Epidemiologist: Roles and Responsibilities.

Behind every major public health breakthrough is a team of professionals working to understand how and why diseases affect certain populations. Among them, epidemiologists play a pivotal role, often working behind the scenes to help shape health policies, guide prevention strategies, and respond to emerging health threats.

This blog explores the work of epidemiologists, outlining their core responsibilities, the skills needed to succeed in the field, and the many ways they contribute to healthier communities worldwide.

What Is an Epidemiologist?

So, what is an epidemiologist, exactly? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), “epidemiologists are public health workers who investigate patterns and causes of disease and injury.” By studying how diseases spread, epidemiologists can help guide public health programs and implement measures that limit outbreaks and improve overall health outcomes.

These health professionals work across a wide range of settings. Many epidemiologists work for government agencies at the local, state, or federal level, while others perform research in universities or hospital systems.

Epidemiologists are crucial to disease control. One expert in a National Library of Medicine publication asserts that “the discipline has saved millions of lives, from both infectious and non-communicable diseases, through interventions and preventative programs that have been implemented as a result of study findings.” The publication also states that “the CDC credits medical epidemiologists with adding 25 years to the average life expectancy of people living in the United States since 1947.”

What Does an Epidemiologist Do?

While roles can vary based on specialization and workplace, epidemiologists typically take on the following job duties:

• Collecting and analyzing data related to chronic and infectious diseases and their spread, such as bodily fluid samples
• Communicating research findings to stakeholders, including public health officials and policymakers
• Recommending initiatives for public health programs to improve disease control and limit health problems
• Promoting positive health outcomes through education initiatives
• Drafting and submitting grant proposals for research funding

During disease outbreaks, epidemiologists may take on even more urgent responsibilities, including contact tracing, mapping transmission, and using passive surveillance to investigate disease origins and containment strategies.

Types of Epidemiologists

Because epidemiology is a broad field, professionals can pursue different specialties based on their interests and career goals. Some common types of epidemiologists include:

• Infection control epidemiologists – These health specialists focus on identifying, tracking, and mitigating infectious disease spread within healthcare settings and the broader community.
• Research epidemiologists – Research epidemiologists design and carry out in-depth research studies to better understand how diseases and other health outcomes occur and spread, and use this knowledge to develop strategies for prevention and control.
• Genetic epidemiologists – In this specialization, epidemiologists investigate how certain genetic and environmental factors influence disease risk, which can inform prevention and treatment measures for those predisposed to certain conditions.
• Molecular epidemiologists – These health professionals use molecular biology applications to study the patterns and causes of disease. They examine the spread of disease at both the cellular and molecular levels.
• Supervisory epidemiologists – Supervisors manage and oversee larger research teams (often made up of other epidemiologists and staff), ensuring compliance with regulations and adherence to industry best practices.

Although this is just a small sampling of the many specializations available, it can help you get a better idea of what your calling might be.

How to Become an Epidemiologist

If you’re considering a Master of Public Health (MPH) to pursue a career in epidemiology, you’re likely already equipped with a bachelor’s degree. While MPH programs accept students from a wide range of academic backgrounds, having an undergraduate foundation in a science- or health-related field—such as biology, social science, public policy, or social services—can strengthen your readiness for graduate-level coursework and research in epidemiology. Many prospective students also come from professional backgrounds in nursing, pharmacy, or other clinical roles, bringing valuable firsthand experience to the study of population health.

Once you enter an MPH program, you’ll have the opportunity to learn the foundational skills and knowledge needed to work in the field. Some MPH programs may also include an internship, practicum, or other real-world experience, which can help set you apart when applying for jobs.
In addition to building technical expertise, aspiring professionals should focus on sharpening soft skills. Because epidemiologists often collaborate with and present to stakeholders (including those inside and outside the field), they need to have strong written and verbal communication skills. Meanwhile, those pursuing supervisory or management roles should also have strong leadership skills.

Job Outlook

According to BLS data, the job outlook for epidemiologists in the United States is projected to increase by 19% between 2023 and 2033. That’s much faster than the national average for all other occupations, with an estimated increase of 2,100 jobs in the next decade.

There are many factors fueling this growth. As healthcare systems place greater emphasis on disease prevention and data-driven decision-making, the need for professionals who can analyze health trends and evaluate public health programs is increasing. Additionally, more hospitals are adopting initiatives like the National Healthcare Safety Network, increasing demand for epidemiologists who can manage and evaluate these programs.

With this positive outlook, now could be a great time to advance your education and build the expertise needed to fill gaps in this growing field.

Learn More About Our MPH Program at Boston University

If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact on disease and infection control, our online MPH may be the right fit. In this module-based program, students can earn their degrees in as little as 24 months while gaining valuable, hands-on experience in a project-based practicum.

The BU MPH degree, which is also offered on campus, helps deliver the skills needed to create evidence-based strategies for community health. And with an interdisciplinary focus covering critical areas, such as data analysis, public health communication, and advocacy, students graduate prepared to address real-world challenges.

Get in touch to learn more about Boston University’s online MPH. Ready to take the next step? You can get started with your online application for admission!