University of Michigan

What you'll study

This doctoral programme is grounded in rigorous epidemiologic and biostatistical training and is organised around independent research, advanced coursework and practical experience. Students typically complete core courses in epidemiologic methods and causal inference, advanced biostatistics and study design, and specialist modules relevant to veterinary epidemiology.

• Core topics: advanced epidemiologic methods, longitudinal data analysis, survival analysis, causal inference and study design.
• Quantitative and computational methods: multilevel modelling, spatial and spatio-temporal analysis, mathematical modelling of infectious diseases, phylogenetics and genomic epidemiology, and programming for reproducible research (R, Python).
• Veterinary and One Health topics: zoonotic disease transmission, veterinary public health, animal population health management, surveillance systems for animal and human health, risk assessment and control strategies, and food safety epidemiology.
• Applied and interdisciplinary topics: outbreak investigation and field epidemiology, environmental drivers of disease, social and behavioural determinants, policy evaluation and implementation science.
• Research preparation: seminars in responsible conduct of research and ethics, grant-writing workshops, teaching practicum and preparation for oral qualifying examinations leading to dissertation research.

Programme structure emphasises early identification of a dissertation advisor, development of a dissertation proposal, completion of required coursework and passing of qualifying and comprehensive exams. Students engage with cross-disciplinary collaborators across medicine, environmental science and public policy and often undertake fieldwork and partnerships with public health agencies.

Entry requirements

Successful applicants normally hold a relevant master's degree or a professional degree (for example DVM, DPH, MPH, MSc, or equivalent) with strong academic performance. Exceptional applicants with a strong bachelor’s degree and substantial research experience may also be considered. Typical expectations include:

• A solid background in quantitative methods (courses or experience in statistics, epidemiology or related areas).
• Research experience demonstrated through a thesis, publications, technical reports or relevant employment—experience in infectious disease, veterinary public health, surveillance or One Health projects is advantageous.
• A clear statement of research interests that aligns with faculty expertise in epidemiology, infectious disease modelling, zoonoses or related areas.
• Three letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees who can speak to the applicant’s research potential.
• Proof of English language proficiency where required by university regulations.

The admissions committee evaluates fit with available faculty mentors and research resources; prospective applicants are encouraged to contact faculty whose research aligns with their interests before applying.

Career prospects

Graduates of this PhD track go on to careers in academic research and teaching, leadership roles in governmental public health agencies and veterinary public health services, and positions in international organisations and non-governmental organisations focused on zoonotic disease control, food safety and outbreak response. Common career paths include:

• Academic researcher or faculty member in epidemiology, veterinary public health or One Health.
• Research scientist or epidemiologist in national public health agencies, veterinary services or regulatory bodies.
• Technical specialist or adviser in international organisations and multilateral agencies addressing zoonoses, pandemic preparedness and foodborne disease.
• Biostatistician, modeler or surveillance analyst in research institutes, governmental labs or the private sector (vaccine and pharmaceutical companies, biotech).
• Policy analyst, programme evaluator or consultant working at the interface of human, animal and environmental health.

Why study at University of Michigan

The University of Michigan’s School of Public Health offers a strong Department of Epidemiology with a large, interdisciplinary research community and access to extensive resources across the university. Students benefit from collaboration opportunities with medical schools, public health departments, environmental science units and external partners in state and federal agencies. The campus environment supports intensive methodological training, high-quality mentorship, and access to data and field sites for One Health and veterinary-focused research.

Additionally, doctoral students gain teaching experience, professional development workshops and support for grant writing and career placement. The programme’s emphasis on cross-disciplinary collaboration and applied research prepares graduates to address complex, real-world problems at the intersection of animal, human and environmental health.