u/Strict_Idea6870

Basically the title. I am applying to graduate programs in (bio)statistics this fall. I found biology concepts to be interesting and was going to major in it (I was considering pre-med), but I ended up deciding that I was more oriented towards quantitative and computing work. I am now an economics research assistant but found that I want to combine my interest in math/stats (esp assumption-lean inference) and computing with public health, so a biostats PhD seems like the right path for that. However, since I have not that much exposure to public health, I was wondering (a) what ways are best to get exposure to public health for a biostatistics graduate program, if necessary, and (b) how can I communicate my interest in biostatistics in an SOP and personal statement such that it makes sense why I may gravitate towards biostatistics rather than statistics (although I like both and plan to apply to both).

Basically the title. I am applying to graduate programs in (bio)statistics this fall. I found biology concepts to be interesting and was going to major in it (I was considering pre-med), but I ended up deciding that I was more oriented towards quantitative and computing work. I am now an economics research assistant but found that I want to combine my interest in math/stats (esp assumption-lean inference) and computing with public health, so a biostats PhD seems like the right path for that. However, since I have not that much exposure to public health, I was wondering (a) what ways are best to get exposure to public health for a biostatistics graduate program, if necessary, and (b) how can I communicate my interest in biostatistics in an SOP and personal statement such that it makes sense why I may gravitate towards biostatistics rather than statistics (although I like both and plan to apply to both).

I have worked through most of the typical prereqs for grad school in biostats (multivariable calc, linear algebra, real analysis, a year of prob and stats, and planning to add advanced linear algebra and numerical analysis). However, I wondered if my math preparation would be insufficient for a PhD in biostatistics since UCLA says they like to see a quarter of differential equations. Are differential equations necessary for biostatistics? Why does UCLA list them as a prereq? The site is a bit confusing — I emailed the admissions director and they said my coursework would be sufficient, but I am still worried.

As another question, what math topics from multivariable calculus, linear algebra, real analysis, etc. are necessary for graduate school in biostatistics?