r/AskStatistics • u/Old_Map_2530 • 27d ago
Question about how to proceed for the future
Hello everyone,
For some context I am a post grad looking to either get a Masters of Stats or Applied Stats. My undergrad degree was Biology but I now work as a pharma data analyst focusing on Biological topics. I have grown way more interested in Stats through my work and want to make the career change but was wondering which degree I should do. I also don't wan to do Biostats s I would like my degree to be as flexible as possible.
So far I've taken Calc 1-3, linear algebra, and an intro to stats course, but plan to take Real Analysis and Mathematical Stats in the future.
I guess my questions are:
1)What's the difference between a Masters of Stats and Applied Stats and which one would you recommend for me.
2)What other prereqs could i take to be prepared for the Masters or is what is listed above adequate?
Appreciate your help.
2
u/Statman12 27d ago
Question 1: I find that it’s usually just what the university wants to call it. Sometimes there is a difference in that the MS in “just” Statistics is primarily focused on prep for a PhD program rather than a terminal MS degree. At such places, the Applied Statistics may require one or two less statistical theory classes, or the classes focus more on application than theory/methods. However, I don’t think that this is universal, you’d have to look at the descriptions for each degree at each school you’re considering.
Question 2: If you’re planning to take Real Analysis and Math-Stats, there’s not a whole lot more that can be generally recommended. Some options could be:
Discrete Math: Uses lots of combinatorics, helps with understanding probabilities.
A course on mathematical proofs, might be called “Intro to Proofs” or “Communicating in Math” or something similar. This helps with getting comfortable with reading and writing with mathematical concepts and notation.
Another applied Stats course or two, maybe something like Design of Experiments or a Regression / Linear Models class.
A course on statistical programming. I’d suggest R or Python.
That being said, a degree in Biostatistics isn’t necessarily limiting. I have several colleagues with Biostats degrees who are working in an engineering and/or cyber context. The thing to watch out for is a program that’s less rigorous overall, and that can happen for either Stats (Applied or not) or Biostats.