University of Oregon

What you'll study

This research-led PhD builds advanced methodological and conceptual expertise in epidemiology and public health as applied to animal health, zoonoses and the animal–human–environment interface. Study combines rigorous coursework, applied fieldwork and an independent dissertation. Core areas of study typically include:

• Advanced Epidemiologic Methods: causal inference, study design for infectious and chronic diseases, outbreak investigation methods.
• Biostatistics and Quantitative Skills: regression and survival analysis, Bayesian methods, infectious disease modelling and simulation.
• Veterinary and One Health Topics: zoonotic disease ecology, animal surveillance systems, antimicrobial resistance, pathogen transmission between species.
• Spatial and Genomic Epidemiology: spatial analysis, GIS for disease mapping, pathogen genomics and phylogenetics in outbreak contexts.
• Surveillance, Risk Assessment and Policy: design and evaluation of surveillance programmes, risk assessment frameworks, public-health policy and emergency response.
• Research Practicum and Dissertation Research: original research under faculty supervision, often involving collaborations with public-health agencies, veterinary services or external laboratories.

Students normally complete a combination of required core courses and electives chosen to support their dissertation topic, pass qualifying examinations, and conduct a sustained piece of original research culminating in a defended thesis.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a relevant master’s degree (for example in public health, epidemiology, veterinary medicine, veterinary epidemiology, epidemiologic or quantitative disciplines) or an exceptional bachelor’s degree with substantial research experience. Typical requirements include:

• Demonstrable research experience in epidemiology, disease surveillance, laboratory work, or related fields.
• Strong academic record in quantitative coursework (biostatistics, epidemiology, ecology or similar).
• A research proposal or statement of purpose outlining intended doctoral research in veterinary epidemiology/public health and fit with faculty expertise.
• Letters of recommendation (usually two or three) that can speak to research ability and potential for doctoral study.
• For international applicants, proof of English language proficiency where required by university regulations.

Standardised tests (where still used) and specific prerequisites vary by applicant background; applicants are encouraged to contact prospective faculty supervisors and the School of Public Health and Human Sciences for guidance on fit and preparation.

Career prospects

Graduates from this pathway pursue roles that require deep quantitative and domain-specific expertise in animal and public health. Typical career destinations include:

• Academic positions in epidemiology, veterinary public health, ecology or One Health programmes.
• Research scientist roles in government public-health and animal-health agencies, national veterinary services and disease surveillance centres.
• Positions in international organisations (for example working on zoonoses, outbreak response or capacity building) and NGOs focused on global health security.
• Scientist and analytic roles in pharmaceutical, diagnostics or biotech companies working on vaccines, surveillance tools or antimicrobial stewardship.
• Policy and advisory roles that bridge animal health, public health and environmental management.

Graduates are prepared to lead multidisciplinary teams, design and evaluate surveillance systems, conduct outbreak investigations, publish peer-reviewed research and advise on evidence-based policies affecting human and animal health.

Why study at University of Oregon

The University of Oregon offers an interdisciplinary research environment within its School of Public Health and Human Sciences, emphasising strong quantitative training alongside applied public-health problems. Students benefit from close mentorship by faculty with expertise in epidemiologic methods and population health, opportunities for collaborative projects across campus and with regional partners, and access to a range of ecological and agricultural field sites in the Pacific Northwest.

The programme’s flexibility supports collaboration with state and regional public-health laboratories, veterinary services and neighbouring research institutions, enabling practical, policy-relevant research on zoonotic diseases, surveillance systems and One Health challenges. Funding and assistantship opportunities are typically available for qualified doctoral students engaged in research and teaching across the school.