The CDC Steven M. Teutsch Prevention Effectiveness (PE) Fellowship is a highly competitive, paid public health fellowship offered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States. The Prevention Effectiveness Fellowship is designed to train doctoral-level professionals in applied public health research, economic evaluation, analytics, and decision science to support evidence-based prevention strategies.
The Prevention Effectiveness Fellowship has a long-standing reputation for producing public health leaders who contribute directly to CDC programs, policy formulation, and emergency response efforts. Through rigorous, competency-based training and real-world assignments, fellows in the CDC Steven M. Teutsch Prevention Effectiveness Fellowship gain advanced expertise while serving critical public health needs.
Introduction and Background: CDC Prevention Effectiveness Fellowship
The CDC Steven M. Teutsch Prevention Effectiveness Fellowship is a two-year, full-time fellowship program housed within the CDC. The fellowship builds applied expertise in public health economics, analytics, modeling, and policy evaluation. It leverages the multidisciplinary decision science community at CDC and focuses on rigorous methodological training combined with hands-on public health service.
Each year, the Prevention Effectiveness Fellowship selects approximately 20 fellows, divided between two tracks:
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Traditional Track
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Analytics and Modeling Track
Most fellows are placed at CDC headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, although some assignments may take place in other states or at partner public health agencies. Fellows work as full-time equivalent (FTE) CDC employees and contribute directly to public health research, evaluation, and response activities.
Fellowship Tracks and Areas of Focus
The CDC Prevention Effectiveness Fellowship offers two distinct but complementary tracks:
Traditional Track
The Traditional Track focuses on economic evaluation, health services research, policy analysis, and public health decision science. Fellows apply quantitative methods to evaluate prevention strategies, assess program effectiveness, and support evidence-based policymaking.
Analytics and Modeling Track
The Analytics and Modeling Track emphasizes infectious disease modeling, advanced analytics, data science, and computational modeling. Fellows in this track make substantial contributions to CDC models through coding, calibration, validation, and data-driven analysis.
Eligibility Criteria for the CDC Prevention Effectiveness Fellowship
Applicants to the CDC Steven M. Teutsch Prevention Effectiveness Fellowship must meet strict eligibility requirements related to education, citizenship, and relocation.
Degree Requirements
All applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree, with all degree requirements completed before the start of the fellowship.
Traditional Track – Eligible Degrees
Applicants to the Traditional Track must hold a PhD (or equivalent) in one of the following fields:
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Economics
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Agricultural Economics
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Health Services Research
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Public Health
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Other related quantitative fields
Analytics and Modeling Track – Eligible Degrees
Applicants to the Analytics and Modeling Track must hold a PhD (or equivalent) in one of the following fields:
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Epidemiology
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Infectious Disease Modeling
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Disease Ecology
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Applied Mathematics
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Operations Research or Industrial Engineering
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Biological Science
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Data Science
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Evolutionary or Analytic Biology
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Other related quantitative fields
Applicants whose degrees were obtained outside the United States must provide:
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Academic credentialing evaluation showing equivalency to U.S. degrees
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Degree documentation translated into English
Citizenship and Work Authorization
Applicants must belong to one of the following categories:
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U.S. Citizens
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U.S. Permanent Residents
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F-1 visa holders
F-1 visa holders must, before the program start date, have:
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Optional Practical Training (OPT)
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Employment Authorization Document (EAD) valid for the entire first year
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STEM eligibility
All applicants must verify that they are not citizens of countries designated as State Sponsors of Terrorism by the U.S. Department of State.
Relocation Requirement
Most fellowship assignments are located at CDC headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. Some placements may occur in other states or public health agencies. Fellows must be willing to relocate to the physical workplace, and relocation costs are the responsibility of the selectee.
Program Structure and Duration
The CDC Prevention Effectiveness Fellowship is a two-year, full-time program beginning in August 2026 for the Class of 2026.
Fellows participate as full-time equivalent (FTE) employees and are expected to commit fully to the program’s training, performance requirements, and service responsibilities throughout the fellowship period.
Salary and Benefits
The Prevention Effectiveness Fellowship is a paid fellowship with competitive federal compensation.
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Fellows are paid at General Schedule (GS) 12, Step 3
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Fellows receive federal employee benefits, including:
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Medical insurance
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Leave benefits
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Fellows may be eligible for a salary increase after the first year, based on performance and written recommendations from management officials.
What Fellows Do: Roles and Responsibilities
The CDC Prevention Effectiveness Fellowship is a competency-based program combining research, applied analysis, and professional development.
Core Performance Requirements
During the two-year fellowship, fellows must complete the following:
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Develop two manuscripts suitable for publication
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Develop and deliver two professional presentations, with at least one peer-reviewed
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Develop and deliver two methods-based trainings
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Attend required didactic trainings
Fellows in the Analytics and Modeling Track are required to make additional substantive contributions to CDC models, including coding, updating inputs, calibration, and validation.
Competency Domains
Traditional Track Competencies
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Public Health Science and Practice
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Analytics and Assessment
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Policy Evaluation and Communication
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Interpersonal and Professional Communication
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Foundations of Leadership
Analytics and Modeling Track Competencies
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Public Health Science and Practice
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Data Management for Modeling
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Model Construction and Analysis
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Interpretation and Presentation of Results
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Interpersonal and Professional Communication
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Foundations of Leadership
Didactic and Professional Training
Fellows receive structured training through seminars, workshops, and applied learning, including:
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Software training (R, Python, NetLogo, Matlab, TreeAge)
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Seminars in Advanced Econometrics
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Seminars in Modeling Methods
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Data Visualization
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Machine Learning in Public Health
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Program and Project Management
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Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
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Microsimulation
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Additional non-CDC trainings
Public Health Service and Impact
Fellows in the CDC Prevention Effectiveness Fellowship contribute to studies assessing the effectiveness of prevention strategies. Their work informs CDC leadership, Congress, and non-governmental organizations to improve public health programs.
Fellows may also be deployed to support public health emergency responses, including outbreaks such as:
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COVID-19
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Monkeypox
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Zika
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Ebola
Application Preparation and Required Materials
Applicants are advised to prepare application materials well in advance of the deadline.
Required Preparation Steps
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Updated CV or resume
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Complete education and training history
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Work and volunteer experience
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Publications, presentations, and grants
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Personal statement
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Three to five professional recommendations
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Unofficial transcripts
Personal Statement Requirements
Applicants must address questions related to:
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Motivation for public health service
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Career goals
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Use of analytic methods
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Interest in CDC and the fellowship track
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Experience with data management and statistical software
Recommendations
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Minimum of three recommendations (maximum of five)
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At least two must be from non-CDC employees
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All recommendations must be submitted by the application deadline
Important Dates and Deadlines
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Application opens: September 2, 2025 (8:00 a.m. ET)
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Application closes: January 9, 2026 (11:59 p.m. ET)
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Interviews: February – March 2026
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Degree verification due: July 24, 2026
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Fellowship begins: August 10, 2026
The CDC Steven M. Teutsch Prevention Effectiveness Fellowship is a prestigious, paid public health fellowship that prepares doctoral-level professionals for impactful careers in public health research, analytics, and policy. Through rigorous training, applied service, and direct contribution to CDC programs, the Prevention Effectiveness Fellowshipequips fellows with the skills and experience needed to advance evidence-based public health decision-making in the United States and beyond.