Exploring Non-Traditional Career Paths With an MPH in Epidemiology

Epidemiologists are hardworking professionals who play a pivotal part in addressing today's most urgent health concerns. The Master of Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology at Texas A&M advances this field by preparing passion-driven epidemiologists to positively influence this field (and others) through research-backed initiatives. No matter where or how they're employed, epidemiologists draw on a wealth of data to spark compelling, evidence-based solutions.

It is easy to assume that a master's in epidemiology would lead directly to a straightforward job title: epidemiologist. This is how public health professionals are often portrayed, after all. Through media exposure, we've come to assume that epidemiologists inevitably blend crisis response with hard-hitting, medical detective work — and that they are almost exclusively employed by major government agencies.

However, this field is incredibly versatile, as is the master's in public health epidemiology. This unique degree can provide valuable preparation for a wide range of career paths, including some that may not seem tied to epidemiology. Keep reading for a glimpse into these varied career opportunities.

The Typical Epidemiology Career Path

The public perception of epidemiology is inspiring yet narrow; when many people picture this practice, they automatically think of field epidemiologists, as portrayed in films such as Contagion.

This approach to epidemiology involves earning a master's degree and securing the job title of epidemiologist, perhaps employed by a research institution or government agency. Following a few years of experience in the field, this type of epidemiologist might advance into a senior-level role, perhaps referred to as a lead epidemiologist, senior epidemiologist, or epidemiology program director.

These roles are essential, but there are numerous other ways to leverage epidemiological research or expertise. In reality, there is no 'typical' epidemiology career path but rather a vast range of possibilities that allow professionals with epidemiology degrees to make a positive difference in their field or niche of choice.

The Importance of Non-Traditional Roles in Epidemiology

It can be challenging to define 'non-traditional' in the context of epidemiology. This could reference any role that diverges from the description offered above but is most likely to encompass corporate positions, consulting, or even working with the media.

To qualify as non-traditional, the role must deviate from prominent academic or public health settings, instead applying epidemiologic insights to interdisciplinary fields. These opportunities are also important because they further elevate the already strong epidemiology career outlook, providing plenty of avenues through which epidemiologists may apply their skills and expertise.

Why Consider Non-Traditional Careers With an MPH in Epidemiology?

There are numerous ways to thrive in the vast fields of public health and epidemiology, and while there is certainly a strong need for skilled field epidemiologists, other facets of this field must also be addressed. Non-traditional careers are worth exploring because they offer opportunities to influence everything from public health initiatives to public policy and even corporate efforts.

Beyond this, non-traditional career paths can promote personal and professional satisfaction, empowering MPH graduates to direct their own career journeys and leverage their distinct skills as they see fit. This introduces greater nuance when answering: Is epidemiology a good career?

Breadth of Skill Application

Non-traditional epidemiology careers provide unique opportunities to apply skills gained through MPH coursework, often in unexpected (but still impactful) ways. This, in turn, opens a world of fascinating career opportunities. Epidemiologists are skilled data analysts, and in today's data-driven world, such abilities command a great deal of attention and respect.

Epidemiologists may be sought in diverse fields, ranging from business intelligence to global trade, environmental management, and beyond. Within these fields are many purpose-driven opportunities that allow epidemiologists to make a positive difference.

Evolving Job Market

A rapidly changing job market drives new demands in response to new challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic provides the perfect example of this: It sparked a public health hiring spree while revealing the need to fill skill gaps with additional training so that even more epidemiologists can lend their insights across fields.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Epidemiology is a highly collaborative field. Regardless of specialization or job title, professionals with epidemiological training are well-poised to build powerful connections with a variety of industry experts. This can be one of the most compelling aspects of non-traditional roles — the chance to discover new perspectives and gain new insights along the way. Collaborative efforts can also extend the impact of epidemiology, driving connections with audiences or stakeholders that might otherwise seem out of reach.

Skill Sets That Make Epidemiologists Valuable in Non-Traditional Fields

Spanning multiple sectors and specialties, diverse epidemiology careers tackle different aspects of public health. These many areas share a core commonality: a need for skilled professionals who understand the nuances of epidemiology and feel comfortable working with (and disseminating) complex data. These and other crucial skills can be developed under the guidance of MPH faculty members, who expose epidemiology students to cutting-edge concepts while helping them develop these competencies:

Advanced Analytical Thinking and Statistical Tools. We live in a data-driven world, and while data has long been a key tool in epidemiological studies and initiatives, its reach has greatly expanded, offering exciting new opportunities for data-competent epidemiologists. Within the insurance industry, for instance, trained epidemiologists can analyze claims to identify patient trends. Meanwhile, marketing professionals draw on a wealth of user data to determine whether health-focused campaigns actually reach or impact targeted users.
Study Design and Evidence-Based Decision-Making. Study design brings a structured approach to revealing the complex interactions between behaviors (or environmental concerns) and health outcomes. Familiar examples include cohort and cross-sectional studies. In addition, these study designs are relevant in fields such as environmental health and even marketing, where they can uncover potential trends and help professionals navigate decision-making processes accordingly.
Systems-Level Perspective. While epidemiologists are detail-oriented professionals, they also maintain a broader, systems-level perspective. This helps them understand the big picture of public health issues and campaigns. Systems-level thinking is just as important in the vast world of philanthropy and even in supply chain management.
Clear Communication of Complex Findings. Epidemiologists break down complex insights to spark public understanding. This ability is widely appreciated, especially as, across many sectors, data visualization and data communication assume a key role in disseminating information.
Ethical and Regulatory Awareness. Epidemiology is shaped by a complex web of rules and regulations, designed to spark ethical and responsible research. Informed consent and confidentiality are critical as epidemiologists work with potentially sensitive health data — but these are increasingly regarded as priorities across several fields. Meanwhile, insights into HIPAA can serve epidemiologists well as they pursue career opportunities in the healthcare or insurance industries.

Non-Traditional Careers in Epidemiology

Spanning several career fields and types of organizations, epidemiology career paths are wonderfully diverse. While there are too many opportunities to cover in detail in this guide, we highlight a few of the most compelling options available with a master's in public health epidemiology:

Career Path #1: Tech and Data Analytics

Epidemiologists excel at interpreting complex information. In today's data-driven world, this ability is valued in nearly every field imaginable. Data analysts are in high demand, employing the power of data to fuel exciting innovations in healthcare, environmental science, finance, and information technology.

How Epidemiological Skills Fit

Describing the role of the modern data analyst, Monster career expert Vicki Salemi references tasks that look a lot like the typical epidemiology skill set: "You’re getting quantifiable data sources, you’re writing comprehensive reports, you’re analyzing data, identifying trends." Specifically, epidemiologists can draw on these skills to excel in data analytics:

Data Cleaning and Advanced Modeling. Epidemiologists bring much-needed organization to complex data sets. They are fully prepared to use advanced statistical models to uncover patterns that would otherwise remain hidden. No matter the situation or the scope of the data, they can use this information to produce actionable insights.
User Behavior Research. Adept at studying broad populations and their behaviors or outcomes, epidemiologists can analyze user behavior to identify complex trends and patterns. This skill is especially valuable in boosting user experience and product development.
Risk Assessment and Privacy. Epidemiologists use advanced risk assessment strategies to reveal how various health events might impact communities — and how likely these events are to occur. Similar risk assessments can be expected in fields such as occupational health, pharmaceuticals, and public policy. Epidemiologists can integrate ethical knowledge to promote privacy — a familiar pursuit given their extensive work with sensitive health information.

Examples of Initiatives

Though data analytics is closely tied to the tech industry, there are numerous ways to integrate robust data and advanced technologies with exciting, health-focused initiatives. Examples include:

Fitness Tracking Apps. Today's health-conscious individuals rely on mobile devices to help them adopt and maintain positive habits. Fitness tracking apps, in particular, provide a powerful source of motivation and accountability. Epidemiologists contribute to the development of these apps by offering research-backed recommendations and helping design features that promote user engagement so that individuals remain committed to reaching their fitness goals.
Social Media. Epidemiologists increasingly view social media as key tools for disseminating complex public health information, but it can be difficult to craft messages that resonate or to ensure that these messages reach intended audiences. Epidemiologists can use their analytics skills to shape social media campaigns that are data-driven as well as compelling to targeted users.

Career Path #2: Private Sector Consulting and Corporate Wellness

Few career pursuits match the flexibility, autonomy, and balanced approach of consulting. This is an ideal option for epidemiologists who feel driven to carve their own unique career path. Through consulting, these professionals can bring research-driven recommendations to a broad range of businesses, including those intent on implementing corporate wellness programs.

Skill Application

Epidemiologists can apply their diverse skills to bring powerful wellness initiatives to corporate communities. Their efforts promote strategic wellness programs and can lead to improved outcomes.

Population Health Metrics. Drawing on their disease surveillance expertise, epidemiologists assess the health and well-being of workplace communities to determine which conditions are most common — and how these health concerns impact both individual employees and entire organizations. Using these insights, epidemiologists can help companies tailor their wellness initiatives to reflect significant health concerns.
ROI on Wellness Investments. Epidemiologists understand the power of prevention, not only from a health impact but also as a vehicle for driving impressive cost savings. By revealing the long-term return on investment (ROI) of wellness programs, they encourage organizations to continue investing in the health and well-being of their workforce.
Crisis and Outbreak Management. Outbreaks can have a devastating impact on productivity, leading to immense losses as a result of downtime or disruptions. Epidemiologist-led corporate wellness efforts can determine how organizations respond to these crises, helping corporations identify emerging health threats and respond as proactively as possible. Meanwhile, preventative strategies can reduce the likelihood of future outbreaks or at least limit the spread of disease.

Corporate Wellness Initiatives

Corporate wellness is more than a buzzword. It reflects a growing appreciation for employee health and wellness. Many employers now recognize that healthy workers are more productive and more satisfied. Corporate wellness initiatives can have major implications for workplace culture and employee retention, but while employers appreciate these benefits, they often struggle to get initiatives off the ground.

Epidemiologists can help by identifying the barriers that impede corporate wellness. These insights can then form the basis for impactful wellness programs, designed to promote fitness, nutrition, and mental health.

Career Path #3: Global Health and Humanitarian Aid

Epidemiology is an inherently global field, and while epidemiologists of all types strive to develop far-reaching connections and understand global perspectives, some roles go above and beyond in terms of international outreach. Humanitarian campaigns, in particular, maintain a global focus, leveraging epidemiological insights to drive powerful, life-changing results for underserved communities.

Role of Epidemiological Analysis

Epidemiological analysis can support and empower a range of promising initiatives through advantages such as:

Outbreak Investigation. While outbreak investigations are often tied to state or federal agencies, these occur at a global level as well, with international communities collaborating to share critical insights. Epidemiologists are employed by — or collaborate with — respected authorities such as the World Health Organization (WHO), using field epidemiology skills to pinpoint the impact of emerging outbreaks and to help implement necessary interventions.
Program Impact Evaluation. A variety of humanitarian efforts promise to improve health and well-being on a global scale, but ongoing oversight is needed to ensure that these campaigns reach their full potential. Program impact evaluations reveal both exciting successes and concerning weaknesses, using both community feedback and data analysis to determine whether desired outcomes (such as improved access to healthcare services, for example) have been achieved.
Grant Writing and Reporting. As skilled communicators, epidemiologists can secure much-needed funding by crafting deeply compelling grant proposals. Humanitarian organizations rely on this funding to continue serving populations in need — and epidemiologists can help them obtain the resources they need to continue making a positive difference.

Examples of Impact

Epidemiologists have been the driving force behind some of the world's most inspiring health campaigns. Examples include:

Polio Eradication. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), which used coordinated vaccination campaigns to protect children (across the globe) against polio, which was once one of the world's most feared diseases. Epidemiologists played a central role in GPEI's efforts, helping to identify key areas of risk.
Emerging Disease Surveillance. The populations served by global health and humanitarian efforts are often the most vulnerable to emerging outbreaks. Epidemiologists provide a proactive response by revealing the earliest signs of trouble, often through the use of high-level surveillance systems. This can deliver early insights, helping organizations adjust their services to reflect evolving health concerns.

Career Path #4: Advocacy, Policy, and Media

Eager to drive lasting change through public policy, epidemiologists often act as advocates, using their research skills and persuasive communication styles to influence major decisions that could impact the public for years to come. Many draw on evidence-based insights to uncover health disparities and also demonstrate the importance of public health initiatives.

Policy and Legislative Roles

Often employed by think tanks or policy institutes, epidemiologists offer targeted insights into the potential (or current) impact of everything from safety guidelines to environmental regulations. In these roles, they not only provide the information needed to craft effective policies; they also offer ongoing monitoring to ensure that these policies actually make a positive difference.

Health Communication and Journalism

Epidemiologists play a powerful role in alerting the public to emerging health concerns or demonstrating how individuals can promote positive public health outcomes by adopting evidence-based practices related to hygiene, vaccination, or lifestyle. Their roles in health communication could involve social media, journalism, or broadcast media.

NGO and Lobbying Organizations

Non-governmental organizations can use epidemiological insights to develop programs that promise to meet the needs of various communities. As the U.S. Department of State points out, these organizations "develop and address new approaches to social and economic problems that governments cannot address alone." Epidemiologists may also work for lobbying organizations, leveraging research and data analysis to influence legislation as it relates to specific groups or causes.

Examples of Influence

Name a public policy concern, and there is almost certainly a viable path for epidemiologists to get involved. In general, however, these professionals are more likely to make their mark when proposed legislation strives to address factors that contribute to the spread of disease or other problematic outcomes.

Climate Health Advocacy. Epidemiologists recognize the impact of climate on health outcomes and may advocate for policies that address the climate-based determinants of health, such as air quality or vector-borne diseases.
Drug Policy Reform. Drawing on a growing body of research regarding the epidemiological manifestations of addiction, public health professionals may propose or advocate for legislation that emphasizes harm reduction.

Next Steps for a Career in Epidemiology

Do you feel drawn to the non-traditional opportunities highlighted above? Although your path may look a bit different from the 'typical' epidemiology career, your academic journey will look similar: pursuing a master's degree, getting involved in professional associations, and developing a targeted yet robust professional network.

Explore Degree Options

While many degree programs touch on key epidemiological skills and concepts, few offer focused coursework quite like the MPH in Epidemiology. This graduate-level program provides a thorough overview of concepts relevant to epidemiology: biostatistics, data management, and beyond. Take a close look at MPH specializations and electives to confirm that your degree aligns with your non-traditional career goals.

Internships and Electives

The MPH in Epidemiology offers a number of compelling electives, diving into the myriad of applications of epidemiological principles and practices. Feel free to explore options such as disaster epidemiology, global health epidemiology or cancer epidemiology, which leverages evidence-based solutions to show how it's possible to shape surveillance and interventions in these specific areas.

No matter your preferred specialization, practical experience will be crucial. Internships, in particular, allow you to apply foundational concepts in unique environments. This tailored understanding can empower you to make a difference in your field of choice.

Professional Engagement

Do not underestimate the value of professional affiliations to expand your network and expose you to non-traditional opportunities. The American Public Health Association (APHA), for example, is a top networking resource, offering the chance to connect with a wide range of passionate public health professionals. Other options worth exploring include the International Epidemiological Association (IEA) and the American College of Epidemiology (ACE).

Texas A&M’s MPH in Epidemiology

Ready to make your mark in the broad field of epidemiology? TAMU's online MPH in Epidemiology can set you on a positive career path, presenting opportunities to make a difference. Get in touch today to request more information.