Education · 1 of 5

The path

A science bachelor's then a public health master's. Six years, and you are paid from the first job.

1. 1

   High school diploma

   Grade 12

   Biology, statistics and as much math as your school offers. A computer class is worth more here than in most health careers.

2. 2

   Bachelor's degree

   4 years

   Biology, statistics, public health, mathematics or nursing all work. Get research experience with a professor, even unpaid, because it is what admissions committees look for.

3. 3

   Master of public health in epidemiology

   2 years

   Two years covering study design, biostatistics and data analysis, plus a supervised practice placement. Choose a school accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health.

4. 4

   First job

   Hired on

   Health department, hospital or research group. You will spend it cleaning and analyzing data, which is the real craft.

5. 5

   Optional doctorate or fellowship

   2 to 5 years

   A doctorate for research leadership, or a federal field fellowship for hands-on outbreak work.