Infectious Disease Epidemiology

What Is Infectious Disease Epidemiology?

Neeti Patel working in the fungal diagnostic lab

Infectious disease epidemiology is the study of how and why infectious diseases emerge and spread among different populations, and what strategies can prevent or contain the spread of disease at the population level. Students in our Infectious Disease Epidemiology concentration study the biology of viral, bacterial, and parasitic agents, as well as the arthropod vectors that can carry and transmit diseases, such as ticks and mosquitoes. Our students also learn statistical methods to analyze data and explore disease transmission systems, and evidence-based approaches to preventing or containing disease transmission.

Our students recognize that humans, plants, animals, and non-living parts of the environment such as climate and water, are inseparable when exploring infectious disease epidemiology. This One Health approach prepares our graduates to address challenges from an ecological perspective, understanding that preventing the spread of disease from animals to human populations requires preserving natural resources and investing in the health of ecosystems.

What We Offer

Our MPH Program prepares students in the Infectious Disease Epidemiology concentration to address both established and emerging infectious diseases that have local, national, and global impact on public health. Through coursework and engaged projects our students learn to:

Integrate the general principles of infectious disease epidemiology and biology to explain infectious disease events and programs
Critically assess different epidemiological and statistical methodologies and assessment techniques used in infectious disease events, research, and programs
Interpret how different environmental and socioeconomic systems impact infectious disease epidemiology
Critique methods of infectious disease prevention, detection, and control
Demonstrate the emergent leadership skills of a public health epidemiologist

Infectious Disease Epidemiology Curriculum

In addition to the MPH core curriculum, Infectious Disease Epidemiology students will take the following concentration-specific courses:

Infectious Disease and Health

VTPEH 6111, 3 credits, Fall

This lecture-based course covers the infectious agents important for public health, including the major viral, bacterial and parasitic agents in health and disease for humans, and involved in zoonosis from animals. The focus is on the biology of the agent in the context of its transmission and possible countermeasures. One day per week includes a case-based section with a focus on small group and applied learning. Subjects under discussion cover the infectious agents important for public health, including the major viral, bacterial and parasitic agents in health and disease for humans, and involved in zoonosis from animals.

Advanced Epidemiologic Methods

VTPEH 6113, 3 credits, Spring

The overarching goals of this course are to (1) fully describe theoretical epidemiologic concepts considered in statistical analysis, (2) introduce students to more advanced statistical methods commonly used in the analysis of epidemiologic data, and (3) illustrate the application of these methods to analyze various types of data.

Pandemic Prevention Preparedness & Response

VTPEH 6115, 3 credits, Fall

This course provides knowledge and skills to prevent, prepare for, and respond to pandemics. It explores zoonotic pathogens in wildlife, spillover dynamics, and pathogens spread through human populations. Students learn advanced epidemiological modeling and develop integrated strategies using the One Health framework.

Infectious Disease Epidemiology Applications

VTPEH 6116, 3 credits, Spring

This course pushes students to apply the tenets of infectious disease epidemiology to demonstrate proficiency in the core functions and essential services of public health. Students will explore real-world infectious disease challenges, and apply tools and strategies to explore risks and disparities, understand needs and opportunities, and propose reasonable and feasible solutions.

MPH alumni Lauren Singh (left) and Xiyu Wang (right)

Diverse Career Pathways

Infectious Disease Epidemiology graduate

Graduates of the Infectious Disease Epidemiology concentration build careers as epidemiologists, biostatisticians, consultants, analysts, project managers, and more. Some of our graduates help to tackle infectious diseases such as COVID-19 and tuberculosis, while some use their skills to address other complex public health, clinical, and healthcare problems.

In the US, our alumni take on roles with government agencies and research centers at local, state, and federal levels, including the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, NASA’s Lifetime Surveillance of Astronaut Health Program, the Texas Department of State Health Services, and Weill Cornell Medicine Center for Global Health. Others work in healthcare consulting with companies such as Deloitte and Boston Healthcare Associates.

Infectious Disease Epidemiology graduates also work for corporations and NGOs around the world, applying a range of public health skills from systems thinking to cultural competence in roles such as Health Equity Analyst for an international stock brokerage firm, Project Manager for an African start-up company focused on food security, and Health Officer for the International Federation of Red Cross in East Asia.

While most of our graduates immediately enter the workforce, approximately 25% go on to pursue additional degrees, such as an MD or PhD in Epidemiology.