Infectious Disease and Global Health: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Prepared for a global health landscape shaped by emerging pathogens and complex public health challenges, this interdisciplinary program equips students with the analytical and scientific expertise needed to understand, prevent, and respond to infectious disease threats across populations and borders. By integrating biological sciences with social and behavioral insights, the curriculum fosters a comprehensive approach to tackling health crises that transcend national boundaries.
- Research Design and Evaluation: Develops skills in formulating scientific inquiries, selecting appropriate methodologies, and critically assessing data to inform public health decisions.
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology: Focuses on the patterns, determinants, and dynamics of disease spread within human and animal populations, enabling proactive outbreak response.
- International Health Policy and Management: Explores the frameworks, governance structures, and logistical systems that shape global health initiatives and health system resilience.
- Microbiology: Provides foundational knowledge of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, and their roles in health and disease.
- Microbial Genetics: Investigates genetic mechanisms underlying microbial adaptation, virulence, and transmission, with implications for diagnostics and therapeutics.
- Molecular Virology: Examines the structure, replication, and host interactions of viruses at the molecular level to support vaccine and antiviral development.
- Disease Mechanisms: Analyzes how pathogens invade, colonize, and disrupt host physiology to cause illness, informing targeted interventions.
- Antimicrobial Resistance: Addresses the growing challenge of drug-resistant infections through understanding resistance pathways and strategies for stewardship and innovation.
- Immunology: Explores the body’s defense systems against pathogens, emphasizing immune responses, vaccine development, and autoimmune implications.
- Bioterrorism: Prepares students to assess and respond to intentional biological threats through preparedness planning, surveillance, and emergency management protocols.
Infectious Disease and Global Health Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Infectious Disease and Global Health Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Infectious Disease and Global Health degrees, including Medical and Health Services Managers, Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists and Biological Scientists, All Other. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 793,310 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medical and Health Services Managers 11-9111 | $117,960 | $69,680 - $219,080 | 565,840 | $56.71 |
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists 19-1042 | $100,590 | $61,860 - $168,210 | 156,300 | $48.36 |
| Biological Scientists, All Other 19-1029 | $93,330 | $54,500 - $159,780 | 59,710 | $44.87 |
| Epidemiologists 19-1041 | $83,980 | $56,950 - $134,860 | 11,460 | $40.38 |
Infectious Disease and Global Health Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $70,570 in Mississippi to $120,088 in California—a 70% difference. The highest-paying states include California, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 793,310 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Infectious Disease and Global Health by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 9 institutions offering Infectious Disease and Global Health programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Infectious Disease and Global Health is found at Duke University (41 graduates), Tulane University of Louisiana (38 graduates), Harvard University (27 graduates), University of Michigan (U‑M), Ann Arbor (16 graduates), and Missouri State University, Springfield (15 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 162 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duke University |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
41 | Durham, North Carolina | Private | duke.edu |
| Tulane University of Louisiana |
Master's
|
38 | New Orleans, Louisiana | Private | tulane.edu |
| Harvard University |
Master's
|
27 | Cambridge, Massachusetts | Private | harvard.edu |
| University of Michigan (U‑M) |
Master's
Post-Master's
|
16 | Ann Arbor, Michigan | Public | umich.edu |
| Missouri State University |
Master's
|
15 | Springfield, Missouri | Public | missouristate.edu |
| George Washington University (GW) |
Master's
|
13 | Washington, District of Columbia | Private | gwu.edu |
| University of Cincinnati (UC) |
Master's
|
7 | Cincinnati, Ohio | Public | uc.edu |
| Vanderbilt University (VU) |
Master's
|
3 | Nashville, Tennessee | Private | vanderbilt.edu |
| Luther College |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Decorah, Iowa | Private | luther.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Infectious Disease and Global Health programs
How much can I earn with a Infectious Disease and Global Health degree?
Salaries for Infectious Disease and Global Health graduates vary by role and location. Medical and Health Services Managers earn a median of $117,960 annually, while Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists earn around $100,590. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $120,088 compared to $70,570 in Mississippi. Approximately 793,310 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Infectious Disease and Global Health programs?
Currently 9 accredited institutions offer Infectious Disease and Global Health degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Duke University (41 graduates), Tulane University of Louisiana (38 graduates), and Harvard University (27 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Infectious Disease and Global Health degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Medical and Health Services Managers, Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists, and Biological Scientists, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 793,310 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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