It typically takes around 4-7 years of education and training to become an epidemiologist.
A minimum of a Master’s degree in public health, epidemiology or a related field is generally required to enter the field. This typically takes 2-3 years to complete, following a bachelor’s degree. However, many employers prefer or require a Doctoral degree (PhD) in epidemiology, which can take an additional 3-4 years of study and research.
Additionally, after completing their education, Epidemiologists may go through a period of supervised practice or on-the-job training before becoming fully independent professionals in the field.
It is worth noting that the exact amount of time it takes to become an epidemiologist can vary depending on factors such as the specific program of study, the individual’s prior experience, and the type of job they hope to obtain.