University of Chicago

What you'll study

This PhD combines core public health training with specialised coursework and research in veterinary epidemiology, disease ecology and One Health. Students undertake advanced modules in epidemiologic methods and study design, biostatistics and data analysis, infectious disease dynamics, and pathogen ecology. Specialized subject areas typically include surveillance systems and field epidemiology, spatial and infectious disease modelling, molecular and genomic epidemiology, animal population health, risk assessment, and the human–animal–environment interface.

The programme structure includes an initial period of taught coursework to build a strong foundation in quantitative methods and public health theory, supervised research rotations or apprenticeship with faculty, a qualifying/doctoral comprehensive examination, and completion of an original doctoral dissertation. Practical training options often involve field placements, collaboration with veterinary public health agencies, laboratory projects linking genomic data to epidemiology, and multidisciplinary projects that draw on ecology, statistics and policy analysis.

• Core modules: Epidemiologic methods, Advanced biostatistics, Research design and causal inference.
• Specialist modules: Veterinary epidemiology, Zoonoses and One Health, Spatial epidemiology and GIS, Infectious disease modelling, Surveillance and outbreak investigation.
• Research training: Laboratory methods for molecular epidemiology, pathogen genomics, field study design, and data science for large-scale health datasets.
• Professional development: Science communication, ethics in public health research, grant writing and teaching experience.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a strong undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline (for example veterinary science, biology, ecology, epidemiology, statistics, mathematics or a related quantitative field). Many successful candidates also hold a master’s degree or have equivalent research experience. A demonstrable quantitative background — coursework in statistics, calculus or computational methods — and prior research experience (laboratory, field or analytical) are advantageous.

Typical application materials include academic transcripts, a research statement outlining proposed interests in veterinary epidemiology or One Health, a curriculum vitae, two or three academic references, and samples of previous research or publications where available. International applicants must meet the University’s English language requirements. Applicants should check the programme’s admissions pages for any additional documentation or prerequisite coursework.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue careers across academia, government, international organisations and industry. Common pathways include roles as university researchers and faculty in epidemiology, ecology or veterinary public health; epidemiologists and analysts in national public health agencies or veterinary services; technical advisors for international agencies dealing with zoonoses and animal health; and scientists in pharmaceutical or biotech companies focusing on infectious diseases and vaccines.

Other opportunities include positions in non-governmental organisations and policy units working on One Health planning, risk assessment and outbreak response; consultancy in disease surveillance and preparedness; and leadership roles in public health laboratories and diagnostic services. The programme’s quantitative and interdisciplinary training also equips graduates for careers in data science, modelling teams and interdisciplinary research centres tackling emerging infectious disease challenges.

Why study at University of Chicago

The University of Chicago offers a rigorous, research-intensive environment with strong quantitative training and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students benefit from faculty expertise across epidemiology, ecology, statistics and genomics, and from connections to institutional resources such as computational centres and cross-disciplinary research units. The university’s emphasis on methodological rigour and critical inquiry is a strength for students addressing complex One Health questions.

Proximity to a major urban public health ecosystem, opportunities for collaborative projects with public and veterinary health agencies, and access to field and laboratory partners support applied research and translational impact. Doctoral students receive close mentorship from faculty and engage with a diverse community of researchers tackling contemporary challenges in zoonotic disease, surveillance and public health policy.