University of Massachusetts Boston

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced coursework in epidemiology and biostatistics with specialised training in veterinary epidemiology, zoonotic disease ecology and One Health approaches. Early-stage requirements normally include core courses in epidemiologic methods, applied biostatistics, study design, and research ethics, followed by elective modules focused on infectious disease modelling, spatial epidemiology and surveillance systems.

• Core topics: advanced epidemiologic methods, longitudinal and multilevel analysis, causal inference, study design, research ethics.
• Veterinary/public health specialisms: zoonoses and cross-species transmission, animal population health, outbreak investigation in animal populations, surveillance design for animal and human health.
• Analytical skills: infectious disease modelling, spatial and temporal analysis, bioinformatics applications to pathogen data, modern statistical computing (R, SAS or similar).
• Professional preparation: grant-writing and research communication, teaching practicum or seminar teaching, interdisciplinary One Health frameworks and policy translation.

After completing coursework and passing a qualifying or comprehensive examination, students develop and defend a dissertation proposal and then pursue an original research project under faculty supervision. The doctoral dissertation is expected to make a substantive empirical or methodological contribution to veterinary epidemiology and public health.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant master’s degree (for example in public health, veterinary medicine, epidemiology, epidemiological science, or a closely related discipline) or demonstrate equivalent graduate-level training and research experience. Strong quantitative preparation and research experience working with epidemiologic or laboratory data are important.

• Academic transcripts demonstrating a competitive postgraduate record.
• A research statement outlining proposed interests in veterinary epidemiology, zoonoses, One Health or related areas.
• Curriculum vitae showing relevant research, field, laboratory or professional experience.
• Letters of recommendation (typically two or three) from academic or professional referees who can speak to research potential.
• Evidence of English language proficiency where required for international applicants.

Some applicants may be expected to demonstrate prior coursework in biostatistics, epidemiology or quantitative methods; others may be admitted with the condition of completing specified preparatory courses. GRE requirements vary and applicants should check programme guidance for current testing policies.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for research-oriented careers across academia, governmental public health agencies, veterinary public health services, international organisations and the private sector. Typical roles include university faculty and postdoctoral researcher positions, epidemiologist or surveillance scientist in national or state public health departments, veterinary epidemiologist with animal health agencies, research scientist in non-governmental organisations, and specialist consultant roles in One Health and zoonotic disease control.

Doctoral training also lends itself to leadership positions in designing and evaluating disease surveillance systems, advising policy on cross-species disease risks, and directing multidisciplinary research programmes that link animal, human and environmental health data.

Why study at University of Massachusetts Boston

The University of Massachusetts Boston offers doctoral training in a metropolitan research environment with faculty expertise across epidemiology, environmental health and quantitative methods. The programme emphasises interdisciplinary One Health perspectives and provides opportunities for collaborative research with public health agencies, veterinary services and community partners in the broader Boston and New England health ecosystem.

Students benefit from supervised, mentored research, access to applied research projects that address urban and regional health challenges, and training in communication and grant-writing to prepare for academic and applied research careers. The university’s location also facilitates networking with hospitals, state public health laboratories and research institutes for fieldwork placements and collaborative studies.