Epidemiology

General Epidemiology

Epidemiology is concerned with analyzing and describing patterns of occurrence and determinants of diseases in human populations. As an epidemiologist, you may find positions in governmental agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health and state health departments. Opportunities also exist in academic institutions, private industry, and hospitals.

Some samples of job titles our alumni have:

Public health epidemiologist
Occupational epidemiologist
Cancer epidemiologist
Hospital epidemiologist
Veterinary epidemiologist
Health data analyst
Epidemiology program representative
Chronic disease epidemiologist

Public health officer
Bureau chief for health service
Commissioner of health
Communicable disease epidemiologist
Epidemiological intelligence officer
Genetic epidemiologist
Social epidemiologist
City research scientist

Hospital and Molecular Epidemiology

Hospital and molecular epidemiology focus on the molecular biology and biochemistry of infectious agents. Besides gaining an understanding of epidemiology, pathology, immunology and molecular biology, you will develop managerial skills that can be used in laboratory supervision as well as in planning and developing public health programs. With a degree in this area, you will qualify to work as an infection control officer, or in senior laboratory services positions in academia, research, and public health institutions.

Some samples of job titles our alumni have:

Infectious disease epidemiologist
HIV/AIDS epidemiologist
Infection control officer
Laboratory manager
Director of mosquito control

Infection and surveillance officer
Bacteriologist
Microbiologist
Parasitologist
Virologist

International Health

The program in international health covers health conditions and health services outside the United States, with a primary focus on developing countries. It is interdisciplinary and provides training in both the physical and social science sides as they relate to health of the subject. As a graduate, you are equipped for employment in international, national, governmental, and nongovernmental agencies involved in health research or health service delivery in developing countries.

Some samples of job titles our alumni have:

Health officer for U.S. agency for international development
Research scientist for centers of disease control and prevention
Director of operations of planned parenthood federation
Director of ministry of health
Chief of provincial health services
Director of training for community health programs
Population policy analyst

Technical officer
Health economist of planning and development Division in ministry of planning
Planning policy analyst
Senior development and planning officer
Senior evaluation advisor
Program development officer
Evaluation consultants
Performance improvement advisor
Training medical advisor
Vaccine study field manager

View our most recent career survey of Epidemiology students from 2006-2007

Graph of Placements of EPID Graduates by Employment Sector

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"Classes at SPH enriched my portfolio and made me a valuable asset to my employer. My training in microcomputer applications, international health, emerging infectious diseases, management, and public health preparedness has prepared me to do well in my current position with the CDC."

- Andre Berro, MPH, EPID '02

Public Health Advisor/Quarantine Public Health Officer, CDC