Education · 1 of 4
The path
A science or math degree, then a master's. A doctorate if you want to lead research.
- 1
High school
Grades 11 and 12
Biology, math and English. Data and statistics matter more than most people expect.
- 2
Bachelor's degree
4 years
Health sciences, biology, statistics, nursing or any science. Take at least one statistics course and keep your marks up: master's programs want a B or better.
- 3
Master's degree
1.5 to 2 years
An MPH (Master of Public Health) in epidemiology or a research master's. The University of Toronto's MPH runs 4 to 5 terms including summer, needs a mid-B average and a statistics course, and includes a 12 to 16 week practicum.
- 4
First job
Months
Public health units, provincial agencies, the Public Health Agency of Canada, hospitals and research institutes hire master's grads as epidemiologists or analysts.
- 5
Optional: doctorate or field training
2 to 6 years
A PhD to lead studies or become a professor. Or the federal field epidemiology program, a paid fellowship of about two years where you respond to real outbreaks.