CSTE Applied Epidemiology Fellowship: $70,906 Stipend for U.S. Graduates – Apply by Jan 2026

The Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE), in collaboration with the CDC and ASPPH, has opened applications for the Applied Epidemiology Fellowship (AEF) Class 24. This is a premier 2-year on-the-job training program designed to prepare recent graduates for long-term careers in state and local public health.

Selected fellows are matched to a state or local health agency for two years of rigorous mentorship. This is a paid fellowship with a generous stipend ranging from $55,505 to $70,905 per year, depending on your degree level. If you are a recent MPH or Doctoral graduate looking to gain hands-on experience in outbreak investigation, surveillance, and data analysis, this is the gold standard of entry-level programs. The deadline to apply is January 16, 2026.

Fellowship Overview & Key Details

Program Areas: What Will You Work On?

Fellows can choose to specialize in various high-impact areas of public health. Your work will directly support the host agency's mission. Key program areas include:

• Infectious Diseases: General, Food Safety, Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI), and Quarantine.
• Chronic Disease: Epidemiology of long-term health conditions.
• Environmental Health: General and Waterborne Disease focus.
• Injury & Substance Abuse: Including specialized tracks for Injury-Drug Overdose.
• Maternal & Child Health (MCH)
• Occupational & Oral Health

Eligibility Criteria

This program is highly competitive and designed for those ready to enter the workforce. To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:

• Education: You must hold an MPH, MSPH, MS or an equivalent/advanced degree in a health-related field.
  • Recent Graduates: Degree received within the last 5 years.
  • Current Students: Must complete their final degree requirements by the end of the current academic year (typically June 2026).
• Coursework: You must have completed at least 4 graduate-level epidemiology courses and 1 graduate-level biostatistics course.
• Accreditation: Your qualifying degree must be from a CEPH-accredited institution.
• Citizenship: Open only to U.S. Citizens.

Financial & Professional Benefits

The CSTE Fellowship is a career accelerator. Competitive Stipend: A livable wage that allows you to focus entirely on your training. Mentorship: You are paired with two experienced mentors at your host site who guide your professional development. Training: Access to CSTE workshops, the annual conference, and specialized training sessions.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted online via the CSTE portal. You will need to prepare a comprehensive application packet, including:

1. Personal Statement: Detailing your career goals and interest in applied epidemiology.
2. Transcripts: Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions.
3. Three Letters of Recommendation: These should speak to your academic and professional capabilities.
4. Resume/CV: Highlighting relevant experience.

Official Application Link: Click Here to Apply for CSTE Fellowship