How much math do you need for MS/PHD in Biostatistics?

[Easteu]

I'm considering applying for MS or PhD in Biostatistics and was wondering how good do you need to be at math to succeed in these programs. I have a B.S in biochem. and took Calc. I, II and III and got an A in all, but it was not without effort. I also took 2 semesters of Statistics and found them quite easy, but they were for business majors and probably not too math intensive. The schools I'm looking to apply to seem to really emphasize a strong background in math with linear algebra, programming and stuff which are optional but it makes me nervous since I don't have any of that and I don't feel very confident in my math skills ( I may be too self-critical though). I did enjoy my statistics classes but at the same time I don't want to get into something that I would not be able to handle.
So my question is how much math is there in advanced statistics and how good do you need to be at math to be good in a biostatistics program? And also a general question - how are the job prospects for someone with a grad. degree in stat./biostat ? I just started looking into that and have not researched it enough yet.
Thanks in advance! 🙂

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[abcabc1]

I'm considering applying for MS or PhD in Biostatistics and was wondering how good do you need to be at math to succeed in these programs. I have a B.S in biochem. and took Calc. I, II and III and got an A in all, but it was not without effort. I also took 2 semesters of Statistics and found them quite easy, but they were for business majors and probably not too math intensive. The schools I'm looking to apply to seem to really emphasize a strong background in math with linear algebra, programming and stuff which are optional but it makes me nervous since I don't have any of that and I don't feel very confident in my math skills ( I may be too self-critical though). I did enjoy my statistics classes but at the same time I don't want to get into something that I would not be able to handle.
So my question is how much math is there in advanced statistics and how good do you need to be at math to be good in a biostatistics program? And also a general question - how are the job prospects for someone with a grad. degree in stat./biostat ? I just started looking into that and have not researched it enough yet.
Thanks in advance! 🙂

The bare minimum is the 3 semesters of Calculus and 1 semester of Linear Algebra. Some places require Calculus based Statistics or Analysis courses (Real, Functional, etc.) but they are typically not universal requirements. Keep in mind, many applicants (especially PhD level at the better programs) will have MUCH more than the basics under their belt.

Of course, you can't succeed in these fields without being good at Math. You may not need to be a 'whiz' like you do for Pure Math, but the better you are at Math, the further you'll goo in (Bio)Statistics.

Job prospects for PhD candidates are very good, in general. There are opportunities in Industry, Academia and Government. Prospects for MS grads are not quite as strong, but there are openings for MS grads as well.

You should only go for a PhD if you really enjoy the field and are at least somewhat inclined to become an Academic. If you're looking for a lucrative job and don't have research interests, don't bother. You can just start working ASAP and make just as much as you would by the time you finished a doctorate. PhD grads do well, but they're typically nowhere near the huge salaries earned by Wall Street types.

You don't really have Academic bona fides unless you do a Post-Doc, so you're looking at 7 years. There was a recent article about how many PhD grads were unable to secure Academic appointments. I'd think about whether or not this is really what you want to do before exploring Doctoral programs. Don't do it just b/c you have good grades in Math courses. Good luck!

 

[Stories]

Every biostats PhD student I know was either a math major or statistics major in undergrad. They still struggle sometimes because the coursework requires many high level statistics courses (not just biostatistics courses) which you *need* a very strong background in.

These are some of the courses my friends have said are brutal:

Theoretical Statistics
Probability Theory
Theory of Statistics
Statistical Inference

 

[Easteu]

Thank you very much for your responses abcabc1 and Stories! I guess they pretty much ruled out PhD for me - I'd like to be done with school asap and get a more or less decent job. I may look closer into masters programs.
Thanks again for your input, guys, I really appreciate it.