Membership Categories

Individuals who are interested in joining the American College of Epidemiology can apply for admission into one of the following categories:

I.  Associate Member status is open to current students in any health sciences, public health, or epidemiology program. This will include those at the bachelors, masters, doctoral and post-graduate trainee level. The American College of Epidemiology welcomes students who wish to achieve advanced education and pursue a career in epidemiology, and to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the College.  Associate Member dues are purposely low to recognize that students may not be able to cover the cost of a regular membership, representing the investment that the College is making in cultivating the next generation of epidemiologists. Individuals who enjoy full-time employment are not eligible for Associate Member status and should apply for admission to Affiliate status if they do not meet the minimum criteria for admission to Member status.

II. Affiliate Member status is open to individuals who practice epidemiology in any capacity but may not meet the minimum criteria for admission to Member status.  The American College of Epidemiology encourages all professionals who practice epidemiology or are interested in the discipline to be engaged even if they do not possess all credentials necessary to be recognized as Members. The College is committed to providing guidance and promoting educational and career advancement opportunities that may allow Affiliate Members to qualify for promotion to Member status. 

III. Member status will be considered for individuals who have received advanced education in epidemiology or a related field and practice epidemiology in their current occupation. It is a recognition that the professional output of these individuals is likely to advance the field of epidemiology in academia, government, industry, or the community at large. The active engagement of a diverse ACE membership will contribute a breath of knowledge and experiences that will benefit the College. Members have the privilege to add the MACE (Member of the American College of Epidemiology) acronym after their academic titles. Members are encouraged to pursue excellence and gain the experience and recognition that warrants promotion to Fellow.

IV. Fellow status is reserved for individuals who have distinguished themselves for significant and sustained contributions to the profession of epidemiology through research or leadership in the practice of epidemiology. It is a recognition that the professional output of these individuals has advanced the field of epidemiology in academia, government, industry, or the community at large, and that their work and accomplishments should serve as an example for the entire membership.  Fellows have the privilege to add the FACE (Fellow of the American College of Epidemiology) acronym after their academic titles. Fellows are expected to be actively engaged in the College and contribute to the activities of the ACE committees, mentor junior members of the College, and serve as elected volunteer leaders of the College.

V. Emeritus status is granted on request to any Member or Fellow in good standing who reaches their 60th birthday and has retired from active professional work. Fellows or Members Emeriti are encouraged to maintain active engagement in the College and contribute to the activities of the ACE committees, mentor junior members of the College, and serve as volunteer leaders of the College.

Admission and Promotion Criteria

Applications for admission to the College or promotion to a higher-ranking membership category will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee and final admission will be determined by the Board of Directors. Admissions and Promotions are based on the following criteria:

  1. Education and training
  2. Professional experience and current employment
  3. Contributions to the field of Epidemiology
  4. Contributions to the American College of Epidemiology
  5. Letters of Recommendation