University of Mississippi

What you'll study

This PhD is organised around a combination of advanced coursework, laboratory and field research, and an independent doctoral dissertation. Core areas emphasise infectious disease epidemiology, pathogen biology, environmental and vector-borne disease dynamics, and applied public health interventions. You will study modules such as:

• Advanced Epidemiology and Study Design — cohort and case-control methods, outbreak investigation and surveillance systems.
• Biostatistics and Data Science — statistical modelling, longitudinal data analysis, spatial epidemiology and use of statistical software for large datasets.
• Infectious Disease Biology — pathogen-host interactions, molecular diagnostics, and laboratory safety and quality systems.
• Vector Biology and Environmental Drivers — ecology of vectors, climate and land-use influences on transmission, and control strategies.
• Global Health Policy and Implementation Science — health systems, programme evaluation, scaling interventions and translation of evidence to policy.
• Laboratory and Field Methods — molecular techniques, serology, entomological methods, and community-based fieldwork approaches.
• Research Ethics and Responsible Conduct of Research — human subjects protections, biosafety and ethical considerations in cross-cultural research.
• Professional Development — grant writing, manuscript preparation, teaching practicum and leadership in multidisciplinary teams.

The programme culminates in independent, original research producing a doctoral dissertation under the supervision of faculty within the University of Mississippi Medical Center and affiliated research centres. Students typically undertake collaborative projects that may include laboratory experiments, field studies and quantitative analyses.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant master’s degree or equivalent in medicine, public health, epidemiology, microbiology, biomedical sciences or a closely related discipline, with a strong academic record. Exceptional candidates with a first-class bachelor’s degree and substantial research experience may also be considered.

Typical application materials include:

• Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
• A research statement outlining proposed doctoral research interests.
• Curriculum vitae demonstrating research experience and technical skills.
• Letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees familiar with the applicant’s research potential.
• Evidence of laboratory or fieldwork experience is desirable for candidates focused on tropical or vector-borne diseases.

Specific requirements for standardised tests or English language proficiency follow the institution’s graduate admissions policies; applicants whose first language is not English should consult the University of Mississippi’s guidance on acceptable evidence of proficiency.

Career prospects

Graduates of this PhD are prepared for research-focused and leadership roles across academic, clinical and public health sectors. Common career paths include:

• Academic researcher or faculty positions in universities and medical schools.
• Senior scientist or epidemiologist roles in national public health agencies and disease control programmes.
• Research positions in international organisations and non-governmental organisations working on tropical and neglected diseases.
• Research and development roles in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, including diagnostics and vaccine development.
• Policy adviser, programme evaluator or consultant in global health, implementation science and health systems strengthening.

The combination of laboratory, quantitative and field skills developed during the programme also equips graduates to lead multi-disciplinary teams and to secure competitive research funding.

Why study at University of Mississippi

The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) provides a research-active environment with access to core laboratory facilities, clinical research infrastructure and community health partnerships across Mississippi and the Gulf Coast region. Faculty include investigators working in infectious diseases, epidemiology, environmental health and translational research, offering diverse supervisory expertise.

Students benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration across medicine, public health and biomedical sciences, opportunities for community-engaged fieldwork, and links with state and regional public health agencies. The programme emphasises mentorship, professional development and preparation for independent research careers, with pathways to collaborative projects that address locally and globally relevant infectious disease challenges.