CUNY(The City University of New York)

What you'll study

This PhD combines advanced training in epidemiologic methods and biostatistics with specialist coursework in veterinary epidemiology, zoonotic disease ecology and public health practice. Core topics typically include advanced epidemiologic methods, infectious disease dynamics and modelling, surveillance system design and evaluation, veterinary public health principles, ecology and transmission of zoonoses, outbreak investigation and response, risk assessment and management, and research ethics and policy.

Programme structure normally includes a period of structured coursework, qualifying and comprehensive examinations, teaching or practicum requirements, and an extended original research dissertation. Students also undertake methodological training in study design, longitudinal and spatial analysis, molecular epidemiology approaches where relevant, and data science methods for large or multisource datasets.

Training emphasises interdisciplinary approaches and One Health perspectives, encouraging collaborations across human public health, veterinary medicine, environmental sciences and municipal health agencies. Students often complete field- or policy-oriented practicum placements and present research at conferences as part of professional development.

Entry requirements

Competitive applicants typically hold a master's degree (MPH, MSc, MVet or equivalent) or a professional degree such as a DVM, with demonstrable coursework in epidemiology, statistics or related quantitative methods. Candidates with a strong research record and a relevant bachelor's degree plus substantial research or professional experience may also be considered.

• Academic transcripts: evidence of strong performance in prior degree(s), particularly in quantitative and life-science subjects.
• Research experience: prior research, publications, or a research project in epidemiology, infectious diseases or veterinary/public health is highly desirable.
• Supporting documents: a research statement outlining proposed doctoral interests, a CV, and academic or professional references that can speak to research potential.
• Standardised tests and language: any required standardised tests or English-language proof should be provided in accordance with CUNY admissions policies; some programmes may not require GRE scores.
• Interview: shortlisted applicants are commonly interviewed by faculty to assess fit with supervisory expertise and research priorities.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue careers across academia, government and practice. Common pathways include university and research institute positions (postdoctoral researcher, tenure-track faculty), leadership roles in local, national and international public health agencies, and technical positions focused on animal and zoonotic disease surveillance and control.

• Public sector and regulatory agencies (city and state health departments, national agencies responsible for animal health and food safety).
• International organisations and NGOs working on One Health, pandemic preparedness and outbreak response.
• Research institutes and laboratories conducting infectious disease, vaccine or population-level studies.
• Private sector roles in pharmaceutical and biotech companies, epidemiology consultancies, and data science teams focused on health surveillance.
• Policy and advocacy organisations developing evidence-informed approaches to reduce zoonotic risk in urban and global settings.

Why study at CUNY(The City University of New York)

CUNY offers access to a large, diverse urban environment that is uniquely valuable for applied work in veterinary epidemiology and public health. Students benefit from interdisciplinary faculty with strengths in infectious disease epidemiology, urban health, policy and population-level research, and from collaborations across CUNY campuses and with New York City public health agencies.

Research opportunities include field studies in metropolitan settings, partnerships for surveillance and outbreak investigation with municipal and state agencies, and access to rich clinical and population datasets. The university emphasises public service and equity, preparing graduates to address complex health challenges where animal, human and environmental health intersect.