OVERVIEW
What Is an Epidemiologist?
An epidemiologist is a type of public health specialist that strives to understand the behavior of infectious and non-infectious diseases and how they affect populations. Unlike virologists, who study the nature of a virus itself, epidemiologists study the incidence—the number of new cases—and prevalence—the number of existing cases—of diseases among populations and then use the resulting data to prevent or control the spread of disease.
Epidemiologists can tackle a wide array of public health challenges. While many epidemiologists focus on communicable diseases like influenza or COVID-19, some spend time researching chronic diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and cancer. Others specialize in veterinary disease, substance abuse, environmental health, and emergency and disaster response.
Most epidemiologists work for state or local government agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Additionally, a large number of epidemiologists are employed by hospitals, universities, and nonprofit or humanitarian organizations.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does an Epidemiologist Do?
In studying the causes and transmission of various diseases and sicknesses, epidemiologists analyze data, test theories, manage teams, and communicate findings to public health policymakers. Some common job duties of epidemiologists include the following:
- Conducting qualitative and quantitative research via observations, surveys, interviews, blood and tissue tests, and more.
- Writing and publishing reports on the causes and effects of disease.
- Using data analysis software to track trends in disease transmission.
- Identifying common risk factors associated with disease and injury.
- Collaborating with health department leaders to promote public health.
- Recommending strategies for disease prevention and infection control.
- Performing field investigations and engaging in lab work.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
How Do I Become an Epidemiologist?
As you prepare for an epidemiology career, keep in mind the level of education and amount of work experience you’ll need to meet your professional goals. Consider these steps:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree. A bachelor’s degree in public health, biology, health science, or a similar subject is a foundational and essential credential for full-time epidemiologists.
- Gain work experience. Find a job that can help you develop the skills you’ll use as an epidemiologist. Many aspiring epidemiologists begin their careers as data analysts, research assistants, public health officers, or in other similar roles.
- Earn a master’s degree. Completing a master’s program in a relevant subject like public health is required for many epidemiologists today. A master of public health (MPH) degree could also increase your earning potential.
- Continue your education. Examples of professional development throughout your career may include earning certification or participating in annual conferences. Continuing education will keep you up to date with the best epidemiological practices and help you become a mentor figure for less-experienced epidemiologists.
Best Degrees for a Epidemiologist
Health & Nursing
Health Science – B.S.
An online health science program designed for students who want real-world...
An online health science program designed for students who want real-world skills for valuable health careers.
- Time: 63% of students finish similar programs in 24 months.
- Tuition: $4,210 per 6-month term
- Courses: 28 total courses in this program
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Epidemiology
- Disease prevention
- Behavioral health
- Substance abuse support
- Health research
- Medical technology
This degree prepares you with relevant industry skills and experience that will help you move forward in your healthcare career.
Health & Nursing
Nursing (RN-to-BSN Online) – B.S.
An online BSN degree program for registered nurses (RNs) seeking the added...
An online BSN degree program for registered nurses (RNs) seeking the added theoretical depth, employability, and respect that a bachelor's degree brings:
- Time: The program is designed to be completed in 1 year.
- Tuition: $5,325 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 23 total courses in this program.
- Transfers: Students can transfer up to 90 credits.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Healthcare Policy and Economics
- Information Technology in Nursing Practice
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Applied Healthcare Statistics
If you don't currently have an RN and don't qualify for your nursing prelicensure program, consider getting our Bachelor's in Health and Human Services instead. This degree allows you to work inside the healthcare industry in a unique way.
Health & Nursing
Master of Public Health
This online Master of Public Health degree program is a perfect fit for...
This online Master of Public Health degree program is a perfect fit for students who want to make a difference in their community.
- Time: 60% of students finish similar programs in 21 months.
- Tuition: $4,995 per 6-month term
- Courses: 12 total courses in this program
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program:
- Biostatistics and analysis
- Environmental health
- Epidemiology
- Global health
- Public health policy and advocacy
- Health education and promotion
This degree prepares you with relevant industry skills and experience that will help you move forward in your career.
Health & Nursing
Public Health - B.S.
This online bachelor's degree in public health will prepare you to impact...
This online bachelor's degree in public health will prepare you to impact your community and make a difference.
- Time: 63% of students finish similar programs in 24 months.
- Tuition: $4,210 per 6-month term
- Courses: 33 total courses in this program
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program:
- Cognitive psychology
- Public health approaches
- Epidemiology
- Biopsychosocial health models
This degree prepares you with relevant industry skills and experience that will help you move forward in your career.
How Much Does an Epidemiologist Make?
$81,390
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary in May 2023 for epidemiologists was $81,390. The lowest 10% earned less than $54,950 while the highest 10% earned more than $132,230. Epidemiologist salary figures vary based on level of experience, place of work, and more.
What Is the Job Outlook?
27%
The BLS states that employment of epidemiologists is projected to grow by 27% from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Around 800 openings for epidemiologists are projected each year on average over the decade.
SKILLS
What Skills Does an Epidemiologist Need?
Since they work in research-oriented settings and often correspond with other public health professionals, epidemiologists should apply a balance of hard and soft skills in their day-to-day work, including the following:
- Problem-solving. Many of the tasks performed by epidemiologists require a high level of creative and critical thinking as well as data-driven problem-solving.
- Knowledge of the scientific method. The foundational principles of the scientific method are ever-present in tests, surveys, and other forms of epidemiological research.
- Writing and communication. Epidemiologists must be able to record findings and express ideas clearly in research reports, grant proposals, and other written materials. They should also be comfortable relaying information verbally.
- Understanding of data analytics. Modern epidemiological data-gathering is often conducted through dedicated data analytics software programs. Epidemiologists should be proficient in using this software.
- Project management. Effective task management skills are indispensable for epidemiologists involved in multiple projects at once.
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