Georgetown University

What you'll study

This PhD pathway combines advanced laboratory science, epidemiology, and community-based research methods to train independent investigators in the control and prevention of infectious diseases prevalent in tropical and resource-limited settings. Program components typically include:

• Core research training: design and execution of independent research projects under the supervision of faculty; regular progress seminars and dissertation work.
• Infectious disease biology: molecular parasitology, bacteriology and virology techniques relevant to tropical pathogens, pathogen–host interactions and mechanisms of disease.
• Epidemiology and biostatistics: study design, outbreak investigation, applied biostatistics, modelling of transmission dynamics and methods for analysing longitudinal and clustered data.
• Field and implementation methods: field diagnostics, surveillance systems, implementation science, cluster-randomised trials and operational research in low-resource settings.
• Public-health policy and ethics: global health policy, programme evaluation, health systems strengthening and ethical issues in international research and clinical trials.
• Laboratory skills and technologies: molecular diagnostics, genomic and bioinformatic approaches, immunological assays and quality-assurance in field laboratories.
• Professional development: grant writing, science communication, teaching experience and interdisciplinary collaboration across clinical and social science disciplines.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant master's degree or equivalent research experience in a biomedical, public-health or quantitative discipline. Typical application materials include a detailed research statement or proposal, academic transcripts, a curriculum vitae, and at least two academic references. Evidence of prior research experience — such as publications, laboratory work or fieldwork — strengthens an application. English-language proficiency proof may be required for applicants whose first language is not English. Admissions committees look for demonstrated capacity for independent research, clarity of research interests, and alignment with a potential supervisor's expertise.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for careers across academic, government, non-profit and private sectors. Common career paths include:

• Academic research and teaching positions in universities and research institutes focused on infectious disease, global health and epidemiology.
• Roles in international health organisations and multilateral agencies (for example, programme design, surveillance and technical leadership).
• Public-health leadership in national ministries of health and public-health agencies, including outbreak response and control programmes.
• Employment in non-governmental organisations and humanitarian agencies implementing disease-control and health-systems interventions.
• Research and development or scientific roles in pharmaceutical, diagnostics and biotechnology companies working on vaccines, treatments and diagnostic tools for neglected and emerging infectious diseases.
• Positions in policy institutes and think-tanks advising on health security, pandemic preparedness and global health policy.

Why study at Georgetown University

Georgetown offers an interdisciplinary research environment and strong links to policy and practice owing to its location in Washington, DC. Students benefit from access to a broad range of research centres, cross-disciplinary faculty in clinical medicine, epidemiology and social sciences, and opportunities to engage with federal health agencies, international organisations and non-governmental partners. The university emphasises translational research and mentorship, enabling doctoral candidates to develop rigorous laboratory and field skills while shaping research that informs policy and programme implementation. Structured professional-development activities and teaching opportunities further prepare graduates for leadership roles in global health.