Epidemiologist
Epidemiologist are scientists who study patterns of disease occurrence in populations and ways to prevent or control disease. For example, an epidemiologist may conduct research on factors associated with birth defects or on the effectiveness of certain cancer treatments. Epidemiologist provide the scientific data to help governments, health agencies, health care providers and communities deal with epidemics and health issues.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Epidemiologist work at universities, research institutions, state and federal health agencies, major health organizations and large corporations.

HIGH SCHOOL PREPARATION
General college preparation is recommended: Three courses in math including algebra I, algebra II and geometry, or a higher level math course for which algebra II is a prerequisite; three science courses including one biological science, one physical science and one lab course; four English units and two social studies units, including one in U.S. History; and two years of foreign language.

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
An excellent under-graduate preparation for a graduate program in this field would include a bachelor’s degree in the health sciences, mathematics, biological science, or behavioral science. A doctoral degree is usually required to be an epidemiologist, and some epidemiologists are MD's in addition to holding a master's degree in epidemiology.

AVERAGE STARTING SALARY
$40,000 - $100,000.