The public health field continues to change, grow, and evolve as public health professionals work to mitigate and overcome emerging threats and improve population health.
One such profession is epidemiology. Epidemiologists are dedicated professionals that investigate and determine the cause of illnesses, diseases, and other health threats. Their goal? To serve and protect individuals, communities, and populations.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment growth rate of epidemiologists is projected to grow 27 percent by 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. Add in their median annual salary of $78,520, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $123,450, and you can see why this is a popular and in-demand career path.
Let’s discuss the different types of epidemiologists and how candidates can become one with a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) Degree.
What is an Epidemiologist?
Epidemiology is the study of causes and patterns of diseases across populations. As such, epidemiologists are public health professionals who contribute to the well-being of communities in health departments for state and local governments, hospitals, and colleges.
Epidemiologists investigate ways to reduce the risk, occurrence, and spread of disease, epidemics, and other public health concerns. Furthermore, they often perform the following job duties:
- Design and evaluate health status questionnaires, public health sample selections, and public health study practices
- Examine how diseases and infections affect the environment
- Identify groups at risk, symptoms, exposure location, and transmission timeline
- Perform extensive research, collect data, and communicate research conclusions to reduce population health risks and educate communities
- Remain cognizant of current advancements, discoveries, and trends in technology
- Standardize drug dosages, immunization methods, and manufacturing procedures
- Supervise a public health team — hiring, training, directing, and evaluating job performances
- Write research project proposals and prepare requests for funding
Learn how to become an epidemiologist through Goodwin’s Master’s in Public Health program.
7 types of epidemiologists
While the foundational purpose of all epidemiologists remains the same, the field offers a variety of specializations, each with its unique focus and challenges. Here are just a few examples of the diverse career paths you can pursue with a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) degree:
1. Infectious disease epidemiologist
These front-line workers deal with the most contagious threats, from emerging viruses like COVID-19 to established diseases like influenza and HIV. They track outbreaks, determine the outbreak’s path, and develop strategies to contain and prevent the spread of infection.
These public health professionals use cutting-edge technology and mathematical modeling to predict disease patterns and guide prevention efforts. Infectious disease epidemiologists work in the lab and the field, going to where an outbreak occurred to determine the cause and prevent further spread.
2. Pharmaceutical epidemiologist
These specialists assess the safety and efficacy of drugs and vaccines in laboratories for pharmaceutical companies and government agencies.
They use information from clinical trials and real-world studies to understand how medications impact different populations and identify potential side effects or risks. They also review how conditions spread, who those conditions have and will affect, and what treatments will have a positive impact.
3. Hospital epidemiologist
Hospital epidemiologists play an essential role in preventing the spread of infections within hospitals and clinics.
They implement hygiene protocols, track outbreaks, and investigate healthcare-associated infections to ensure patient safety. They also consider and monitor the number of people infected, if there is an influx of patients, and propose reasons for the spread of the illness or virus.
4. Field epidemiologist
Field epidemiologists are the rapid first responders in the public health world as they travel to the locations where severe disease outbreaks occur.
They work together with local communities, health officials, and government and international organizations, like the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), to understand the outbreak, identify risk factors, and implement health and safety measures that will contain the spread.
5. Climate health epidemiologist
Climate change and environmental concerns are growing. This makes climate health epidemiologists in high demand as they study how changes in the environment affect the health and wellness of humans, plants, and animals, including:
- Air quality
- Access to clean water
- Disease patterns
These professionals work with scientists to determine future climate changes and their associated public health risks.
6. Molecular epidemiologist
A newer field in public health, molecular epidemiology studies and uses molecules, cells, proteins, and genes to understand the cause of diseases and determine strategies to prevent them.
Molecular epidemiologists also question if genetic makeup can increase the likelihood of a person having or developing diseases and conditions like type 2 diabetes, asthma, and sickle cell anemia.
7. Academic research epidemiologist
Academic research epidemiologists teach courses and mentor the next generation of public health professionals in universities and other educational institutions.
They also advance the field of epidemiology by researching disease areas and contributing to scientific articles and journals.
Become an epidemiologist with a Master’s in Public Health (MPH)
If you are ready to make a global impact and enter an in-demand and financially rewarding field as an epidemiologist, then a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) degree is the next step, as epidemiologists have to have a master’s level education.
Master’s in Public Health (MPH) programs give candidates the education, skills, and resources they need by covering a range of subjects, including:
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology: Learn the statistical tools and analytical methods used to investigate disease patterns and assess risk factors.
- Environmental and Occupational Health: Understand the impact of environmental and occupational factors on human health.
- Health Policy and Management: Learn about developing and implementing public health policies and programs.
- Social and Behavioral Sciences: Gain insights into health’s social and behavioral determinants and how to address them through public health interventions.
Many Public Health degree programs also offer specialization tracks in specific areas of interest, such as community health, global health, and health policy and management, to align students’ interests and career goals.
Goodwin University’s Master’s in Public Health (MPH) program is entirely online, with six start dates, seven-week terms, and 12-to-15-month accelerated options available. Plus, we have a tuition-free fall semester thanks to a $1.5M scholarship grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration that allows new students interested in pursuing a degree in Public Health to enroll tuition-free.
Make an impact on your community and world as one of the many different types of epidemiologists with Goodwin University’s Master’s Degree in Public Health (MPH). Apply now or contact us for more information!
Goodwin University is a nonprofit institution of higher education and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Goodwin University was founded in 1999, with the goal of serving a diverse student population with career-focused degree programs that lead to strong employment outcomes.