Radford University

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced coursework, applied training and an original research dissertation focused on the epidemiology of animal and zoonotic diseases and their implications for population health. Core themes include disease surveillance and outbreak investigation, quantitative methods for infectious disease modelling, One Health approaches, risk assessment and control strategies, and public health policy related to animal health.

• Core coursework: advanced epidemiologic methods, infectious disease modelling, biostatistics for longitudinal and hierarchical data, research design and causal inference.
• Veterinary and One Health modules: transmission dynamics of zoonoses, wildlife and livestock disease ecology, diagnostic test evaluation, vaccination and control strategies, and environmental drivers of disease emergence.
• Applied public health topics: surveillance systems design, emergency preparedness and response, risk communication, food safety and antimicrobial resistance in animal populations.
• Laboratory and field methods: sampling strategies, laboratory diagnostic interpretation, spatial analysis and GIS for disease mapping, and hands-on field epidemiology practicum opportunities when available.
• Research and dissertation: after completing required coursework and passing any qualifying examinations, students design and conduct an original research project under faculty supervision, culminating in a written dissertation and oral defence.

The programme typically allows flexibility to take elective courses across departments (e.g. statistics, environmental science, public policy) and to engage with external partners for applied projects. Students are expected to develop competence in quantitative analysis, scientific writing and grant preparation.

Entry requirements

• Academic background: a relevant master’s degree (for example, MPH, MS in Epidemiology, DVM, MSc in Animal Science or a closely related field) is normally required. Applicants with a strong bachelor’s degree and substantial research or professional experience may be considered.
• Research experience: evidence of prior research, such as a thesis, publications, technical reports or relevant professional experience in epidemiology, veterinary medicine, public health or infectious disease work, strengthens applications.
• Quantitative preparation: competency in statistics and data analysis is expected. Applicants should demonstrate prior coursework or experience in biostatistics, epidemiology or related quantitative methods.
• Supporting materials: academic transcripts, a statement of research interests outlining proposed PhD topics, a curriculum vitae, and references from academic or professional supervisors. International applicants may be required to demonstrate English language proficiency.
• Interview and supervisor match: admission commonly requires identification of a suitable faculty supervisor and may include an interview to discuss research fit and training goals.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a range of roles that apply advanced skills in veterinary epidemiology and public health:

• Academic careers as university faculty or researchers teaching epidemiology, One Health and infectious disease topics.
• Senior technical or leadership roles in governmental public health and veterinary agencies (national and regional disease control, surveillance units, regulatory bodies).
• Positions with international organisations and NGOs working on zoonotic disease prevention, outbreak response, food safety, and global health security.
• Research scientist or data scientist roles in laboratories, research institutes and private sector companies focusing on animal health, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics and epidemiological modelling.
• Consultancy roles advising on risk assessment, preparedness planning, and antimicrobial stewardship in animal production systems.

Why study at Radford University

Radford University offers a supportive research environment with opportunities for close mentorship and interdisciplinary collaboration. The university’s public health training emphasises applied skills and community engagement, enabling students to undertake field-based projects and partnerships with regional public health and animal health agencies.

Doctoral students benefit from access to faculty with expertise in epidemiology, biostatistics and public health practice, as well as opportunities to work with external partners on surveillance, outbreak investigation and One Health initiatives. The relatively small cohort size promotes personalised supervision, while elective coursework and cross-department links allow students to tailor training toward quantitative methods, policy, or field epidemiology depending on career aims.

Graduates are prepared to address complex challenges at the interface of animal and human health through rigorous research, evidence-based policy development and leadership in public health practice.