Health Careers - College of Medicine - University of Vermont

Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists work to understand the causes of disease
and ways to prevent or control it. Understanding
an epidemic means knowing how a given disease works
inside the body, how it passes between people, and how
it can move through a community. Epidemiologists also
work to reduce or even prevent epidemics when they
can. They use academic methods, such as statistics,
demography and scientific research, as well as community-based
approaches, such as vaccination programs
and educational campaigns to help people stay healthy.
Education Programs
There are no graduate epidemiology programs
available in Vermont or through the New England
Regional Student Program. Schools in New
England that do have such programs are:
Boston University (MA)
Harvard University (MA)
Tufts University (MA)
University of Massachusetts at Amherst
Yale University (CT)
Professional Organizations
American College of Epidemiology
Raleigh, NC
919-861-5573
www.acepidemiology.org
American Public Health Association
Washington, DC
202-777-APHA
www.apha.org
Work Environments
Health departments (federal, state and local)
Medical corporations
Research organizations
Universities
Job Outlook
Infectious diseases continue to pose a threat to public
health and chronic conditions such as heart disease and
cancer have become more prevalent. Therefore, the
demand for epidemiologists will likely be high for the
foreseeable future.
Salary
Salary is dependent upon educational level and place of
employment, but salaries range between $40,000-
$100,000 a year.
Education, Certification and Licensing
Candidates for study in epidemiology should have a strong
math and science focus in high school. Undergraduate
study might include biology, microbiology, or public health,
followed by a Master of Science program and/or a Ph.D.
program in epidemiology. Another route is to earn a
medical degree (M.D. or D.O.), followed by a Master of
Public Health degree in epidemiology.
Career Ladder
Those who obtain a doctoral degree are qualified to
assume leadership roles in research and teaching of
epidemiology.
Association for Professionals in Infection Control &
Epidemiology
Washington, DC
202-789-1890
www.apic.org
International Clinical Epidemiology Network
Philadelphia, PA
215-222-7700
www.inclen.org
FACTOID: Epidemiologists are sometimes called “Disease Detectives.”
PUBLIC HEALTH / 79