Career Spotlight
CDC NERD Academy
Epidemiologist
An epidemiologist, also known as a disease detective, investigates the causes of diseases,
how diseases are spread, and how diseases can be prevented or controlled. During an
outbreak, epidemiologists collect and analyze information about who is sick, when they
became sick, and exposures they may have had before becoming sick to determine where,
when, and how each person may have become infected. Then, they translate this information
into recommendations for prevention and control measures.
Meet Ezra,
an epidemiologist
a wide range of public health
professionals at the local, state, and federal levels, including other
epidemiologists, hospital and health department staff, data
managers, biostatisticians, laboratory scientists, health educators,
communication specialists, policy makers, and animal health
personnel (like veterinarians).
Who do they work with?
Epidemiologists collaborate with
Where do they work?
Epidemiologists may work in local, state, federal, and international
public health agencies; hospitals; universities; and anywhere an
investigation requires their detective skills.
What skills do they use?
Knowledge of descriptive and analytic epidemiology, ability to
analyze data and interpret findings, ability to think critically and
problem solve, strong m ath skills, ability to communicate clearly to
different audiences, willingness to work in different environments,
and ability to work collaboratively with other experts and public
health partners.
What qualifications do they need?
Epidemiologists often have a bachelor’s degree in any science
field, such as nutrition, public health, or biology, and a master’s or
doctoral degree in epidemiology. Undergraduate degrees in
mathematics (especially statistics) or the social sciences (such as
geography or sociology) are also useful.
Module 1 Career Spotlight