Top Colleges for Epidemiology?

Hey everyone, I'm really interested in epidemiology and I'm in the process of finding colleges with strong programs. Can you recommend some top colleges for epidemiology studies? I'd also appreciate any personal experiences or insights into these programs. Thanks!

While epidemiology is more commonly offered as a graduate degree, there are several colleges and universities that offer undergraduate programs in public health, global health, or biological sciences with an emphasis on epidemiology. Here are some top colleges to consider:

1. Johns Hopkins University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Public Health Studies and has a global reputation for expertise in public health and epidemiology. The program combines courses in the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities, and also offers fantastic research opportunities - many of the studies commonly cited during the Covid-19 pandemic were conducted by Johns Hopkins researchers.

2. Brown University offers a concentration in Public Health, which allows students to tailor their concentration in areas like Epidemiology. The program focuses on the social and environmental determinants of health and encourages internships and research experiences. Thanks to Brown's Open Curriculum, you'll also be able to explore any other epidemiology-related courses that pique your interest, whether in the sciences or more unconventional departments like anthropology or sociology.

3. University of California, Berkeley has an undergraduate program in Public Health which offers students the opportunity to delve into epidemiology through coursework and research.

4. Emory University offers a Bachelor of Science in Biology degree with an epidemiology-focused track. The program emphasizes real-world applications, and students can participate in research to get hands-on experience in the field, including at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which, like Emory, are located in Atlanta.

5. University of Washington offers a Bachelor of Science in Public Health-Global Health, which provides students with a comprehensive and interdisciplinary perspective on the field, including epidemiology. Seattle is also a worldwide medical hub, with renowned institutions like the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center.

6. Boston University offers a Bachelor of Science in Health Science, which includes courses in Epidemiology. The program has a focus on quantitative methods and data analysis, and Boston is another medically significant city. BU also has three study abroad programs specifically designed for Health Science students, in case you want to take your interests global.

Aside from undergraduate programs, it's important to note that most professionals in the field hold graduate degrees in epidemiology. So, your path may involve an undergraduate major in a related field such as biology, public health, or global health to provide you with a strong foundation, before an epidemiology-specific graduate program in the future.

When exploring these programs, reach out to current students or alumni to get insights into the curriculum and research opportunities. Additionally, keep in mind the importance of internships and real-world experiences in helping build your expertise in the field.

Finally, if you're looking for ways to pursue your passions while still in high school, and also boost your chances of getting into one of these excellent programs, check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which lists a range of medical internships and summer programs for high school students: https://blog.collegevine.com/medical-internships-for-high-school-students/. Admissions officers love to see that you're taking initiative and pursuing your interests outside the classroom!