A BSPH in epidemiology prepares you to enter the public health field as an entry-level epidemiologist responsible for carrying out a range of investigative and analytical epidemiologic activities related to the surveillance, detection, and prevention of diseases and injuries.
Entry-level epidemiologists often work under the direction of a senior epidemiologist, conducting routine epidemiologic functions comprising surveillance, data collection, data analysis using basic epidemiologic methods, and assistance with epidemiologic investigations.
This degree also provides excellent preparation for completing a Master of Public Health program. After completing the BSPH in epidemiology, you will be able to:
- Assist in design of epidemiologic investigations and studies, including creating hypotheses and analysis plans.
- Apply descriptive and analytic epidemiologic methods to recognize public health problems pertinent to the population.
- Analyze data, summarize results, and draw conclusions from an epidemiologic investigation.
- Collaborate with others inside and outside the agency to identify and address public health problems.
- Identify public health surveillance data needs and support the evaluation of surveillance systems.
- Use identified informatics tools in support of epidemiologic practice.
- Develop an understanding of the social and behavioral determinants of health.
- Apply understanding of complex biological, environmental, and behavioral disease risk factors to determine potential mechanisms of disease.
- Assist in developing recommended evidence-based interventions and control measures in response to epidemiologic findings with appropriate cultural, social, and political frameworks.
- Prepare written and oral reports and presentations that communicate necessary information to professionals and the general public.
- Follow ethical, privacy, and confidentiality guidelines and principles when planning studies; conducting research; and collecting, disseminating, and using data.
Students will also have opportunities to develop research skills, teamwork and leadership skills, and have international health experiences through additional coursework and practical opportunities.