The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, commonly referred to as the CDC, is a national public health organization in the U.S. It operates under the Department of Health and Human Services and focuses on the prevention and control of disease. Individuals who are interested in pursing a career in public health may ask what career options are available at the CDC for someone with a master’s in public health. Public health professionals play an essential part in supporting the mission of the CDC and there are a variety of career options for master’s degree holders in public health, such as public health advisors, epidemiologists, and epidemic intelligence service officers. In general, individuals with a master’s degree in public health are eligible for positions with the CDC at the GS-9 level.
Public Health Advisor
A public health advisor performs an array of duties, including disease intervention tasks, managing and assessing programs, and providing technical assistance to government organizations and related entities. Public health advisors work in various areas of the CDC, including environmental health, chronic diseases, infectious diseases, injury prevention and control, and sexually transmitted diseases. Many public health advisors are assigned to local and state health departments to aid in disease control. Public health advisors commonly experience moving around to various locations to provide assistance to communities. They are also called upon to provide assistance in public health or humanitarian crises. The average yearly salary for CDC public health advisors is around $77,000.
Epidemiologist
An epidemiologist working for the CDC creates research procedures and develops and conducts studies in both the U.S. and in other countries. He or she focuses on the social and medical characteristics of disease and study various public health problems, like unintentional injuries, tobacco use, obesity, environmental disease, and violence. An epidemiologist also concentrates on behavioral risk assessments and the unequal rates for disease and disability among minority populations. CDC epidemiologists respond to developing situations, such as emerging infections, terrorism, and natural disasters. Specific areas of the CDC that require epidemiologists include infectious diseases, HIV/AIDS, chronic diseases, environmental health, and maternal and child health. The mean annual pay for CDC epidemiologists is around $87,000. If this interests you, be sure to check out some of the best biostatistics masters programs online.
Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer
An epidemic intelligence service officer responds to requests for epidemiologic help around the country and the world. He or she engages in epidemiologic investigations and public health surveillance in the U.S. and other countries. Research is also a major part of the job for epidemic intelligence service officers as it is essential to gather information on the incidence of disease and help develop better ways to control it. Epidemic intelligence service officers help with outbreaks of diseases like meningitis. Epidemic intelligence service officers must complete a two-year post-graduate training program through the CDC. The average wage for epidemic intelligence service agents is around $80,000 per year.
Those wanting to make a difference in the field of public health and assist with the prevention and control of disease and other efforts will likely find a career with the CDC as rewarding and lucrative. A master’s degree in public health is a great first step to reaching the goal of working for the CDC.