Biostatistics VS epi

[sphinox]

Hiii,

I was wondering if anyone who's currently enrolled in a master's program tell me the difference between an MPH in Biostatistics and MPH in Epidemiology. In the work field, isn't Biostatistics used in the field of Epidemiology? For Biostatistics, do you need a strong math background? I've gotten Bs in my Undergraduate Calculus classes, so I wouldn't say math is my weak or strong point. Which has a better job prospect? I do not have a medical degree to supplement the MPH- is it still worth going for an MPH?

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[sphinox]

and one more question, do most MPH programs require some years of work experience before they admit students?

 

[newyorkisrainin]

I was wondering if anyone who's currently enrolled in a master's program tell me the difference between an MPH in Biostatistics and MPH in Epidemiology. In the work field, isn't Biostatistics used in the field of Epidemiology? For Biostatistics, do you need a strong math background? I've gotten Bs in my Undergraduate Calculus classes, so I wouldn't say math is my weak or strong point. Which has a better job prospect? I do not have a medical degree to supplement the MPH- is it still worth going for an MPH?

I'm not sure about an MS but I believe most MPH programs only require a year of math to concentrate in biostatistics, so you should be fine (I'm an epi person and for the record I think i had b's and c's in calc).

As for the difference between Epi and Biostats - Epi people do use statistics in the analysis of data, but also come up with the study design (question, endpoints, data to be used), whereas I believe most straight biostatisticians primarily are interested in mathematical analysis, broadly in terms of research - looking at the best ways to calculate certain things. Basically epi people are more into disease and biostats people are more into the math. However, I believe for many people working with just an MPH there is a fair amount of overlap in applicable jobs.

I will be graduating without a supplemental degree, though a PhD may be down the line, and I would honestly say there doesn't seem to be too much difference in job prospects biostats vs. epi. I've actually become more interested in the math/stats sides of things and if i could go back would probably switch concentrations but my program but my program is pretty flexible and I can pretty much take as many biostats classes as I want (after required classes). I don't feel that upon graduation I'll be substantially lacking in stats knowledge compared to a biostats concentrator.

p.s. a fair amount of the biostats people in my program were not math majors!

 

[newyorkisrainin]

to answer your other question I believe some schools say they require work experience but I don't think it necessarily has to be substantial (though this is a bonus). Many other students I know are straight out of undergrad. However, I think the degree is most useful for those with work experience and those with such experience generally are better contributors in class.

 

[Stories]

Generally speaking, a MS in Biostatistics is more direct route than the MPH because they don't have to be bothered with taking many of the general PH coursework which are of little added value to a biostatistician.

And as NYIR mentioned, an epidemiolgoist will receive a fair amount of biostatistics training (a 1/3 of my qualifying exam is a biostat component and will take 5+ biostat courses). However, for the very complex statistics and power calculations in the design phase of a study, a biostatistician is very valuable to have on the study.

So while they are related and depend on one another, they have distinct roles to fulfill.

 

[jkmph]

To supplement stories post, I will add the following:

Statisticians with graduate degrees have one of the best job market projections for the next 5 years. Statistics in the digital age is a rapidly growing market.

While a biostats MPH may be a more targeted application of statistics, the background knowledge and core education is the same across fields. Epidemiologists are 'in demand' and will continue to be, but the job prospects for a statistician are growing far, far more rapidly and will continue to do so...

A recent NYT article will illustrate my point - http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/06/technology/06stats.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=statistician&st=cse

 

[newyorkisrainin]

To supplement stories post, I will add the following:

Statisticians with graduate degrees have one of the best job market projections for the next 5 years. Statistics in the digital age is a rapidly growing market.

While a biostats MPH may be a more targeted application of statistics, the background knowledge and core education is the same across fields. Epidemiologists are 'in demand' and will continue to be, but the job prospects for a statistician are growing far, far more rapidly and will continue to do so...

A recent NYT article will illustrate my point - http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/06/technology/06stats.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=statistician&st=cse

Though I think statistical knowledge is useful for pretty much anyone, I would take the nytimes article with a grain of salt. I seem to remember them hyping computer programming and corporate law in the last few years.

According to the bureau of labor statistics, jobs for Epidemiologists were predicted to increase by 13.6 % between 2006-2016, while the increase for Statisticians was predicted to be 8.5% - there being more statisticians in the country this is a larger predicted # of new jobs for statisticians in all industries. However according to the BLS this is about average growth (8-13%) across all occupations.
(this may change when the new report for 2008-2018 comes out shortly).

in regard to my earlier ramblings, you should have a definite math interest if you go into biostats, but as Stories also pointed out with an MPH there is a certain amount of overlap, and stopping at the MPH level I don't believe either concentration will substantially affect your job prospects. good luck!

 

[sphinox]

Newyorkisrainin, what school do you go to right now? if you don't mind me asking...I am from NY.