Epidemiology Program FAQ

Epidemiology is the study of how and why diseases spread through groups of people. Epidemiologists can study infectious diseases, like HIV and COVID-19, or chronic disease, like cancer and cardiovascular disease.

The right epidemiology degree depends on your career goals, interests, and preferred area of study. Some students want to apply epidemiologic methods to public health practice such as tracking disease outbreaks and evaluating public health interventions, while others are interested in advanced research, data analysis, or academic careers. Rollins School of Public Health offers a full range of epidemiology degree programs so you can choose the right fit.

A Master of Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology is ideal for students who want to focus on applying epidemiologic methods to improve population health. The degree combines training in epidemiology with a broad foundation in public health and prepares graduates for careers in government agencies, health departments, health care organizations, nonprofit organizations, and global health.

Students interested in applying epidemiology to specific fields may also consider specialized options, such as an MPH in Environmental Health and Epidemiology or an MPH in Global Epidemiology. These degree programs integrate epidemiologic training, a broad public health foundation, and focused study in global and environmental health.

The MPH in Epidemiology and MPH in Global Epidemiology are both offered in an online, part-time format for students who want extra flexibility.

A Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) in Epidemiology includes the broad public health foundation of an MPH and offers more intensive training in research methods, quantitative analysis, and scientific investigation. Rollins also offers an MSPH in Global Epidemiology for students who want to develop advanced epidemiologic research skills for global contexts. These degrees are well suited for students who want the flexibility to pursue careers in either public health practice or research, including doctoral study.

A PhD in Epidemiology prepares students to conduct original research, develop new epidemiologic methods, and contribute to scientific knowledge. PhD graduates often pursue careers in academia, research institutions, government agencies, and industry.

An epidemiology degree opens the door to careers focused on understanding, preventing, and solving today's most pressing health challenges. Epidemiologists investigate disease outbreaks, analyze health data, evaluate public health programs, and identify risk factors that affect the health of populations. Graduates use these skills to improve patient care, shape health policy, develop new treatments, and help communities respond to emerging public health threats. As organizations increasingly rely on data to make evidence-based decisions, epidemiologists are sought after across both the public and private sectors.

Graduates of Rollins pursue careers in government agencies, health care systems, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, research organizations, consulting firms, nonprofit organizations, and international public health agencies. Common job titles include epidemiologist, clinical research scientist, infection preventionist, public health analyst, health outcomes researcher, program evaluator, implementation scientist, and real-world evidence analyst. Others continue into doctoral programs or careers in medicine, where epidemiology provides a strong foundation for clinical research and population health. Whether analyzing the spread of infectious diseases, advancing cancer research, evaluating new therapies, or improving global health programs, epidemiologists use data to drive decisions that improve lives.

• Common careers for epidemiology graduates include:
• Epidemiologist
• Clinical Research Scientist
• Infection Preventionist
• Public Health Analyst
• Health Outcomes Researcher
• Biopharmaceutical Researcher
• Program Evaluator
• Health Data Analyst
• Implementation Scientist
• Global Health Researcher
• Real-World Evidence Analyst
• Health Policy Analyst