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What should I major in if I want to become an epidemiologist?

I'm a high school senior and I'm thinking of majoring in microbiology with a minor of statistics; would these be good choices if I want to eventually join the epidemiology field?
#majors #university #epidemiology #biology

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Gizem’s Answer

Hi Fabian!

I think both microbiology and statistics are very good choices to prepare for a career in epidemiology. Additionally, taking courses related to public health, health sciences, and social sciences would benefit your future career significantly. Statistics (especially biostatistics) will be a major part of your epidemiology studies so it will definitely help you a lot to have strong foundation in that area.

Best of luck in your studies!
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Akhil’s Answer

So it really depends on the university. Some are more strict than others on the prerequisites but you can earn your MPH from almost any angle as long as there's some biology, chemistry, statistics in the mix. I got in after a degree in industrial engineering and boy was it tough... at first! But with a will and an eagerness to learn, to put that extra time in, getting to know your professors and fellow students, you can grasp most of this stuff. The brain is pretty flexible I've found.. even an engineer can eventually grasp what the cytochrome p-450 system does in the centrilobular aspect of the liver..... (zzzzzzzz). The master's degree in general is all about devoting that extra time, reading material outside of your class textbook. With an MPH, you spend time in the medical library, the coroners office, pouring through text books in your professors office anything to get a better handle on the subject matter. So go out and make a productive nuisance of yourself.. engage in the pursuit of knowledge. There are times when you'll be lost if biochemistry wasn't your major, but when it comes to some of the statistics courses, the biochems, even the professors are coming to you. Hopefully, as they did in my case, we all realize that it becomes a team sport and you earn your grades together. It goes by really fast, .

Akhil recommends the following next steps:

Have that discussion early with the MPH department. Get involved in what they're doing for research, volunteer to help out. Don't be shy to if you're not a biochemistry major. Its all about being passionate about the science.
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Christine’s Answer

You seem to have a grasp on a possible academic plan. However I would suggest you make. An appointment with an academic counselor to did discuss academic options. There are tests that might confirm and/or explorer other career options. Good Luck!
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David’s Answer

My son is actually studying this field currently at UAB. His undergrad is on Public Health and his Master is on Epidemiology. He will be pursuing a PHD in Epidemiology. The field is heavy on science and statistics, but also logistics since you are looking to establish or in some cases improve supply chain (medicine, resources, food, etc.)
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Amy’s Answer

If you know you want to go into medicine, science, or biotechnology, you can't go wrong with statistics as a minor and biology or microbiology as a major. I would recommend, however, that you make room in your schedule for philosophy, ethics, or social sciences to create a well rounded undergraduate experience.
Thank you comment icon Thank you :) Fabian
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