Ask Slashdot: Which Ph.D For Work In Applied Statistics / C.S.?

Ask Slashdot: Which Ph.D For Work In Applied Statistics / C.S.? 173

Posted by timothy on Tuesday November 22, 2011 @01:30PM from the there's-a-spray-to-reduce-the-inflammation dept.

New submitter soramimo writes "I'm currently a Ph.D student in Machine Learning and Biology at a pretty good European university. As my lab is moving to the U.S., I have the chance to get my Ph.D from an Ivy League university instead of the one in Europe (without much additional work, as I'm close to finishing). However, I would be getting a Ph.D in Biological Sciences rather than Computer Science. As I'm planning to work as an applied statistician / computer-scientist / analyst in the U.S. after graduating, I'm wondering which path to take. Is a Ph.D in Biological Sciences frowned upon by technology companies, or is it out-weighed by the Ivy League tag? How big of a role does the type of Ph.D play in the hiring process in the U.S., compared to what you actually did (thesis focus, publication record, software)?"