Epidemiology

Epidemiology is the study of the patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions in defined populations. Epidemiology’s main role is preventing the onset and spread of disease by finding the reasons why some groups of people are healthier than others and then removing or controlling these causes.

Learn more about Epidemiology on the Public Health Department website

A career as an epidemiologist usually requires at least a master's degree in epidemiology. Increasingly, however, undergraduate students can obtain employment in state and local governments and other settings; yet most seek specialized training in epidemiology in schools of public health. Epidemiology is a basic science of public health.

The median salary for epidemiologists is $65,270/year. Although local communities may vary, the national job outlook "expects to grow by 10% from 2012-2022 [which is] as fast as average," as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

BYU offers a BS degree in Public Health: Epidemiology Emphasis. Browse course requirements and contact academic advisors below in the programs tab.