MPH question regarding Biostatics

[delkins07]

Hi all,

This is my first posting. I am a first year graduate student currently pursuing my Masters in Biostatistics at SDSU. In recently speaking with a close friend he suggested that it could be beneficial for me to obtain a MPH. SDSU does offer an advanced degree in Publich Health. Can someone please provide me with the advantages of pursuing this as my career path.

Thanks in advance,
David

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[shraf]

it seems to me that most biostats masters students in my program are pursuing an MS rather than an MPH. I think the additional classes you have to take for an MPH don't really come in as handy if you are planning on being a biostatistician and won't really add much to your qualifications in terms of jobs or PhD programs.

 

[abcabc1]

If you're already enrolled in an MS program in Biostatistics, an MPH is a waste of time. The MS in Biostatistics is much more valuable than the MPH, both with employers and down the road if you apply to the Biostatistics PhD.

 

[delkins07]

it seems to me that most biostats masters students in my program are pursuing an MS rather than an MPH. I think the additional classes you have to take for an MPH don't really come in as handy if you are planning on being a biostatistician and won't really add much to your qualifications in terms of jobs or PhD programs.

Thanks so much for your response. I guess I didn't ask the question correctly. Would a MPH be beneficial to have in addition to my MS in Biostatistics?

 

[abcabc1]

No.

If you already have an MS in Biostatistics, don't waste your time and money on adding an MPH to it. You're already quite in demand and employable as is, so take your skills to the job market. If you're going to invest in additional Education, consider the PhD. The MPH is a more general degree than the MS and it's like spending additional time and money for something that is LESS valuable than what you already have.

 

[swemory2007]

I would like to second those sentiments. While an MS may seem less common than an MPH, for being a biostatistician, it is more than adequate. I work with several people who have an MS as a stand-alone degree and they are doing quite well.