Additional Information
Epidemiologists have a few options for education. They require at least
a master's degree. This can be a master of public health (MPH), or a master
of science in epidemiology. Others may also earn a PhD or a medical degree
(MD).
Undergraduate training is not available in epidemiology. Undergraduate
students should focus on the content area that they plan to study when they
do their graduate studies.
"For instance, a person interested in mental health would do well to take
an undergraduate degree in psychology. A person interested in 'curing cancer'
may want to do their undergraduate work in molecular biology. And, as a final
example, a person with an interest in health policy would do well to have
taken undergraduate courses in economics and policy," says Colin L. Soskolne.
He is an epidemiologist and professor.
Students who are planning to pursue epidemiology should have a strong background
in science and math. The educational pathway you choose may depend on what
kind of job you want in the field.
"I must admit that most students who graduate with MPH [master of public
health] find a job in epidemiology. Those with PhDs usually go on to academia,"
says Helene Carabin. She is an epidemiologist, a veterinarian and a professor
at the University of Oklahoma.
"Choosing to pursue master's or doctoral level education is ultimately
a very personal decision," says Soskolne. "Epidemiologists are in demand with
either a master's or a doctoral degree. Usually, the doctoral-trained epidemiologist
will be engaged in more responsible work, leading research teams and chairing
departments, and so on."