Case Western Reserve University

What you'll study

This doctoral programme is centred on independent research supported by advanced coursework and practical training. Students typically combine foundational modules in infectious disease biology, epidemiology, biostatistics and environmental health with specialised topics such as vector-borne diseases, parasitology, pathogen genomics, vaccine development, health systems and implementation science.

• Core coursework: advanced epidemiology, infectious disease dynamics, biostatistical methods and research ethics.
• Specialist modules: tropical parasitology, vector ecology, microbial pathogenesis, molecular diagnostics and global health policy.
• Practical training: laboratory rotations, molecular and immunological techniques, bioinformatics, and fieldwork methods for surveillance and outbreak investigation.
• Professional skills: grant writing, scientific communication, project management and responsible conduct of research.
• Research dissertation: an original, peer‑reviewable research project supervised by faculty in the School of Medicine and, where appropriate, with international field partners.
• Seminars and teaching: attendance at departmental seminars, participation in journal clubs and opportunities to teach or mentor junior students.

The typical progression includes initial coursework and laboratory rotations, a qualifying examination to advance to candidacy, concentrated research and data collection (which may include overseas fieldwork), and completion and defence of a doctoral thesis.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a relevant master’s degree or a strong honours bachelor’s degree in medicine, biomedical sciences, public health, epidemiology, microbiology or a closely related field. Demonstrable research experience—such as a thesis, publications or laboratory/fieldwork experience—is highly desirable.

• Academic transcripts showing strong performance in relevant science or public health subjects.
• A research statement outlining proposed interests and how they align with faculty expertise; identification of potential supervisors strengthens an application.
• Curriculum vitae detailing research experience, technical skills and any fieldwork or clinical exposure.
• References: two or three academic or professional letters that can attest to research ability and preparedness for doctoral study.
• English language proficiency evidence for applicants whose first language is not English, in accordance with university requirements.

Standardised test requirements (for example the GRE) and specific eligibility expectations may vary by department; applicants should consult the School of Medicine doctoral admissions guidance and contact prospective supervisors to discuss fit and funding prospects.

Career prospects

Graduates of this programme go on to careers across academia, public health practice, policy and industry. Typical roles include:

• Academic researcher or principal investigator in universities and research institutes, leading laboratory or field-based programmes on tropical and neglected diseases.
• Public health scientist or epidemiologist in national ministries of health, international organisations such as WHO and regional public health agencies.
• Programme manager or technical advisor for NGOs and global health initiatives focused on disease control, surveillance and implementation research.
• Clinical research scientist or translational researcher in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies developing diagnostics, vaccines and therapeutics.
• Policy analyst or consultant working on health systems strengthening, outbreak preparedness and global health policy.

The mix of laboratory, quantitative and field skills provided by the PhD positions graduates to work on multidisciplinary teams addressing infectious disease threats in diverse settings.

Why study at Case Western Reserve University

Case Western Reserve University offers doctoral training within a medical school environment that emphasises interdisciplinary collaboration between basic science, clinical medicine and public health. The School of Medicine has established research programmes in infectious diseases, immunology and global health, and benefits from close partnerships with clinical and research institutions in the Cleveland area and international collaborators.

• Interdisciplinary faculty: access to supervisors across departments including medicine, microbiology, population and quantitative health sciences, and environmental health.
• Research infrastructure: well‑equipped laboratories, core facilities for genomics and imaging, and institutional support for bioinformatics and biostatistics.
• Global partnerships: established collaborations and field sites that facilitate applied research in tropical and resource-limited settings.
• Funding and professional development: opportunities for graduate fellowships, trainee grants, teaching experience and career development workshops.
• Location advantages: interaction with nearby clinical and research organisations that support translational projects and clinical collaborations.

Prospective students should review faculty research interests and contact potential supervisors early to identify projects and funding opportunities that align with their career goals.