Indiana University Bloomington

What you'll study

This PhD programme combines advanced population health theory, rigorous quantitative methods and applied training in veterinary epidemiology and One Health. Students follow a programme of core public health coursework in epidemiologic methods and biostatistics, plus specialised modules that address infectious disease dynamics, zoonoses, ecological drivers of disease, surveillance systems and outbreak investigation.

• Advanced Epidemiologic Methods (longitudinal and observational study design, causal inference)
• Applied Biostatistics and Computational Methods (survival analysis, mixed models, Bayesian approaches, spatial analysis)
• Infectious Disease Ecology and Modelling (transmission models, host–pathogen interactions)
• Zoonotic Disease Surveillance and Control (field surveillance design, diagnostic test evaluation)
• One Health and Environmental Determinants of Disease
• Research Design, Grant Writing and Responsible Conduct of Research
• Teaching Practicum and Science Communication

Programme structure typically includes two to three years of coursework and methods training, passing qualifying examinations to achieve candidacy, followed by focused dissertation research under the supervision of faculty. Students often undertake applied field or laboratory collaborations with state public health agencies, veterinary partners and regional research centres.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally hold a relevant master's degree (for example, public health, epidemiology, veterinary medicine, biological sciences, or a related quantitative discipline) with a strong record of academic achievement. Exceptional applicants with a strong bachelor’s degree and substantial research experience may also be considered.

• Academic transcripts demonstrating strong performance in prior degree(s)
• Evidence of quantitative skills (coursework or work experience in statistics, epidemiology, mathematics, or computer science)
• Research experience (published work, technical reports, laboratory or field experience) and a clear statement of research interests
• Letters of recommendation, preferably including at least one academic or research supervisor
• A curriculum vitae outlining relevant training and professional experience
• Identification of potential faculty mentor(s) or research group is strongly encouraged

Admissions committees consider the overall fit between candidate interests and faculty expertise. Standardised test requirements vary; applicants should check the school’s admissions guidance for current policy.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for research and leadership roles in a variety of settings where animal and human health intersect. Typical career destinations include:

• Academic and research positions (postdoctoral researchers, faculty in public health, veterinary medicine, ecology and related disciplines)
• Government and public health agencies (state and federal public health laboratories, ministries of agriculture, wildlife and epidemiology units)
• International organisations and NGOs focused on global health, zoonoses and One Health programmes
• Industry roles in pharmaceutical and diagnostics companies, agricultural biosecurity, and risk assessment consultancies
• Data science and surveillance analytics roles applying advanced modelling to disease monitoring and policy support

Why study at Indiana University Bloomington

Indiana University Bloomington’s School of Public Health offers interdisciplinary training in epidemiology and population health with strong methodological mentoring. The school emphasises quantitative rigour, applied field experience and scholarship that addresses real-world public and animal health problems.

Students benefit from collaborative opportunities across campus and the region, including partnerships with veterinary schools, state public health laboratories and research centres focused on infectious disease and environment–health interactions. Faculty expertise spans infectious disease modelling, zoonotic disease surveillance, spatial epidemiology and One Health policy, providing a broad base of mentorship for dissertation research.

Additionally, Bloomington’s research environment supports access to diverse data sources, hands-on surveillance projects and training grants, while offering a campus community that fosters interdisciplinary dialogue between public health, biological sciences and data science programmes.