Florida International University

What you'll study

This doctoral pathway combines core public‑health doctoral coursework with specialised training and original research in veterinary epidemiology and related One Health topics. Students take advanced classes in epidemiologic methods, biostatistics, study design and causal inference, together with modules addressing zoonoses, surveillance systems, diagnostic epidemiology, pathogen ecology, and risk analysis.

• Core doctoral training: advanced epidemiology, longitudinal methods, causal inference, biostatistics and research ethics.
• Veterinary epidemiology specialisms: infectious disease dynamics in animal populations, herd health and production epidemiology, diagnostic test evaluation, zoonotic disease surveillance and outbreak investigation.
• One Health and ecosystem health: cross‑species transmission, environmental drivers of disease, wildlife disease ecology and modelling of spillover risk.
• Research practicum and field methods: study design for field investigations, sampling strategies in animals and humans, molecular epidemiology basics, and laboratory‑to‑field integration.
• Dissertation research: independent, original research under the supervision of a faculty advisor, culminating in a written dissertation and oral defence. Students are expected to present at seminars and produce publishable papers.

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally hold a relevant master’s degree (for example in public health, epidemiology, veterinary medicine, animal science, or a related quantitative discipline) or an exceptional bachelor’s degree with substantial research experience. Competitive candidates typically demonstrate:

• A strong academic record in prior university study (transcripts required).
• Relevant research experience in epidemiology, veterinary medicine, public health or related fields.
• A clear statement of research interests and, where possible, identification of potential faculty supervisors whose expertise matches the applicant’s proposed research.
• Letters of recommendation that address research potential and preparedness for doctoral study.
• Proficiency in English demonstrated by accepted test scores or equivalent qualifications if English is not the applicant’s first language.

Standardised test requirements (such as the GRE) and exact minimum grade expectations may vary; applicants should consult the programme admissions page and contact the graduate admissions office or potential supervisors for current guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for research and leadership roles that bridge animal and human health. Typical career paths include:

• Academic and research positions in universities, public‑health institutes and veterinary schools.
• Roles in government agencies and public‑health organisations focused on zoonotic disease control, surveillance and outbreak response (for example state public‑health departments, national animal health agencies and international agencies).
• Positions in non‑profit and international organisations working on One Health, global health security, and disease prevention programmes.
• Industry opportunities in pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms, diagnostic laboratories, and veterinary public‑health consultancies involved in vaccine development, surveillance technologies and quantitative risk assessment.
• Policy and advisory roles that require high‑level expertise in disease modelling, risk communication and interdisciplinary programme design.

Why study at Florida International University

Florida International University’s doctoral programmes are delivered by the Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work and affiliated research faculty who work across disciplines relevant to One Health. FIU’s location in a subtropical, biodiverse region provides practical advantages for studying vector‑borne and zoonotic diseases, and the university maintains collaborative links with local and state public‑health agencies, veterinary service providers and international partners.

Students benefit from an interdisciplinary research environment, access to applied field sites and surveillance projects, and training in advanced quantitative and laboratory methods. Faculty expertise spans epidemiology, environmental health, global health and health policy, enabling students to develop research that informs both science and practice in veterinary public health.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to review faculty research profiles and reach out to potential supervisors to discuss fit and possible research projects before applying.