Florida International University

What you'll study

The programme combines rigorous coursework in advanced epidemiologic and quantitative methods with applied training in zoonotic disease investigation, surveillance systems, and One Health approaches. Typical modules and themes include:

• Advanced Epidemiologic Methods – study design, causal inference, outbreak investigation and advanced measures of association.
• Biostatistics and Data Analysis – statistical modelling, generalized linear mixed models, survival analysis and use of statistical software (R, SAS or equivalent).
• Infectious Disease Dynamics and Modelling – transmission models, parameter estimation, and forecasting for zoonoses and emerging pathogens.
• Veterinary Public Health and Zoonoses – ecology of zoonotic agents, animal reservoirs, cross-species transmission and control strategies.
• Surveillance Systems and Field Epidemiology – design and evaluation of animal and human surveillance, syndromic surveillance, and laboratory-data integration.
• Spatial Epidemiology and GIS – spatial analysis of disease, risk mapping and landscape epidemiology.
• Risk Assessment and Biosecurity – quantitative and qualitative risk assessment, mitigation, and policy implications for animal and public health.
• Research Ethics, Grant Writing and Scientific Communication – ethical conduct in animal and human research, preparation of proposals and dissemination of findings.

Programme structure typically involves an initial period of coursework, a qualifying/ comprehensive examination to advance to candidacy, teaching or practicum requirements, and completion of an original, faculty‑supervised research dissertation on a veterinary epidemiology or One Health topic. Students work closely with faculty across public health, biology and allied disciplines and frequently engage in collaborative projects with local, state or national health agencies.

Entry requirements

• A relevant master’s degree (for example in public health, epidemiology, veterinary medicine, veterinary public health, epidemiology-related biological sciences) or a strong bachelor’s degree plus demonstrated research experience; holders of a professional veterinary degree are commonly eligible.
• A competitive academic record; many successful applicants will present a GPA that demonstrates capacity for graduate-level research.
• Evidence of research potential, such as a research thesis, publications, or substantive research/field experience in epidemiology, infectious diseases, zoonoses or related areas.
• A statement of purpose outlining research interests in veterinary epidemiology/One Health and identifying potential faculty mentors; a curriculum vitae detailing relevant training and experience.
• Letters of recommendation (usually two or three) from academic or professional referees who can attest to research ability and academic preparedness.
• For applicants whose first language is not English, an accepted English language proficiency test score or equivalent proof of English proficiency as required by the university.
• Some applicants may be invited for an interview with potential supervisors; the programme may consider standardised test scores where applicable, in line with current university policy.

Career prospects

Graduates of this PhD programme pursue diverse careers that leverage expertise in veterinary epidemiology, infectious disease ecology and public health policy. Typical career paths include:

• Academic roles as university faculty or research scientists conducting fundamental or applied research in One Health and zoonotic disease dynamics.
• Positions in government public health and animal health agencies (for example national or state departments of health or agriculture, disease surveillance units, regulatory bodies).
• Roles with international organisations and NGOs focused on disease control, outbreak response, and capacity building in low- and middle-income settings.
• Industry careers in pharmaceutical and veterinary pharmaceutical companies, diagnostics, and biotechnology firms with interests in zoonotic pathogens and vaccine development.
• Consultancy and policy advisory positions on risk assessment, biosecurity, and emergency preparedness for zoonotic threats.
• Applied epidemiologist or data scientist roles in public-health institutes, research consortia and public-private partnerships addressing emerging infectious diseases.

Why study at Florida International University

Florida International University offers an interdisciplinary public-health environment with strengths in infectious disease research, environmental health and community engagement. The university’s location in Miami provides proximity to diverse ecosystems, a busy international travel hub and varied animal reservoirs, which are advantageous for applied research on emerging zoonoses and vector-borne diseases.

Students benefit from the expertise and resources of the Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work and from collaborative relationships with local and state health departments, research institutes and laboratories. FIU emphasises applied, translational research and offers opportunities for field work, hands-on surveillance projects and partnerships that connect academic research to real-world public‑health and veterinary practice. Faculty mentorship, interdisciplinary centres and access to a multicultural patient and animal population make FIU a strong setting for doctoral training in veterinary epidemiology and public health.