Division of Epidemiology
Epidemiology is the science that quantifies the relationship of exposure to disease development in humans and offers the possibility of altering that risk through intervention. Epidemiologic research has often provided the basis for significant public health decisions, such as those involving use of tobacco, well before individual disease mechanisms were understood.
A specialization in epidemiology provides students with the skills to track the natural history of disease by identifying its frequency, distribution, and causes. Our courses teach the use of epidemiologic methods to describe the health status of human populations, identify risk factors for disease and other health-related conditions, and develop effective prevention and control programs.
Our epidemiology faculty has a robust research program. They focus their current research efforts mainly on cancer, the environment, occupational health, nutrition and reproduction.
Experts in the epidemiology of diseases in humans are often the frontline of disease research. Careers are open in industry, public and private health services delivery organizations, and domestic and international public health agencies. Representative positions held by graduates:
- Regional field coordinator, statewide bio terrorism alert network,
- Research epidemiologist, corporate health department AIDS surveillance bureau,
- Infection control coordinator, military base,
- Epidemiologic Intelligence Service Officer, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
