Epidemiology Graduate Programs

Epidemiology Graduate Programs and Curriculum

Epidemiology is largely based on methodology, which makes quantitative aptitude a must for success. Students should be meticulous, logical, culturally sensitive and able to work independently. Epidemiology graduate schools mostly base their programs on English, science and mathematics classes.

In order to apply for admission to epidemiology programs, students must request admission by special arrangement. Some schools offer this degree through their School of Public Health (MPH). Ph.D. epidemiology programs often require a minimum of a master’s in a related field. Life experience also factors into admissions criteria.

Epidemiology graduate students can choose to specialize in areas such as: cardiovascular disease, cancer, clinical approaches, infectious disease, neurological issues and genetic problems. Most schools share the same basic educational curriculum:

• Biostatistics
• Biochemistry
• Molecular biology
• Immunology
• Disease and injury determinants
• Genetic disease and disability factors
• Behavioral studies
• Health services research
• Population studies
• Environmental disease

Epidemiology Career Paths

Graduates can pursue jobs in a variety of industries. Applied epidemiologists, who usually work for State health agencies, respond to disease outbreaks, determining their causes and helping to contain them. Research epidemiologists study diseases in laboratories and in the field to determine how to prevent future outbreaks.

Epidemiology Future Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wages for epidemiologists were $61,360 in May of 2008. The factors that may affect an epidemiologist’s salary include certification, years of experience, type of employer and location. The BLS predicts a faster than average employment growth for epidemiologists with a 15 percent increase. A heightened awareness of bioterrorism and rare but infectious diseases, such as West Nile Virus or Avian flu, is expected to keep these workers in high-demand.