University of Kansas

What you'll study

This PhD combines advanced coursework, laboratory and field research, and dissertation work to develop expertise in the causes, prevention and control of tropical and infectious diseases. Core areas of study typically include advanced epidemiology, infectious disease biology, immunology, biostatistics, research methods and ethics, and topics in environmental and vector biology.

• Core modules: research design and methods, advanced biostatistics, infectious disease epidemiology, molecular and cellular immunology.
• Specialist topics: parasitology, vector ecology and control, microbial pathogenesis, tropical disease diagnostics, one-health approaches.
• Research skills: grant-writing, scientific communication, laboratory techniques (molecular diagnostics, culture methods, serology), and field methods for surveillance and intervention trials.
• Professional development: teaching or mentoring practicum, ethics and regulatory training, project management and partnerships with public health agencies.

Programme structure typically includes an initial period of coursework and rotations, a qualifying/comprehensive examination, proposal development and defence, and completion of a substantial original research dissertation under supervisory guidance.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant master's degree (for example in public health, epidemiology, biomedical sciences, microbiology or a related discipline) or an exceptional bachelor’s degree with substantial research experience. Strong research experience, demonstrated laboratory or field skills, and a clear research interest in hygiene, infectious or tropical diseases are essential.

• Academic transcripts showing strong performance in relevant undergraduate and/or postgraduate study.
• A research statement or proposal that outlines intended doctoral research interests and fit with potential supervisors.
• Curriculum vitae detailing research experience, publications and technical skills.
• References (typically two or three) from academic or professional referees familiar with the applicant’s research potential.
• Proof of English language proficiency where applicable.

Admissions committees also consider evidence of independent research potential, relevant professional experience (for example in public health practice, laboratory research, clinical work or international health programmes), and availability of appropriate faculty supervision and resources.

Career prospects

Graduates gain skills that prepare them for a wide range of careers in academia, government and the non-profit and private sectors. Typical career paths include:

• Academic research positions and faculty roles in universities and research institutes focused on infectious and tropical diseases.
• Positions in national and international public health agencies (for example ministries of health, CDC-like organisations, WHO) working on surveillance, outbreak response and disease control programmes.
• Roles with international NGOs and multilateral organisations designing and evaluating health interventions in low- and middle-income countries.
• Research and development roles in pharmaceutical and diagnostics companies working on vaccines, therapeutics and point-of-care tests.
• Consultancy and policy roles advising on vector control, disease elimination strategies, and One Health approaches.

Why study at University of Kansas

The University of Kansas offers doctoral training through its Medical Center and allied departments, providing interdisciplinary supervision across epidemiology, microbiology, immunology and public health. Students benefit from access to well-equipped laboratories, established research faculty with active programmes in infectious disease and global health, and collaborative opportunities with public-health partners.

The environment emphasises hands-on research training, mentorship and translation of findings into policy and practice. Doctoral students can pursue fieldwork and collaborative projects that link laboratory science with population-level interventions, preparing them for leadership roles in research, public health practice and global health policy.