About
Why Study Infectious Diseases & Microbiology?
Advancing Disease Prevention
The spread of infectious diseases is rising, along with the risk of frequent pandemics. Pursuing a graduate degree in Infectious Disease and Microbiology (IDM) at Pitt offers you the chance to study at one of the few public health-accredited departments dedicated to this field. Our work drives increased life expectancies, global mortality reductions, and the eradication of many communicable diseases.
A high-quality IDM education prepares you to:
- Discover solutions for preventing, controlling, and eradicating diseases.
- Understand microbial pathogenesis at cellular and molecular levels to develop prevention and treatment methods.
- Create population-based health education for vulnerable communities facing health inequities.
Did You Know?
According to the CDC, infectious diseases are on the rise and spreading due to climate change. Milder winters, warmer summers, and fewer days of frost make it easier for them to expand into new geographic areas and infect more people. Due to this and other factors, there is an increasing demand for scientists and public health professionals.
Emerging infectious diseases, growing global travel, and antibiotic resistant strains are all contributing factors in the growth of IDM-focused employment.
Medical & Health Services Managers Employment Growth
Medical & Health Services Managers Employment Growth
Projected to experience faster than average employment growth (28%) over the period 2021–31.
Medical & Health Services Managers Job Openings
Medical & Health Services Managers Job Openings
Projected to see 136,200 job openings over the period 2021-31.
Post-secondary Health Specialties Employment Growth
Post-secondary Health Specialties Employment Growth
Projected to experience average employment growth (12%) over the period 2021-31.
Post-secondary Health Specialties Job Openings
Post-secondary Health Specialties Job Openings
Projected to see 159,400 job openings over the period 2021-31.
Microbiologists Employment Growth
Microbiologists Employment Growth
Projected to experience average employment growth (9%) over the period 2021-31.
Microbiologists Job Openings
Microbiologists Job Openings
Projected to see 1,900 job openings over the period 2021-31.
Degree Programs
Strategic Plan
Our strategic priorities drive impactful research, collaboration, and policy influence across key areas in public health, supported by strategies that enhance resilience and global impact.
Action Against Racial Disparities
We will support students, trainees, staff, and faculty of color and create an inclusive environment in which all members are respected and valued. We will incorporate this charge into the three domains of our department’s mission, namely, to advance training/education, research, and service.
