Emory University

What you'll study

The curriculum blends core training in research methods with specialised modules relevant to hygiene and tropical medicine. Students typically cover:

• Infectious disease biology: pathogen biology, host–pathogen interactions and immunology.
• Clinical and laboratory methods: diagnostic technologies, molecular techniques and laboratory experimental design.
• Epidemiology and biostatistics: advanced epidemiologic methods, study design, causality, survival analysis and statistical modelling.
• Vector biology and ecology: principles of vector-borne disease transmission and control strategies.
• Field methods and implementation science: operational research, surveillance, programme evaluation and community-based studies.
• Public health policy and health systems: the interface between evidence, policy development and health-service delivery in low-resource settings.
• Research ethics and responsible conduct: ethical issues in human-subjects research, data stewardship and global research partnerships.

Alongside taught components, students design and run a sustained research programme that culminates in a doctoral dissertation. Many students undertake laboratory or field placements and collaborative projects with public health agencies.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree with strong science training, or a relevant master’s degree, and demonstrate research potential. Typical expectations include:

• A degree in a relevant discipline such as biomedical science, epidemiology, public health, microbiology or a related field.
• Relevant research experience, shown through a thesis, publications or laboratory/fieldwork experience.
• Academic transcripts showing strong performance in quantitative and science courses.
• Letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees familiar with the applicant’s research ability.
• A clear statement of purpose outlining research interests and intended faculty mentors or research groups.
• Proof of English language proficiency where required and a curriculum vitae highlighting research activities.

Admission is competitive and candidates are encouraged to contact potential supervisors before applying. Specific tests or additional requirements may vary by department.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue careers across academic, public sector and applied global-health settings. Common pathways include:

• Academic research and faculty positions in universities and research institutes.
• Roles in international public health agencies, government health departments and intergovernmental organisations.
• Programmatic and research positions with non-governmental organisations and implementation partners.
• Scientific roles in diagnostics, vaccine development and pharmaceutical or biotech companies.
• Leadership and technical advisory positions in disease surveillance, outbreak response and health policy.

The programme equips graduates with skills in study design, laboratory and field methods, data analysis and scientific communication, which are valued in both research and applied public-health careers.

Why study at Emory University

Emory offers a strong environment for study in hygiene and tropical medicine through close ties with major public-health organisations and specialised research centres. Its location provides exceptional opportunities for collaboration with national public health agencies, while multidisciplinary centres bring together infectious-disease, vaccine and global-health expertise. Students benefit from access to well-equipped laboratories, field partnerships, and mentorship from faculty active in laboratory, clinical and population-based research. The university’s interdisciplinary culture supports translational projects that move from bench to field to policy.

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