How to become an epidemiologist

May 1, 2024

What Does an Epidemiologist Do?

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, interest in epidemiology surged dramatically, with Google searches for the term “epidemiology” spiking to an all-time high in 2020.¹

This guide will walk you through the steps to becoming an epidemiologist, including the education and skills required, job prospects, and salary expectations.

Epidemiologists, also commonly referred to as disease detectives², are vital to the protection of public health across our communities. It's a career that combines research, science, medicine, and sociology, offering job security, career growth potential, and the ability to help thousands of people.

What Is Epidemiology?

Before we dive into how to become an epidemiologist, let's first answer the question: What do epidemiologists do?

Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of health and disease in populations. Epidemiologists investigate patterns and causes of diseases and injuries in humans and ways to prevent and control them.

Day-to-day tasks for epidemiologists will vary depending on their specific role, where they are employed, and the nature of the public health issues they are researching. However, there are common responsibilities and functions that you can expect if you’re planning on pursuing a career in the field of epidemiology.

Daily Job Activities, Duties, and Responsibilities for Epidemiologists

While the specifics of an epidemiologist’s job depend on a number of factors, the basic functions of the job will generally revolve around a few key types of objectives. These include the following:

Collecting and analyzing population health data through surveys, interviews, or medical records
Conducting field investigations of real-time disease outbreaks or public health emergencies to identify the outbreak's source, track the spread, and help control it
Using public health surveillance measures to monitor diseases over time
Researching historical diseases to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions
Collaborating with other health care professionals, government agencies, and community organizations to address public health concerns
Authoring reports that summarize their research and findings
Educating the public about health risks and preventative actions to take
Contributing to public policy development using their research and data

The work of epidemiologists is critical in understanding and addressing public health issues and emergencies like infectious diseases, chronic conditions, and environmental health issues. Epidemiology plays a crucial role in public health by providing the scientific foundation for understanding, preventing, and managing health-related issues at the population level.

What Is the Difference Between a Clinical Epidemiologist and an Epidemiologist?

The main difference between a clinical epidemiologist and an epidemiologist is that clinical epidemiologists tend to focus specifically on how to apply their findings to individual patient care and clinical practice. Clinical epidemiologists might work in a health care setting like a hospital or medical clinic and could focus more specifically on treatment protocols.

Epidemiologists work in various settings, including public health agencies, research institutions, universities, and nongovernmental organizations. Epidemiologists have a broader scope of focus across the larger population. In contrast, clinical epidemiologists typically home in on research informing individual patient care.

There are multiple fields of work that you can consider if you want to focus on a career in epidemiology, such as:³

Applied Epidemiologist: Studies and analyzes the patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions in specific populations, aiming to apply public health interventions and policies.
Chronic Disease Epidemiologist: Studies the patterns, causes, and effects of long-term illness in specific populations, such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease to implement prevention and control strategies.
Disaster Epidemiologist: Studies and analyzes the health effects of disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes or pandemics to direct response efforts and alleviate future risks.
Environmental Epidemiologist: Studies how environmental factors, like air pollution or toxic chemicals, impacts the health of specific populations while developing methods to mitigate these risks.

Education and Skills Required

To meet the specific education requirements for a career in public health, you may need to invest seven years or more in your education. This typically involves completing a four-year bachelor's degree program followed by two to three years of study to earn a master's degree.

Your bachelor's degree should be in a relevant topic of study, such as biology, public policy, social services, or social science. A Bachelor of Public Health would provide a strong foundation in public health care services, research methods, and epidemiology.

Many aspiring epidemiologists choose to pursue a Master of Public Health degree like the one offered at Norwich University with classes emphasizing epidemiologic methods. Degree programs like these can help you prepare for a successful career in this field by giving you the opportunity to:

Grow your expertise in response planning and crisis management, with added focus on the role of military, veterans, and first responders in these situations
Gain an international perspective on global health and the inequities that exist among different populations, communities, and cultures
Learn to apply an evidence-based approach to public health using epidemiologic methods and quantitative and qualitative data
Build your leadership, communication, and planning skills so you can more effectively create change in public health system

Explore the Master of Public Health curriculum at Norwich University.

Important Skills and Qualities of an Epidemiologist

In addition to formal education, several critical skills are essential for success as an epidemiologist⁴. These include:

Strong math and analytical skills: Epidemiologists analyze data from studies and research to devise plans accordingly. It's also critical to have skills in using large databases and statistical computer programs.
Attention to detail: Epidemiologists play a crucial role in alleviating and preventing health issues in communities; therefore, it's essential to have a strong attention to detail when moving from observation and interview to conclusions.
Critical thinking: Epidemiologists have to use critical thinking skills to consider various resources when responding to a health-related emergency or public health issue.
Excellent communication skills: Communicating with officials, other health workers and the public is vital for an epidemiologist, as they must convey health risks and other important information in a clear manner.
Leadership Skills: In certain cases, epidemiologists may need to direct a team investigating a disease or conducting research. They may also evaluate staff performance or assign work.

Epidemiologist Job Prospects

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) suggests epidemiology to be a booming field in the coming years with a projected growth rate of 27% from 2022 to 2032⁵. This is about nine times higher than the average growth rate of 3% across all careers, offering a vast potential for individual career growth, opportunity for promotion, and job security.

Epidemiologist jobs exist in various settings, including government agencies, health care organizations, research institutions, and nonprofit organizations.

What Is a Typical Epidemiologist Salary?

Epidemiologist salaries vary depending on experience, education level, and geographic location. Epidemiologists working in metropolitan areas tend to earn higher wages than those in rural areas.

According to the BLS, the average epidemiologist salary in the United States was $78,520 as of 2022, with professionals in the scientific research and development sector averaging $103,650 per year.⁶ Salary.com suggests a significantly higher salary as of 2024, claiming an average of $107,110, with the range typically falling between $91,853 and $128,308.⁷ This data suggests there may be a yearly upward trend for an epidemiologists average salary.

Overview: How to Become an Epidemiologist

Now that we've covered the basics of epidemiology, overall educational and skill requirements, and salary potential, let's dive into the steps to becoming an epidemiologist.

Step 1: Obtain a Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree in public health will be beneficial in preparing for graduate-level coursework. Majors such as biology, statistics, and public health can also provide a solid foundation for a career in epidemiology. a solid foundation for a career in epidemiology.

While this will vary by individual, obtaining a bachelor's degree takes approximately four years.

Step 2: Earn a Master's Degree

A master's degree in public health, epidemiology, or a related field is typically required for entry-level positions in epidemiology. Graduate programs in public health will typically include coursework in biostatistics, epidemiologic methods, and public health surveillance. , and public health surveillance.

It takes around a year and a half to two years to obtain a master’s degree in public health.

Step 3: Gain Work Experience

Work experience is often required for many epidemiologist positions⁷. You can gain experience through internships, volunteer work, or entry-level public health or health care positions.

Step 4: Obtain Certification

While certification is not required to work as an epidemiologist, it can demonstrate your expertise and dedication to the field and help you stand out above other candidates. Here are some popular choices for certification you may pursue in order to sharpen your skills, enhance your professional practice, and make yourself more attractive to potential employers.

The Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) offers the Certified in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) credential, which many employers recognize.
The National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE) offers a Certification in Public Health (CPH), which covers various public health topics.

Start on Your Path to Becoming an Epidemiologist

Becoming an epidemiologist requires a combination of education, skills, and experience. With a positive job outlook and competitive salary, it can be a rewarding career choice for those interested in public health and disease prevention.

If you are interested in becoming a “disease detective,” focusing on research, deduction, and public health and safety, this might be the perfect career choice for you.

You can learn more about the educational requirements for pursuing a master’s in public health and embarking on a career in epidemiology by speaking with an admissions representative. Request information here.

Recommended Readings

Public Health Services: The Unsung Heroes in Military Operations
One Health, One Planet: The Interconnectedness of Global Health and the Environment
What Can You Do with a Public Health Degree?

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