University of Memphis

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced training in epidemiology, biostatistics and public health systems with specialised coursework and research in veterinary epidemiology, zoonotic diseases and One Health approaches. You will take core doctoral-level modules in epidemiologic methods, advanced biostatistics, research design, and causal inference, alongside specialist topics such as infectious disease modelling, surveillance systems, diagnostic test evaluation, outbreak investigation and wildlife/domestic animal disease ecology.

• Core research methods: advanced epidemiology, longitudinal and multilevel analysis, survival analysis, causal inference.
• Specialist veterinary/public health topics: zoonoses and emerging infectious diseases, veterinary public health principles, population health management, antimicrobial resistance.
• Analytical skills: spatial epidemiology, infectious disease modelling, bioinformatics basics for pathogen data.
• Applied practice: surveillance design and evaluation, outbreak response practicum, One Health policy and risk assessment.
• Professional development: grant writing, science communication, teaching practicum and research ethics.

Programme structure typically comprises advanced coursework in the first phase, qualifying or comprehensive examinations, and an extended supervised research dissertation that contributes original knowledge to veterinary epidemiology and public health. Students work closely with a supervisory committee to develop a research proposal, conduct field or laboratory-based studies as required, and prepare peer-reviewed publications and the doctoral thesis.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant master’s degree (for example in public health, epidemiology, veterinary medicine, animal science, or a related life-science discipline) from an accredited institution. Exceptional candidates with a strong professional record and a bachelor’s degree plus substantial research experience may be considered.

• Academic transcripts demonstrating strong performance at prior degrees.
• Evidence of research experience, such as a master’s thesis, publications, or documented project work in epidemiology, veterinary science or public health.
• Letters of recommendation (typically two or three) addressing research potential and academic preparedness.
• A personal statement outlining research interests, fit with faculty expertise, and professional goals.
• CV or résumé highlighting relevant qualifications and experience.
• Proof of English language proficiency for international applicants where required by university regulations.

The programme may also consider applicants’ alignment with faculty research strengths; prospective students are encouraged to contact potential supervisors to discuss research ideas prior to application. Some applicants may be asked to provide a preliminary research concept or attend an interview.

Career prospects

Graduates of this PhD programme move into a range of careers that require high-level skills in quantitative analysis, disease surveillance and policy translation at the animal–human interface. Typical career paths include academic positions (postdoctoral research, faculty roles), leadership and scientific positions in government public health and veterinary services, and roles in international organisations, non-governmental organisations and private industry.

• Research scientist or epidemiologist in universities, public-health institutes or veterinary research centres.
• Senior epidemiologist or surveillance lead in national or state public health and animal health agencies.
• Policy advisor or programme manager for One Health initiatives with international organisations and NGOs.
• Scientific roles in pharmaceutical and diagnostics companies focused on zoonotic pathogens, vaccines or antimicrobial resistance.
• Consultancy and advisory roles in preparedness, outbreak response and risk assessment.

Why study at University of Memphis

University of Memphis offers interdisciplinary public health training with opportunities to engage across population health, environmental health and clinical domains. The institution provides access to research-active faculty whose expertise spans epidemiology, biostatistics and community health, enabling doctoral students to build rigorous, policy-relevant research programmes in veterinary epidemiology and One Health.

Located in a city with diverse public health challenges and multiple clinical and community partners, the university facilitates applied fieldwork, surveillance projects and collaborative research. Doctoral candidates benefit from personalised supervision, professional development workshops, seminar series and opportunities to publish and present work at conferences. The School’s emphasis on translational research and community engagement helps graduates produce work that informs policy and practice across animal and human health sectors.