University of Hawaii at Manoa

What you'll study

This PhD is a research-led degree that combines advanced public‑health theory with applied epidemiology of animal and zoonotic diseases. Core study areas include infectious disease epidemiology, quantitative methods and biostatistics, study design and research methods, and public‑health policy and ethics. Subject matter specific to the veterinary and One Health emphasis typically covers zoonotic disease ecology, surveillance systems for animal and human health, molecular epidemiology, spatial and temporal analysis of outbreaks, risk assessment, and intervention design.

Students take a mix of advanced coursework and independent research. Typical taught modules and topics you can expect are:

• Advanced Epidemiologic Methods and Infectious Disease Dynamics
• Biostatistics for Infectious Disease Research and Modelling
• One Health Principles and Zoonoses
• Spatial Epidemiology and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for Disease Surveillance
• Molecular and Laboratory Methods for Pathogen Detection (conceptual and collaborative laboratory training)
• Research Ethics, Policy and Risk Communication
• Grant Writing and Manuscript Preparation

Programme structure follows a research degree model: completion of prescribed coursework, passing qualifying/comprehensive examinations, and conducting original dissertation research under faculty supervision. Research topics commonly reflect regional priorities — for example, tropical vector‑borne and zoonotic infections, livestock and wildlife disease surveillance in island environments, and public‑health responses to emerging pathogens — and often include field work, laboratory collaboration and partnerships with public agencies.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant master’s degree such as an MPH, MS in Epidemiology, DVM or equivalent scientific degree. Candidates with a strong bachelor’s degree plus substantial relevant research or professional experience may also be considered. Essential preparation includes coursework in epidemiology and biostatistics or demonstrable quantitative skills.

Typical application components are:

• Academic transcripts showing prior degrees in public health, veterinary medicine, animal science, biology or related fields
• A detailed statement of research interests or research proposal aligned with faculty expertise
• Curriculum vitae highlighting research experience and publications where applicable
• Two to three academic or professional references
• Evidence of English language proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English

Admission is competitive and based on fit with faculty research areas and the availability of supervision and resources for the proposed project. Standardised test requirements (for example GRE) vary by programme and should be checked with the school’s admissions office.

Career prospects

Graduates from this PhD track move into academic and research careers, leadership roles in government animal‑health and public‑health agencies, and positions with international organisations and NGOs focused on animal and human health. Typical career pathways include:

• University or research institute faculty and postdoctoral researcher positions in epidemiology, infectious disease and One Health
• Technical and leadership roles in national and state departments of health, departments of agriculture or veterinary public‑health services
• Positions with international bodies and development agencies addressing zoonotic disease control, biosecurity and surveillance
• Research scientist or epidemiologist roles in private sector organisations such as diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural industries
• Policy, advisory and consultancy roles in risk assessment, outbreak response planning and public‑health preparedness

Why study at University of Hawaii at Manoa

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa offers a distinctive environment for studying veterinary epidemiology and public health because of its geographic focus on tropical and Pacific island health challenges. Students benefit from interdisciplinary expertise available across campus, including public health, ecology and biological sciences, and opportunities for community‑engaged research with local and regional partners.

Faculty working with the PhD programme have experience in infectious disease epidemiology, One Health and applied surveillance, and students can draw on collaborations with state and federal public‑health agencies and regional Pacific partners. The university’s location facilitates research on island ecosystems, wildlife‑livestock interfaces and vector‑borne disease dynamics, making it a strong choice for scholars interested in applied, regionally relevant work with broader global health implications.

Doctoral candidates receive mentorship for developing independent research programmes, opportunities to present at conferences and to publish, and access to laboratory and field resources appropriate to tropical and zoonotic disease research.