Degree in Biostatistics vs applied Math

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the decision between pursuing a Biostatistics degree and an Applied Mathematics degree at a strict private university. The Biostatistics program includes extensive coursework in biology, computer science, and statistics, while the Applied Mathematics degree focuses more on mathematical theory and less on statistics. Participants emphasize that the Applied Mathematics degree offers broader opportunities for graduate studies and career paths, suggesting it is the preferable choice for maintaining flexibility in future academic and professional endeavors.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Biostatistics curriculum requirements
  • Familiarity with Applied Mathematics concepts
  • Knowledge of graduate school pathways in biostatistics and computational biology
  • Awareness of the importance of course breadth versus specialization in undergraduate studies
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the curriculum of Biostatistics programs at various universities
  • Explore the career outcomes for graduates with an Applied Mathematics degree
  • Investigate the importance of statistical theory and numerical analysis in graduate studies
  • Learn about the prerequisites for graduate programs in epidemiology and computational biology
USEFUL FOR

Undergraduate students considering a major in Biostatistics or Applied Mathematics, academic advisors, and individuals exploring graduate school options in biostatistics, computational biology, or epidemiology.

TheKracken5
Howdy everyone. I am a transfer student (starting in January) to a small religious private university. This university is very strict (in general and academically) and they typically do not allow double majors (unless under 140 semester units) and they also make it VERY hard to change your major.

I need to decide basically in a semester if I am going to go for a Biostatistics degree or a applied mathematics degree. My hopes is to go to grad school in either biostatistics, computational bio, or epidemiology.

The Biostatistics degree requires a wide breadth of courses including biology, computer science and statistics.
Biology:
-2 semesters of bio for bio majors.
-2 semesters of genetic and cell molecular biology
-1 semester of bio lab techniques

Math:
-3 semesters of Calculus
-1 semester Linear algebra
-5 semesters of statistics beyond basic intro course. Includes: intermediate stats, experimental design, data wrangling, linear regression, and stats consulting.

Comp Sci:
-Intro to programming, object oriented and data structures, data base design, and machine learning.

I am worried the Biostatistics course doesn't have enough math heavy courses. I have take a DEQ's class, but I would think that should be required for the degree...Id like to see some probability heavy theory classes, maybe some numerical analysis and a normal theory based analysis class. The applied math degree has less stats than this degree and more of what I was mentioning, but no comp science or biology. What do you all think? I am not sure if I will being doing a MS for industry or a PHD...id like to keep my options open.
 
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I am still an undergrad, but from my experience and talking to others, an applied math degree is your best bet. The biostats option seems to be too specialized, and specialization is something you want to avoid during your undergrad. It limits your options for further graduate study/ work.

I would do applied math in this case.
 
MidgetDwarf said:
I am still an undergrad, but from my experience and talking to others, an applied math degree is your best bet. The biostats option seems to be too specialized, and specialization is something you want to avoid during your undergrad. It limits your options for further graduate study/ work.

I would do applied math in this case.
I am majoring in pure math btw, but I don't mind taking a few applied math courses if they are interesting.
 

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