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How do I Become an Epidemiologist?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

In order to become an epidemiologist, it will be necessary to receive a master's or doctorate degree from a school of public health. Many universities have schools of public health which offer graduate degrees to people interested in epidemiology and related fields. People who are interested in working with the best in the field may want to do some research and find out where noted epidemiologists such as heads of government labs and board members of professional organizations of epidemiologists got their degrees.

Preparation to become an epidemiologist can start as early as high school, with students taking lots of math and science classes to prepare for college. In college, future epidemiologists should plan on focusing on biology, public health, and related topics, and they may want to consider degrees in fields like sociology if they want to work directly with public health initiatives which are designed to prevent epidemics among the general public. In the final year of college, applications to schools of public health can be filed. These applications can be bolstered by letters of recommendation from working epidemiologists, and work experience gained by interning in medical labs or epidemiological research facilities.

Budding epidemiologists who are interested in field research may pursue employment with the Centers for Disease Control.
Budding epidemiologists who are interested in field research may pursue employment with the Centers for Disease Control.

In a school of public health, students are given a broad overview of a variety of public health topics, ranging from the protocol in labs which handle dangerous viruses to how to organize a public health initiative. It is a good idea to seek out internships with epidemiologists or in labs so that someone who wants a career as an epidemiologist will start to get work experience while going to school.

Doctors may collect blood samples from multiple individuals in a given area in order to determine the scope of a disease outbreak.
Doctors may collect blood samples from multiple individuals in a given area in order to determine the scope of a disease outbreak.

After graduation, a budding epidemiologist has a number of career options. People who are interested in studying the mechanics of disease might want to work in labs which organize, manage, and analyze samples of diseases from past and present epidemics. People who are interested in field research can pursue employment with government agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization, which will provide an opportunity to respond to an epidemic on the front lines.

Work experience in medical labs or epidemiological research facilities can help you become an epidemiologist.
Work experience in medical labs or epidemiological research facilities can help you become an epidemiologist.

Epidemiologists who would like to focus on prevention, education, and advocacy can work for government agencies, public health initiatives, and local governments. An epidemiologist can be a critical part of a team of public servants working to distribute accurate information to medical providers and the public, and epidemiologists can also help design programs which are designed to improve public health and help medical professionals identify the signs of an outbreak in the early stages.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • Budding epidemiologists who are interested in field research may pursue employment with the Centers for Disease Control.
      By: oneblink1
      Budding epidemiologists who are interested in field research may pursue employment with the Centers for Disease Control.
    • Doctors may collect blood samples from multiple individuals in a given area in order to determine the scope of a disease outbreak.
      By: panupong1982
      Doctors may collect blood samples from multiple individuals in a given area in order to determine the scope of a disease outbreak.
    • Work experience in medical labs or epidemiological research facilities can help you become an epidemiologist.
      By: nandyphotos
      Work experience in medical labs or epidemiological research facilities can help you become an epidemiologist.