics and program evaluation classes as electives, but the program does not officially grant me a minor in Statistics. 

Two programs' other factors are pretty much similar--comparable stipends, cold weather, great faculty and program...etc. So I am trying to take on a new perspective of evaluating these programs based on job prospects. When I turn in my CV while job hunting 4-5 years later, would having a Stat minor help me stand out among other applicants? 

[missgord]

I think a minor in stat will help you tremendously.  I'm getting a PhD in applied stat (towards education), and the job market is awesome.  Plus it will dramatically increase your funding opportunities, since everyone else hates stat.  

However... you need to like stat.  BC's college of ed in Educational Research Measurement and Evaluation will have some great classes you can take - maybe they have a cert you can get, or something.

[lemoncupcake]

Thanks for your opinion!

From what I heard from other students at BC, I can design my program of study around ERME classes as a C&I student, so I can focus on education policy along with stat background. However, I would have to explain my interests in statistical analysis. 

At UIC program, I would take about the same or less number of stat classes and will be able to place that line on my resume, about having a minor in statistics. Would that make much difference? 

[juilletmercredi]

Having stats skills and coursework will help you on the job market, but it need not be a formal minor. That said, a minor can help because it's a structured program AND it shows that the school has been thoughtful about creating opportunities for PhD students to get advanced stats training.

You will always have to explain your interests in statistical analysis. You can't just slap a minor on your CV and expect it to do the work for you Either way you go you'll have to address it in your statements and cover letters. Besides, even if you don't do a formal minor, you can always say that you concentrated or specialized in statistical analysis/methods at BC on your CV - you don't only have to put the most formal of things there. (I certainly put this down even though I don't have a formal concentration in the area sponsored by the school. It's still an accurate reflection of my training.)

[naomi6]

Statistics will help you with your research in general. What do you mean in minor as in having an MS in statistics along with the Phd in Psychology? If that's the case, I would go with that program. The advisors in our school encourages us to get an MS in applied statistics even though we're getting a doctoral degree. Are they preventing you from doing a dual degree (MS applied statistic and Phd Education) at Boston college?