Loyola University Chicago

What you'll study

This PhD is structured around original research combined with advanced coursework to provide depth in epidemiology, parasitology, vector biology, immunology and the social determinants of tropical illness. Core study components typically include:

• Advanced research training: design and conduct of hypothesis-driven laboratory, clinical or field studies; data analysis; grant writing; and scientific communication.
• Discipline-specific modules: infectious disease epidemiology, microbial pathogenesis, host–pathogen interactions, vector ecology and control, diagnostics and surveillance methods.
• Public health and implementation science: health systems, program evaluation, health policy, community-engaged research methods and ethical issues in global health research.
• Methods and statistics: biostatistics, advanced epidemiologic methods, spatial analysis and quantitative/qualitative mixed-methods approaches.
• Practical experience: laboratory-based techniques, fieldwork in endemic settings where appropriate, clinical collaborations and opportunities for translational projects in partnership with hospital or community partners.
• Dissertation: an original research project culminating in a written thesis and oral defence, typically supervised by a multidisciplinary team.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant master’s degree (for example, MPH, MSc in biomedical sciences, infectious disease, microbiology or related field) or a strong bachelor’s degree with substantial research experience. Typical expectations include:

• Evidence of prior research experience, such as a thesis, publications, conference presentations or significant laboratory/fieldwork.
• A clear research proposal or statement of research interests that aligns with faculty expertise in hygiene, tropical medicine and global health.
• Academic transcripts demonstrating strong performance in relevant coursework.
• Letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees who can comment on research potential.
• For international applicants, proof of English language proficiency where required by university regulations.

Applicants may also be invited for interview and should be prepared to discuss proposed research, methodological skills and potential supervisors. Specific admission criteria and any standardised test requirements are set by the university and may vary by programme.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme pursue a range of careers across research, policy and practice. Typical pathways include:

• Academic and research careers as postdoctoral researchers, principal investigators or faculty members working on infectious and tropical disease research.
• Positions in public health agencies and disease control programmes at local, national or international levels (for example government ministries of health, Centres for Disease Control, or multilateral organisations).
• Technical and policy roles within global health NGOs, humanitarian organisations and consultancies focused on disease prevention, surveillance and healthcare delivery in low-resource settings.
• Research and development roles in pharmaceutical, diagnostic and biotechnology companies working on vaccines, therapeutics and point-of-care diagnostics for tropical diseases.
• Leadership roles in programme implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and health systems strengthening.

Why study at Loyola University Chicago

Loyola offers interdisciplinary training grounded in clinical and community contexts through strong links between its medical centre, public health initiatives and community partners. Students benefit from mentorship by faculty engaged in infectious disease and global health research, access to clinical facilities and laboratory resources, and opportunities for community-engaged and translational projects in urban and international settings.

The university’s emphasis on ethical, equity-focused scholarship and service supports research that addresses social determinants of health and real-world impact. PhD candidates can draw on cross-disciplinary collaborations across the university and affiliated hospitals, plus professional development in teaching and grant-writing to prepare for diverse career trajectories in academia, public health practice and global health leadership.