Epidemiologist
Learn about this occupation – including typical duties, education required, salary and job outlook information, job boards and more.
Epidemiology is the scientific study of the patterns, causes and effects of health and disease conditions in defined populations. It is the cornerstone of public health and, together with statistical methods, provides the evidence for health-policy decisions. Epidemiologists engage in surveillance activities to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. They also conduct studies to investigate the causes of disease to reduce the risk of future disease development. Epidemiologists report their findings to public policy officials or publish the results of their research. (CSEB, The World of Statistics)
This profile is focused on the role of non-clinical Epidemiologists working in public health. To learn more about Medical Epidemiologists (specialist medical physicians or veterinarians), and other related occupations, please view the links at the bottom of the page.
Occupational profile
Find detailed information about the occupation, including typical duties and working conditions, in the links below:
- National Occupational Classification (NOC) - Canadian occupational descriptions
- O*NET Online - U.S resource for occupational descriptions and information.
- Sokanu: Epidemiologist - occupational information and videos
- Field Epidemiologists: Disease Detectives of Public Health - The Science of Health series from the Government of Canada
- What is Epidemiology? - overview and featured videos from McGill University
- Epidemiology 101 - Areas of study, why it's important, etc. from EnvironmentalScience.org
- Interview: Epidemiologist (U.S.) - from Scitable by Nature Education
- Environmental Epidemiologist career profile - ECO Canada
- Career Profile: Epidemiology Overview - Explore Health Careers.org
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics - career information from The World of Statistics
- Study: Epidemiology - Association of Schools and Programs in Public Health (U.S.)
- Career Profile: Epidemiologist - Let's Talk Science
- Who is Public Health? - American Public Health Association member spotlights
- So, How'd You Get Your Job? - more spotlights from the APHA
Education
U of M Academic Calendar
The Academic Calendar & Catalogue outlines program admission and course requirements. Use the left menu to navigate to a specific faculty and program. To determine which degree path suits your unique occupational goals, speak with a Career Consultant. For support with course registration and academic issues, speak with an Academic Advisor.
Faculty and Department Homepages
Visit U of M's faculty and department homepage to learn about program application deadlines and processes, as well as additional in-house resources and opportunities.
Exploring Other Education Options
Labour market information
Labour market information informs users of supply and demand for specific occupations and sectors. It includes such things as salary and job outlook information. These resources support informed career decision making and job search efforts.
Resources
- Explore Careers: Job Market Report (Winnipeg region) - Gov. of Canada Job Bank
- Occupational Outlook Handbook - Job outlook for the U.S.
- OpportuNext - salary range and job growth prospects - Manitoba
Professional Associations
Professional associations may organize events and provide directories, job postings, career and labour market information. Student membership opportunities may also be available: engage, learn and network!
- Canadian Society for Epidemiology and Biostatistics (CSEB)
- American College of Epidemiology
- Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (U.S.)
- Association for Professionals in Infection Control & Epidemiology (U.S.)
- American Statistical Association
Directories, Industry Associations, and Sector Councils
These resources provide industry news, labour market information and a list of potential employers. Remember, there are usually multiple industries worth exploring.
- List of Canada's Provincial & Territory Health Departments (Online Resources, section 3) - Government of Canada
- Biotalent Canada- representing Canada's biotechnology sector
- Biosciences Association of Manitoba - companies
- Canadian Cancer Research Alliance
- Universities Canada
- Health Charities Coalition of Canada - member organizations
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research - Government of Canada
- Lists of Institutes Centres and Centers - National Institutes of Health (U.S.)
Job Boards
Search occupations of interest in the industry-specific job boards below to learn about skill requirements, employers, job duties and available jobs. You may also wish to search more general online job boards.
Other links
These external resources may provide you with additional information about the occupation and opportunities to build experience:
- UManitoba Undergraduate Leaders in Health Care (Facebook page) - student group for students interested in Health Care
- Centre for Global Public Health at the University of Manitoba
- Manitoba Centre for Health Policy at the University of Manitoba
- National Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease at the University of Manitoba
- Careers in Epidemiology & Biostatistics: Preparing for the Job Market - CSEB Webinar
- AJPH Talks - magazine from the American Journal of Public Health
- Canada Public Health Association - 'Student and Early Career' section includes a blog, resource list, webinars, and practicum information
- Infection, Prevention and Control Canada
- Canadian Institute for Health Information
- International Epidemiological Association
- Public Health Agency of Canada - Government of Canada
- Health Canada - Government of Canada
- Manitoba Health - Government of Manitoba
- World Health Organization - Epidemiology
- Epidemic Intelligence Service - overview of work and professional stories from the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Statistics in Action: A Canadian Outlook (2014) - Statistical Society of Canada (includes information on epidemiological research)
- Article: A Look Back at My Career as a Biostatistician in Aging and Dementia Research- AMSTAT News