Dartmouth College

What you'll study

This doctoral programme is centred on independent, original research supervised by faculty in clinical medicine, epidemiology, microbiology, immunology and global health. Students typically complete coursework in research methods and substantive topics during the first years before moving to full-time dissertation research.

• Core research methods: advanced epidemiology, biostatistics, research design, qualitative methods, and implementation science.
• Infectious disease biology: pathogen biology, immunology, molecular epidemiology, and genomics relevant to tropical and neglected diseases.
• Global health and social determinants: health systems, social and behavioural determinants of health, policy analysis, and ethics in global research.
• Field methods and translational science: clinical-trial design, surveillance, diagnostic development, and strategies for translating research into programmes in low-resource settings.
• Electives and seminars: specialised topics such as vector-borne disease ecology, vaccine development, antimicrobial resistance, maternal and child health, and One Health approaches.

Programme structure typically includes an initial period of coursework and laboratory or field rotations to refine research questions and form a dissertation committee, followed by concentrated research leading to a written thesis and public defence. Students are encouraged to undertake collaborative fieldwork and partnerships with international institutions where appropriate.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a relevant master’s degree or equivalent research experience in biomedical science, public health, epidemiology, microbiology, or a related quantitative discipline. Successful candidates normally demonstrate:

• Strong academic records and prior research training, evidenced by a master’s thesis, laboratory experience, or substantial research assistantship.
• Relevant technical skills such as statistical programming, laboratory techniques, or field epidemiology depending on proposed research.
• Clear research interests aligned with faculty expertise in infectious disease, global health, or related areas, and the ability to identify potential supervisors.
• Letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees who can speak to research potential, plus a research statement outlining proposed doctoral work.

Applicants for whom English is not a first language should meet the institution’s English proficiency requirements. Admissions committees assess fit, research readiness and the feasibility of the proposed project, rather than relying solely on test scores.

Career prospects

Graduates from this field pursue a range of careers across academia, policy, public health practice and the private sector. Typical paths include:

• Academic research and faculty positions in infectious disease, global health, epidemiology or related biomedical sciences.
• Leadership roles in international public health agencies, non-governmental organisations and governmental ministries focused on disease control, outbreak response and health programme implementation.
• Scientific and research roles in clinical research organisations, pharmaceutical and diagnostic companies, and global health consultancies.
• Positions in surveillance, epidemiology units and policy institutes where advanced methodological and field experience inform programme design and evaluation.

Alumni typically combine quantitative, laboratory and field skills to influence policy and practice for disease prevention and control, and many contribute to multidisciplinary teams addressing emerging infectious threats.

Why study at Dartmouth College

Dartmouth’s Geisel School of Medicine and affiliated centres offer an environment that bridges basic science, clinical insight and global health practice. The institution emphasises close faculty mentoring, interdisciplinary collaboration across campus, and opportunities for translational and field-based research.

• Integrated research environment: access to laboratories, clinical investigators and population-health scholars supports projects from molecular mechanisms to community interventions.
• Small-cohort mentoring: doctoral training at Dartmouth typically features personalised supervision, regular thesis committee interaction and professional development for academic and non-academic careers.
• Global partnerships: established collaborations and field links facilitate international research placements and programme-relevant experience in diverse settings.
• Career support: resources for grant-writing, teaching experience and mentorship prepare students for independent research and leadership roles after graduation.

Together, these elements make Dartmouth a strong setting for doctoral study in hygiene and tropical medicine-focused research for students aiming to impact both science and global health practice.