Informatics and Data Science Workforce Programs
CDC’s Informatics and Data Science Workforce Development (IDSWD) programs described on this page are a part of efforts in the Division of Scientific Education and Professional Development to provide a learning landscape for fellows to develop the skills needed to transform data and information systems. CDC relies on fellows in these programs for knowledge and actionable insights to protect and promote the public’s health. CDC and its national partner organizations offer several informatics and data science learning opportunities that are available for individual learners as well as teams—in either a federal environment or at the local level.
The IDSWD programs advance CDC’s core capability of world-class data and analytics and are in place to directly support CDC’s Data Modernization Initiative (DMI). This initiative is not solely centered on technology, but it also focuses on putting the right people, processes, and policies in place to deliver real-time, high-quality information on both infectious and non-infectious threats.
Fellows in CDC’s PHIFP are data detectives—over the course of the 2-year program, they help CDC, other federal agencies, state and local health departments, and international public health organizations investigate and solve complex public health informatics challenges.
The PE Fellowship is a 2-year post-doctoral research fellowship that fills a critical need to demonstrate the value of prevention. Fellows strengthen CDC’s ability to assess the effectiveness and value of public health interventions and evidence-based decision-making. The goal of this fellowship is to ensure there are well-trained health economists with expertise in policy analysis and skills to consider economic issues in public health programs.
This modeling track is part of the CDC Steven M. Teutsch Prevention Effectiveness (PE) Fellowship. Fellows in this 2-year track work with CDC programs to employ modeling and analytical approaches to understand existing or emerging diseases, public health strategies, and emergency response activities. Fellows also ensure that science guides action to protect people from health, safety, and security threats.
CDC, in collaboration with the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists, offers the DSTT program for health departments. DSTT is a team-based, on-the job training program designed to promote data science upskilling at state, territorial, local, and tribal public health agencies. Learners in this 12-month program work collaboratively on projects that address current data modernization needs within their agencies.
CDC, in collaboration with the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists, offers APHIF for health departments. APHIF is a 2-year fellowship for recent graduates designed to develop their public health informatics and data science skills through training programs in public health practice. Fellows work closely with informaticians, epidemiologists, and public health practitioners at the state, territorial, local and tribal level, as well collaborating with CDC.
DSU is a 10-month, project-driven program that offers internal CDC staff a team-based foundation in data science. Learners can access a wide variety of data science courses, attend technical bootcamps, and receive tailored mentoring from coaches. Teams develop and apply their new skills by working on projects that address the nation’s most pressing health priorities. Reach out to DSU@cdc.gov for questions.