<p>will this woe=rk?</p>
<p>Applied math or statistics major with a minor in bio, or biostats major would be more useful as most MS epidemiology programs require multiple high level statistics courses.</p>
<p>Neither public health nor a bio degree will get you the math you’ll need.</p>
<p>Take a look at some of the requirements for grad schools that offer MS in epidemiology. Most look for a background in bio., stats, etc. Some offer an MPH with a concentration in epidemiology and is geared for a student without a strong background in research methods. I guess the question is, what do you see yourself doing with your degree? Research, education, policy, etc.?</p>
<p>might be some info in here: [Academic</a> Programs | UAB School of Public Health](<a href=“http://www.soph.uab.edu/epi/academics]Academic”>http://www.soph.uab.edu/epi/academics)</p>
<p>is math or science more important? I thought science was more important…especially for thngs like finding the cure for aids right? I am confused</p>
<p>For epidemiology, the math is more important than the science. An epidemiologist will use data from microbiologists, virologists, immunologists, environmental scientists etc, but doesn’t create the basic research himself.</p>
<p>Curing AIDS/HIV would not come under the purview of epidemiology. That would be virology or immunology.</p>
<p>An epidemiologist would track how AIDS spreads thru certain populations to discover clues on its mode of transmission and suggest public health actions which may help curb its spread, but wouldn’t be doing any research into how the virus damages the immune system.</p>
<p>From Wikipedia:</p>
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<p>As an undergrad, one or two stat classes are fine. You should take calculus through multivariate and linear algebra, though.</p>
<p>A database management class or three (computer science) won’t hurt either… Everyone uses statistical analysis packages these days but one needs a good understanding of data organization and data management techniques also. For a real off the wall but usually useful elective, a basic course in GIS (Geographical Information Systems) should be entertaining (out of Geography dept usually)</p>
<p>A good number of undergrad statistics classes would help too, say, 1st class, one more focusing on data analysis / data crunching by computer, one theoretical intro (to distributions and the like), and so on. The more the better.</p>
<p>I would also take a computer programming class in a popular language, in addition to the suggestion to take calculus through multivariable calc (so calc III), linear algebra, and at least one undergraduate probability/statistics course. Knowing GIS would really put you on the map, since most graduate students don’t even know how to use that.</p>
<p>Honestly, I think a minor in applied math would be better than the minor in biology. But I had a friend who was a history major who got into multiple epidemiology programs. As long as you have the math classes you need, you’ll be fine.</p>