Epidemiologists provide the public with essential education regarding diseases, infections, life-expectancies, and more. Expertly engaging with scientific research, case studies, and other forms of data to pinpoint illness and disease causes, solutions, preventions, and controls, epidemiologists contribute significantly to the field of medicine—and the wellbeing of the population at large. Read on to understand the definition of epidemiology—and discover if it’s the right path for you. 

Epidemiology comes from the greek word pi, meaning ‘on’ or ‘upon’; ‘demos’, meaning ‘people’; and ‘logos,’ meaning ‘the study of.’ It’s the study of what comes upon—or befalls—a population, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But what does epidemiology mean in a modern context? According to the CDC, “epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specified populations, and the application of this study to the control of health problems.” Put simply, epidemiology can be defined as the study of patterns, causes, and effects of health. 

The principles of epidemiology can be applied across a variety of industries, but epidemiology in public health has its own unique role. By studying and controlling health determinants, distribution disparities, and public health disruptions, epidemiology in public health applies the principles of the field to populations around the world. These professionals pinpoint discrepancies, discover information, and take necessary steps and interventions to close public health gaps and improve overall health outcomes. 

There are no specific bachelor’s programs for the field of epidemiology. However, a bachelor’s program in a related field can teach the foundational theories, principles, and research methods required for a career as a public health epidemiologist. Earning a bachelor’s degree in a major like nursing, biostatistics, or health sciences can provide a firm foundation in the science of diseases. With a strong introductory knowledge of the field and its function in the wider realm of public health, students will be well positioned to pursue a master’s in public health—and be on their way to the field of epidemiology. 

Again, you can’t actually earn a Bachelor’s of Epidemiology. However, some common courses you can take in undergrad to prepare you for a master’s degree include: 

This course introduces students to key concepts in health policy formation, implementation, and evaluation on a global scale. Students will learn about the organization, financing, and delivery of global health care services and systems, and examine the role of governmental, private, and non-profit agencies in these processes.

An overview of epidemiology in a global context, this course will examine the distribution and determinants of health and illness in human populations around the world, while introducing students to the core principles and methods of the field. 

An introduction to the basic concepts, methods, and techniques of analyzing public health data, this course will emphasize—and apply—the uses, interpretations, and limits of statistical analysis. 

A master’s degree in epidemiology can take the form of a Master of Science (MS) in Epidemiology or a Master’s of Public Health (MPH) with a concentration in epidemiology. While the typical curriculum varies by the actual program, both an MS or MPH in epidemiology offer coursework in foundational concepts of epidemiology and public health, as well as a slew of skills-based, policy-based, and research-specific courses. All of these courses can empower students with confidence in their abilities to take a quantitative approach to address public health issues through an epidemiological lens. For many students of public health, a master’s degree in epidemiology is the first step to pursuing a hands-on, high-impact career in the field. 

Master’s in Epidemiology courses may include the following:

This course will familiarize you with many of the most commonly used analytic methods for epidemiologists, equipping you with the tools you need to measure and assess risk factors of certain health outcomes.

Incorporating another key area of public health, this course will introduce the basic principles and methods of both epidemiology and biostatistics. You’ll learn how to apply this knowledge to relevant public health issues and questions—developing the skills to evaluate and analyze them through both lenses. 

This course reviews the main study designs and frameworks used to describe, predict and understand the causes of adverse health outcomes in humans across a wide range of geographies and demographics. 

As an introduction to research synthesis, this course will teach the core principle and methods for conducting a systematic and quantitative review. Much of this will be illustrated through relevant case studies of public health issues.

Some individuals who work as epidemiologists hold a dual degree in medicine. This allows for further specialization in clinical research. Dual degrees are options for those seeking to minimize their time in school while maximizing their career potential. Dual degrees include PhD/MD and MPH/MD programs. Individuals with dual degrees may choose to specialize in clinical studies, population education, and/or pursue careers in academia.

As you explore different master’s in epidemiology programs, you’ll find that some programs feature additional concentrations or specializations. A search of the Council on Education for Public Health’s (CEPH) website reveals a variety of concentrations or minor tracks in epidemiology, including applied epidemiology that emphasizes the application of epidemiologic tools and frameworks, environmental epidemiology that explores the ways environmental factors (physical, chemical and biological) affect the health of populations, social epidemiology that focuses on exploring the effects of social-structural factors on health, and more. Some schools also offer programs that combine epidemiology with biostatistics and teach students statistical methods to identify and evaluate risk factors associated with disease outcomes. 

If you have specific career goals, then choosing a program with a corresponding concentration or specialization can give you additional training in this specific area. 

Each MPH program is structured to help you first learn the basic skills and background information you’ll need to understand upper-level courses and concepts later on. For example, during your first year, you’ll take some broader, introductory-level courses in topics like an introduction to public health, principles of epidemiology and an introduction to research methods. The second year will build on what you’ve learned with more advanced courses, like level-two courses in epidemiology and biostatistics. Depending on the program, you may be able to incorporate elective courses during your first and second years. Elective courses could cover various topics, such as cancer, cardiovascular or nutrition epidemiology.

Many programs require an internship or a capstone project during the second year. You’ll rely on the information you learned during your first year to complete these milestones, and your capstone project may focus on an area of interest you discovered during your earlier coursework. 

Below is a sample 42-credit curriculum of an MPH in Epidemiology program. If your programs require more than 42 credits, you may need to either take extra courses or enroll in more semesters. 

MPH epidemiology degree programs prepare you to help improve public health, but each program takes a slightly different approach. From specialized courses to electives and more, the following programs deliver a comprehensive education. We’ve compiled a list of online MPH epidemiology programs that are accredited by the CEPH.

Program Information Last Updated November 2020

A doctorate, or PhD in Epidemiology program, provides public health professionals specializing in epidemiology with the highest level of education and degree standing possible. Some doctoral students go on into the field as independent, innovative, and leading research scientists in the field of epidemiology. Others with a PhD in epidemiology may choose to go into academia. The curriculum for a PhD in Epidemiology will include various advanced courses that cover study design, research and analytical methods, and data, trial, and testing skills.

PhD in Epidemiology courses may include the following:

This course will build upon students’ epidemiological foundations from prior years of study, teaching them to analyze and interpret epidemiologic studies using advanced methods. In addition, students learn to understand, analyze, and explain the theoretical underpinnings of both new and traditional epidemiological study designs.

Broadening well beyond the basics of epidemiological analytics, this course will teach the most advanced and novel analytical techniques and methods in the field. Students will gain expertise in data collection, data analysis, statistical analysis, and summarization.

Career options for those with degrees in epidemiology are finite—mainly because of the precise nature of the field. A bachelor’s degree in an epidemiological subject may allow you to work as a biostatistician, social scientist, medical administrative assistant, research assistant, or another similar career. 

Those with a master’s degree in epidemiology will qualify for a wider selection of roles within the field. They may pursue roles in epidemiology, clinical research, or data analysis—working in government, hospital, laboratory, or university settings. The majority of government jobs for epidemiologists are at the state and local levels. In hospitals, laboratories, and university settings, epidemiologists tend to work as medical scientists, conducting infection surveillance and prevention.

Epidemiologist is still one of the higher paying public health careers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual pay for epidemiologists in 2019 was $70,990. Overall, epidemiologists are likely to have good job prospects. The employment of epidemiologists is projected to grow 5% from 2018 to 2028, which is as fast as the average for all occupations.

Careers in epidemiology and adjacent fields with the similar educational requirements include:

The most straightforward application of your epidemiology degree is to enter a career as an epidemiologist. As described above, this is a growing and lucrative occupation, and you will have the opportunity to work in a variety of exciting roles.

Statisticians can work in government, hospital, pharmaceutical, or even non-profit settings, developing studies that will be presented in a variety of applications. A fast-growing field, the median annual pay for statisticians in 2019 was $91,160.

Community health workers assist communities and individuals in adopting healthy behaviors through outreach, screening, and data collection. Community health workers are in high demand, with a faster-than-average projected job growth of 11% from 2018 to 2028.

Epidemiology may be a good fit for someone with an interest in interpersonal relations, data analysis, and research. While much of an epidemiologist’s work is done at computers analyzing and manipulating data, a fair amount of work involves surveying and educating people. Epidemiologists are often responsible for taking complex health and medical data and relaying that information to individuals in policy or to the general public.

Skills needed for a career in epidemiology include: critical thinking, data analysis, understanding of statistical, medical, and biological concepts, research analysis, and proficiency with statistical software. Epidemiologists should also have strong communication and teaching skills.

Some epidemiology organizations include:

The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) is a professional society for individuals around the world with a self-described “expertise and passion in healthcare epidemiology, infection prevention, and antimicrobial stewardship.” SHEA partners with public health professionals and policy makers across a wide range of fields to achieve better healthcare outcomes. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the nation’s leading health protection agency, conducting critical scientific research and providing the necessary information to populations to protect the U.S. against health threats—both at home and abroad. 

Information last updated June 2020