University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced epidemiologic and quantitative training with subject matter expertise in animal health, zoonotic disease transmission and One Health approaches. Core topics typically include study design and causal inference, advanced biostatistics and statistical modelling, infectious disease dynamics, surveillance systems, spatial and temporal analysis, and molecular epidemiology. Elective and special-topic modules commonly cover veterinary public health, wildlife disease ecology, foodborne disease epidemiology, laboratory diagnostics and pathogen genomics, intervention and outbreak response methods, and public health policy.

Training emphasises applied research and methodological development: students complete rigorous coursework, participate in research rotations, and undertake field- or laboratory-based projects. The doctoral pathway leads to a thesis based on original research that advances understanding of veterinary-associated disease risks and control strategies at the animal–human–environment interface.

Entry requirements

• Academic background: A relevant master’s degree is typical (epidemiology, veterinary medicine, public health, ecology, biostatistics or a related discipline). Exceptional applicants with a strong bachelor’s degree and substantial research experience may also be considered.
• Prerequisites: Evidence of quantitative training (biostatistics, calculus, or equivalent), foundational coursework in biology or animal health, and prior research experience are expected. Specific course requirements may be stipulated by the department.
• Application materials: Transcripts, curriculum vitae, a statement of research interests describing proposed PhD topics, and the names of academic referees. GRE requirements may vary by programme; applicants should check current departmental guidance.
• Research fit: Because the PhD is research-led, applicants are encouraged to identify potential faculty advisers whose interests align with veterinary epidemiology, One Health, infectious diseases or biostatistical methods, and to contact them before applying.
• Funding: Admissions decisions are frequently linked to available funding or research assistantships; incoming students may be supported through departmental fellowships, grants, teaching assistantships or external scholarships.

Career prospects

• Academic researcher or faculty member in epidemiology, veterinary public health, ecology or related disciplines, leading independent research and teaching programmes.
• Scientist or epidemiologist in national public health agencies, veterinary services or disease control units within government (including agencies involved in zoonoses surveillance and outbreak response).
• Positions in international organisations and NGOs working on global health security, One Health initiatives and zoonotic disease control.
• Roles in industry and applied research settings, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, diagnostic companies and agricultural health consulting, focused on vaccine development, surveillance tools and risk assessment.
• Policy advisor or programme manager translating epidemiologic evidence into animal and public health policy, biosecurity planning and emergency preparedness.

Why study at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The Gillings School of Global Public Health at UNC–Chapel Hill offers interdisciplinary strengths in epidemiology, biostatistics and public health practice that support advanced training in veterinary epidemiology and One Health. Students benefit from close collaboration across campus and the broader Research Triangle, including partnerships with veterinary and agricultural researchers, public health agencies and nearby research institutions. The department provides access to well-established seminar series, methodological workshops, computational resources, and field study opportunities, alongside faculty who lead applied and translational research on zoonoses, food safety and disease modelling. Doctoral candidates receive individualized mentorship, opportunities for teaching and grant-supported research, and preparation for careers that bridge animal and human health at local, national and global levels.