Florida International University

What you'll study

This PhD programme combines advanced coursework, original research and practical fieldwork to develop expertise in the epidemiology, prevention and control of tropical and neglected diseases, as well as in environmental and occupational hygiene. Students usually complete core modules in research methods, epidemiology, biostatistics, and laboratory techniques, together with specialised topics such as vector-borne disease biology, parasitology, molecular diagnostics, immunology, One Health approaches and health systems for low-resource settings.

The programme structure commonly includes:

• Year 1–2: advanced coursework and laboratory rotations; seminars in current tropical medicine and hygiene research; qualifying examinations.
• Year 2–4+: dissertation research under the supervision of a faculty mentor, with emphasis on hypothesis-driven projects that may include laboratory experiments, field epidemiology, cohort or case–control studies, clinical research, or modelling.
• Practical components: supervised fieldwork in tropical or subtropical settings, laboratory method development, community-engaged research and teaching or mentoring responsibilities.

Students are expected to participate in regular research seminars and journal clubs, present findings at conferences, and prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication as part of the dissertation process.

Entry requirements

Successful applicants typically hold a relevant master’s degree (for example in public health, tropical medicine, biomedical sciences, epidemiology or a related discipline) or a strong honours/first degree with substantial research experience. A competitive application normally includes:

• A detailed curriculum vitae demonstrating research experience and technical skills (laboratory, field, or analytical).
• A research statement or personal statement outlining proposed research interests and fit with faculty expertise.
• Academic transcripts and at least two academic or professional references addressing research potential.
• Evidence of English language proficiency if English is not the applicant’s first language.

Prospective students are encouraged to identify potential faculty supervisors in advance and to contact them to discuss mutual research interests. Availability of funded positions or assistantships can influence admissions decisions.

Career prospects

Graduates from this field pursue a range of careers where deep knowledge of tropical disease biology, hygiene and public health is required. Common career directions include:

• Academic positions in universities and research institutes, leading laboratory or field research programmes.
• Roles in national and international public health agencies and organisations, including disease surveillance, outbreak response and programme evaluation.
• Scientific and leadership roles in non-governmental organisations and global health initiatives focused on tropical and neglected diseases.
• Positions in industry, such as clinical development, diagnostics, vaccine research, or public health consultancy.
• Policy advisory and public health leadership roles at local, regional or international levels.

Why study at Florida International University

Florida International University offers strategic advantages for research in hygiene and tropical medicine, including its location in Miami, which provides proximal access to Latin America and the Caribbean and to diverse tropical ecosystems and populations. FIU houses strong public health and medical faculties, such as the Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work and the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, which foster interdisciplinary collaboration across epidemiology, environmental health, clinical research and translational science.

Students benefit from faculty engaged in applied research, community partnerships across the region, opportunities for field-based projects in tropical settings, and connections with public health agencies and NGOs working on infectious disease control and environmental health. The environment supports hands-on training in laboratory and field methods, mentorship for grant-supported research, and preparation for careers that bridge research, practice and policy.