What topics are typically covered in epidemiology courses?

Epidemiology courses cover a variety of topics essential for understanding the distribution and determinants of health and diseases in populations. These include the basics of epidemiologic methods, study design, and biostatistics . Learners will explore topics such as disease outbreak investigation, data collection and data analysis , and risk factor identification. Advanced courses might cover areas like molecular epidemiology, advanced biostatistical techniques , and epidemiology of chronic and infectious diseases. Practical exercises and case studies help learners apply these concepts to real-world public health scenarios, enhancing their ability to conduct research and inform public health policy.

How can I choose the right epidemiology course for my career goals?

Choosing the right epidemiology course depends on your current skill level and career aspirations. Beginners should look for courses that cover the basics of epidemiologic principles, study design, and introductory biostatistics . Those with some experience might benefit from intermediate courses focusing on advanced epidemiologic methods, data analysis techniques , and specific areas like infectious disease epidemiology. Advanced learners or professionals seeking specialized knowledge might consider courses on molecular epidemiology, advanced biostatistics, or preparing for roles in public health research or policy. Reviewing course content, instructor expertise, and learner feedback can help ensure the course aligns with your goals.

What career opportunities can I pursue with a certificate in epidemiology?

A certificate in epidemiology can open up various career opportunities in public health, healthcare, and research. Common roles include epidemiologist , public health analyst , research scientist, and biostatistician . These positions involve conducting epidemiologic research, analyzing health data, developing public health policies, and investigating disease outbreaks. With the growing importance of understanding and managing public health issues, earning a certificate in epidemiology can significantly enhance your career prospects and opportunities for advancement in fields such as government health agencies, academic institutions, non-profit organizations, and healthcare institutions.

Best Epidemiology Courses & Certificates [2025]

Explore the Epidemiology Course Catalog

Status: Free
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Epidemiology: The Basic Science of Public Health
Skills you'll gain: Epidemiology, Infectious Diseases, Research Design, Research Methodologies, Biostatistics, Science and Research, Health Care, Research, Statistical Analysis, Risk Analysis
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
4.8K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Johns Hopkins University
Epidemiology in Public Health Practice
Skills you'll gain: Epidemiology, Geographic Information Systems, Data Visualization Software, GIS Software, Health Systems, Infectious Diseases, Biostatistics, Risk Analysis, Investigation, Geospatial Mapping, Health Assessment, Event Monitoring, Continuous Monitoring, Health Care, Descriptive Analytics, Program Evaluation, Technical Communication, Preventative Care, Anomaly Detection, Media and Communications
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
4.4K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Imperial College London
Epidemiology for Public Health
Skills you'll gain: Epidemiology, Clinical Trials, Research Design, Clinical Research, Preventative Care, Biostatistics, Research Methodologies, Program Evaluation, Health Assessment, Scientific Methods, Medical Science and Research, Risk Analysis, Research, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Data Analysis
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.2K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Utrecht University
Clinical Epidemiology
Skills you'll gain: Epidemiology, Clinical Research, Medical Science and Research, Clinical Trials, Science and Research, Analytical Skills, Forecasting, Predictive Modeling, Analysis, Risk Analysis, Data Collection, Sample Size Determination
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
354 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Johns Hopkins University
Biostatistics in Public Health
Skills you'll gain: Biostatistics, Regression Analysis, Sampling (Statistics), Statistical Methods, Histogram, Box Plots, Statistical Visualization, Statistical Analysis, Epidemiology, Medical Science and Research, Descriptive Statistics, Statistical Inference, Probability Distribution, Scientific Methods, Data Analysis, Quantitative Research, Probability & Statistics, Advanced Analytics, Statistical Modeling, Predictive Modeling
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2.3K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
University of Colorado System
Genetic Epidemiology Foundations
Skills you'll gain: Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Statistical Analysis, Correlation Analysis, Data Quality, Data Analysis, Probability & Statistics, Statistical Methods, Regression Analysis, Data Validation
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
47 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Imperial College London
Study Designs in Epidemiology
Skills you'll gain: Clinical Trials, Research Design, Epidemiology, Clinical Research, Research Methodologies
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
598 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Johns Hopkins University
Essential Epidemiologic Tools for Public Health Practice
Skills you'll gain: Epidemiology, Geographic Information Systems, Data Visualization Software, GIS Software, Biostatistics, Geospatial Mapping, Infectious Diseases, Health Assessment, Risk Analysis, Demography
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
3K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Imperial College London
Measuring Disease in Epidemiology
Skills you'll gain: Epidemiology, Preventative Care, Program Evaluation, Health Assessment, Medical Science and Research, Risk Analysis, Research, Statistical Analysis
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
761 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Imperial College London
Statistical Analysis with R for Public Health
Skills you'll gain: Analytical Skills, Correlation Analysis, Regression Analysis, Sampling (Statistics), Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Statistical Analysis, Data Analysis, R Programming, Descriptive Statistics, Statistical Modeling, Quantitative Research, Exploratory Data Analysis, Probability & Statistics, Statistics, Statistical Methods, Data Wrangling, Biostatistics, Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, Probability Distribution, Predictive Modeling
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
2K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
The Pennsylvania State University
Epidemics - the Dynamics of Infectious Diseases
Skills you'll gain: Infectious Diseases, Epidemiology, Preventative Care, Health Care, Social Sciences, Medical Science and Research, Pharmaceuticals, Socioeconomics, Environmental Issue, Mathematical Modeling, Data Collection
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.6K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Imperial College London
Foundations in Virology and Vaccinology
Skills you'll gain: Infectious Diseases, Infection Control, Epidemiology, Life Sciences, Medical Science and Research, Pharmaceuticals, Biostatistics, Preventative Care, Health Systems, Clinical Research, Clinical Trials, Patient Safety, General Science and Research, Social Sciences, Risk Analysis, Taxonomy, Structural Analysis, General Medical Tests and Procedures, Research, Innovation
5
Rating, 5 out of 5 stars
47 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months