Epidemiologists

High School

Classes such as biology, health, chemistry, English, physics, and math (including statistics) are recommended. Social studies and geography also are relevant. In addition, take the opportunity to develop your computer and data analytics skills because epidemiology increasingly makes use of the latest information technology.

Postsecondary Training

A four-year bachelor of science degree is the minimum requirement to enter a graduate program in epidemiology. You will need at least a master's degree in public health with an emphasis in epidemiology to work as an epidemiologist. Typical classes in a master of science degree program in epidemiology and clinical research include:

• Design and Conduct of Clinical and Epidemiologic Studies
• Advanced Epidemiologic and Clinical Research Methods
• Design and Conduct of Clinical Trials
• Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Epidemiology
• Intermediate Biostatistics: Analysis of Discrete Data
• Intermediate Biostatistics: Regression, Prediction, Survival Analysis
• Epidemiology Research Seminar Research Conduct
• Responsible Conduct of Research.

Some employers require epidemiologists to have a Ph.D. or a medical degree. For example, epidemiologists who work at health care facilities and hospitals often must have a medical degree and training in infectious diseases. Epidemiologists also need to complete some postdoctoral training such as a fellowship.

Certification

Several colleges offer post-master's degree certificates in epidemiology, health informatics, or public health informatics. The University of Illinois at Chicago, for example, offers a post-master's certificate in health informatics. Check with your graduate program to see if certificates are offered at your school.

Other Education or Training

The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology offers online and in-person classes, seminars, and workshops for those who want to learn about the latest developments in epidemiology and keep their skills up to date. Classes have included Outbreak Investigation, Preventing Legionnaires Disease, and Infection Prevention for Ambulatory Care Centers During Disasters. The Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists, Infectious Diseases Society of America, American Public Health Association, Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, and state-level associations also provide continuing education opportunities. Contact these organizations for more information.