Epidemiologist

To be a successful Epidemiologist you should…

• have ability and a strong interest in science
• have the ability to follow a problem to conclusion
• have the ability to work with a variety of people
• have the ability to work with governmental regulations
• have the ability to think logically
• have the ability to speak and write effectively
• have the ability to exercise patience, flexibility, and a willingness to work in different locations under a variety of conditions

What will my job be like?

Epidemiologists are scientists who first identify a disease in a population and then track it as it moves through the population. Epidemiologists research the cause and frequency of a disease by using statistics and demographics (i.e., ethnicity, race, and age) to prevent or control the spread of new diseases.

Epidemiologists may specialize in:

• Clinical Health Industry (Clinical Epidemiology)
• Infectious Diseases (e.g., HIV, Tuberculosis, Sexually Transmitted Diseases)
• Chronic Diseases (e.g., Heart Disease, Cancer, Diabetes)
• Occupational/Environmental Diseases
• School Health

Where could I work?

• Colleges/Universities
• State and Local Health Departments
• Federal or Government Health Agencies
• Research Institutions
• Large Medical Corporations

What is the average annual salary?

$91,800

What is the future of this career?

Employment of epidemiologists is projected to grow 9 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Epidemiologists are likely to have good job prospects overall.

What type of education and/or training do I need?

Epidemiologists receive their education through programs at colleges or universities. A 4-year bachelor’s degree can be obtained. A master’s degree or doctoral degree (PhD) is often required.

Where can I get the education and/or training?

• Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic
• University of Connecticut, Storrs
• Yale School of Public Health, New Haven

Do I need a license or certification for this career?

Licensure is not required in the state of Connecticut.

Where can I get more information?