Biostatistics

[Monette]

I've already asked this in Pre-Allo but I thought I might get a greater response here

Anyone here do a MSc in Biostatistics?

How did you guys find the program?

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[fantasty]

I'm sorry - not in biostats personally so my opinions may not be all that helpful. But...

Are you also considering a career as a clinician (you mentioned pre-allo)? If so, have you considered epidemiology? In epidemiology, we have to have a solid understanding of biostats, but we also generally work with biological and clinical aspects as well. I'm not knocking biostats - I do know 1 person who got a phd in biostats in addition to his MD. But, in general, biostats is closely related to the mathematic theory. In epi, we cover a lot of the same material from an applied perspective (without dealing with as many proofs and underlying calculus).

When you ask about how one finds the program, I wasn't sure if you were talking about how they liked it or how they came across their program. I can't comment on the former. But, for the listing of biostats programs, check out the Association of Schools of Public Health:

http://www.asph.org/document.cfm?page=773
(I found 40 programs listed with MS, MSPH, or MPH in biostatistics)

If you want a list of MD/MPH programs (including biostats), check out AMSA's site:
http://www.amsa.org/cph/mdmphlist.cfm

And, on the AAMC website, it says that 91 schools offer an MD/PhD in biostatistics:
http://services.aamc.org/currdir/section3/degree2.cfm?data=yes&program=6
(That seems really unlikley, but that's what came up)

 

[Monette]

I'm sorry - not in biostats personally so my opinions may not be all that helpful. But...

Are you also considering a career as a clinician (you mentioned pre-allo)? If so, have you considered epidemiology? In epidemiology, we have to have a solid understanding of biostats, but we also generally work with biological and clinical aspects as well. I'm not knocking biostats - I do know 1 person who got a phd in biostats in addition to his MD. But, in general, biostats is closely related to the mathematic theory. In epi, we cover a lot of the same material from an applied perspective (without dealing with as many proofs and underlying calculus).

When you ask about how one finds the program, I wasn't sure if you were talking about how they liked it or how they came across their program. I can't comment on the former. But, for the listing of biostats programs, check out the Association of Schools of Public Health:

http://www.asph.org/document.cfm?page=773
(I found 40 programs listed with MS, MSPH, or MPH in biostatistics)

If you want a list of MD/MPH programs (including biostats), check out AMSA's site:
http://www.amsa.org/cph/mdmphlist.cfm

And, on the AAMC website, it says that 91 schools offer an MD/PhD in biostatistics:
http://services.aamc.org/currdir/section3/degree2.cfm?data=yes&program=6
(That seems really unlikley, but that's what came up)

Hey Dante,

Thanks for the reply!

I actually would be more interested in Epidemiology, but the problem is I want to start the program this Fall or the latest in the spring and I haven't come across any schools that are still accepting applications!! I decided I would pursue biostatistics by default, but I don't want to commit myself to a program that I may not like so I wanted to see other ppl's take on it. I have taken Calc I & II and Stats for the Sciences and I did well in all three. I like math a lot but I thought Epi would be more applicable to my career (yes I do want to become an MD)

Any suggestions, feedback, comments is greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
Monette

 

[fantasty]

Here (Univ of Iowa) the deadline is listed as July 1 for the Fall. I do know that we've taken new students in the spring in the past, but the website says that they do not accept for the Spring. Either the policies changed, or maybe you have to call and plead the case with the dept. But, for the MPH program, they accept applications until Nov for the Spring.

Another option that sometimes works (if you are dead set on a specific school, and you're fairly sure that you'll be accepted) is to just take 1-2 classes in the fall as an extramural student. This allows you do stay on schedule for completing the degree in a timely fashion, and also also you do get in the "good graces" of the program. But, things like financial aid and housing become more problematic.

Maybe some other folks can mention if their schools are still accepting applications for the upcoming year. And, you might try conducting the schools you like to see how firm they are on their deadlines.