PhD in Global Infectious Disease candidates receive unique training that coalesces science, health, technology, modeling, social sciences, economics and governance. While PhD students will specialize, they will also learn about the multitude of approaches to different aspects of infection prevention and control, including life science research, one health, mathematical modeling of outbreaks, economic impacts of pandemics, and health diplomacy.
PhD Curriculum
The Global Infectious Disease curriculum is ideal for intellectually curious individuals dedicated to interdisciplinary approaches to global infectious disease problems. It offers both fundamental and advanced teaching on topics that include microbiology, epidemiology, data science, and domestic and global policy and governance.
PhD students will spend their first year taking core courses that will immerse them in the Global Infectious Disease curriculum with the following core courses in Year 1:
| Core Courses | Semester | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GLID 5000: Interdisciplinary Perspectives in Infectious Disease 1 | Fall 1 | 3 |
| GLID 5011: Research Methods and Ethics | Fall 1 | 2 |
| Infection and Immunity Requirement – Multiple Course Options | Fall 1 | 3 |
| GLOH 5503 Epidemiology Models | Fall 1 | 2 |
| GLID 5020: Evidence for Infectious Disease Policy | Fall 1 or Fall 2 | 3 |
| GLID 6020: Policy Analysis for GLID OR GLID 5522: Modeling Populations and Diseases | Fall 1 or Spring 1 | 1 |
In addition, most students will take either GLID 6020: Policy Analysis for OR GLID 5522: Modeling Populations & Diseases. PhD students will choose additional courses toward the 30-credit requirement based on discussions with their advisor. Some courses may be waived depending on the student’s background.
Students will have the option of doing research rotations with potential mentors during the first 8 months of the program. These rotations would start in September of the first year, but are not required. Students not electing to rotate can begin dissertation research in Year 1.
Students can take electives to provide more specific background related to dissertation research. The remainder of the 30-credit requirement will be determined in partnership with the candidate’s Advisory Committee and Thesis Adviser, based on the candidate’s background and research interests. Most of Year 2 is spent performing research and developing a base of knowledge to write and defend the dissertation proposal, aka the comprehensive exam taken in year 3.
Candidates will sit for a Qualifying Exam at the end of Year 1. Candidates will take their Comprehensive Exam by December of Year 3; this is a written dissertation proposal with oral presentation and defense to ensure research plan is sound and to assess the proposal for the level of effort and timeline proposed.
We anticipate students being able to complete the PhD program in five years.
Teaching Requirement
Teaching is a requirement of the Global Infectious Disease PhD program, as this is a core skill in the field. There are several different options to complete this requirement, including:
- Serving as a teaching assistant for one semester.
- For senior PhD candidates, teaching an undergraduate class.
- Designing and teaching a short course. For example: designing and teaching a module of the Global Infectious Disease Core Course.
Graduate Certificate In Global Health Diplomacy (H-DIP)
Please note: Certificates are open only to students currently enrolled in Georgetown University’s accredited degree programs.
Faculty Director: Dr. Rebecca Katz, Director of the Georgetown Center for Global Health Science and Security
The Graduate Certificate in Global Health Diplomacy prepares students to work in a variety of environments, engaging in multilateral, bilateral, formal and informal efforts to advance health and foreign policy. The certificate fills gaps in students’ knowledge and provides the training necessary to operate effectively in the health diplomacy space.
This certificate is offered by the Georgetown University Institute for the Study of Diplomacy, in conjunction with the School of Foreign Service Science, Technology and International Affairs Program.
Internships
Internships are encouraged for Infectious Disease PhD candidates without work experience, but are not a requirement of the program. Internships can be conducted for credit (up to 3 credits maximum), equivalent to at least 150 hours, with a written summary of the work.
Georgetown faculty can help connect students with contacts at organizations such as the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Agency at the Department of Health and Human Services, the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, Talus Analytics, New York City Health and Hospitals Special Pathogens Unit and the National Academies of Science.
Financial Support
Candidates admitted to the program are offered five years of financial support covering tuition, stipend, and health insurance.
PhD Student Handbook for the GLID Program
A copy of the PhD Handbook will be shared with each incoming cohort.
Post-Graduation Outlook
The Global Infectious Disease PhD program prepares students to join a growing workforce and find employment in federal, state or local health departments, emergency management departments, pharmaceutical companies, advocacy organizations, or global health implementers.
Georgetown University offers its students an array of options related to infectious disease, health security, and global health career paths. Learn more about Georgetown’s commitment to research, teaching, and service in global health on the Global Health Institute’s website.