<p>So I’m currently a Junior at the University of Michigan, and I really have to figure out what to do about my major. My two options are: double major in Statistics/Life Science Informatics, or major in Data Mining Informatics with a minor in Math. I’ve been going back and forth for months about this, and have talked to many advisors. I’m not entirely sure what career I would like to eventually go into, but I am interested in getting an MPH and/or an MBA eventually. However, I think I would like to get a job immediately after college beforehand. </p>
<p>Please let me know what you guys think! Thanks!</p>
<p>It sounds like either track would work for either discipline, but you may be trying to leave too many choices open. I’d think that the Data mining with the minor in math (perhaps with a focus in statistics to achieve a blend of your postulates?) would be the way to go. If you expect to work before the masters level, try to get work in both fields to use as a tie breaker. With that blend of interest, you might find working after an MBA as a healthcare analyst (Moody’s or World Bank or WHO) to be rewarding (would combine the credential you want with the work you may like: analysis). Whereas if you go the MPH route, you will probably end up in policy and that may not use quite as much math.</p>
<p>In some sense you have to blend the functional area you want to be in with the discipline you want. If you are concerned about the money angle, the MBA is clearly the way to go.If you are bit more socially conscious, the MPH is the way to go. Either discipline will use use tons of math but the writing volume will differ.</p>
<p>You might also consider that MBA programs are very expensive, but today (maybe not when you apply) the elite schools are throwing money (aka discounts) at students so an elite MBA may be cheaper than an MPH.</p>
<p>Either will work for the goals you stated. Choose the path that better fits your passions. In other words, go with the one that you think you will enjoy more based on the requirements.</p>