Biostatistics Masters to a Statistics PhD

[beerkatmanor]

Hey all,

What are your perspectives on the viability of entering a Statistics PhD program with a Biostatistics MS? I'm considering this option but am not sure whether or not I'd be considered 'qualified' (even though the curriculum at top biostats schools is pretty stats-heavy), or if choosing biostats to begin with kind of pigeonholes you into sticking with that application. Any perspectives at all are very welcome

[bayessays]

Not an issue at all if it is from a top biostatistics program with rigorous courses.

[cyberwulf]

Yeah, this shouldn't be a problem. Provided you choose suitably rigorous coursework as a Masters student (many programs allow or require Masters students to take the same first-year math stat sequence as PhD students), you'll be better prepared for a PhD program in statistics than the vast majority of undergraduate students applying. Also, you may have the opportunity to participate in some "real" statistical research and get letters from professors who are well known and respected in the statistics community.