Individuals dedicated to finding solutions to how the world can better approach infectious diseases are perfect candidates. We are looking for students committed to understanding global infectious disease problems and approaching them in an interdisciplinary fashion. Interests may range from global health security governance, to health delivery economics, to epidemiology, and mathematical modeling. PhD candidates will become an expert in their research area while gaining broad knowledge toward global infectious disease problems.
The PhD program is open for full-time study only.
Academic Background and Experience
Applicants should have a background in basic science: admission requirements include at least one semester of undergraduate biology, and significant course experience in math and advanced statistics, as well as experience in computer programming for those interested in pursuing data modeling or related fields of research. Students interested in policy-oriented research should have coursework in political science and economics.
PhD candidates should be able to demonstrate a clear study path or intellectual journey towards their PhD area of interest and demonstrate a history of success, such as through relevant employment positions or publications. There will be a strong preference for applicants that hold an advanced degree or significant experience in the field.
GRE test scores are not required and will not be evaluated; applicants who would like GRE scores evaluated as part of their application should contact the program before submitting scores to explain why they feel they are more reflective than other application materials.
Identifying Faculty Mentorship
Applicants should review the Global Infectious Disease faculty page (or elsewhere at the university if desired) and identify two to three faculty members that could potentially serve as mentors for research rotations and, eventually, their dissertation. Applicants are strongly encouraged to reach out directly to these faculty and discuss potential dissertation topics. Be aware that not all participating faculty accept new students.
3 Letters of Recommendation
Three official recommendations are required by the Graduate School. These recommendations must be from persons in positions to appraise the applicant’s potential for graduate study.
The Graduate School requires use of the online recommendation system, which utilizes a secure online recommendation system that will:
- Email your recommendation providers with instructions for online submission of the recommendation
- Allow applicants to track recommendations received or not received and follow up with recommenders who still need to submit their appraisals
- Expedite the processing of the recommendations, which will be included in the online application once submitted
Statement of Purpose
Some elements to consider for the Statement of Purpose include highlighting the ways in which you can prove to the Admissions Committee that you are ready for a PhD; explaining why an interdisciplinary PhD is important to you and necessary for your research goals; demonstrating what research questions you are interested in pursuing for your doctorate; and identifying which faculty at Georgetown would be appropriate as a primary advisor to you for this research, including any relevant summary of conversations with such faculty.
Transcripts and English Proficiency Test Scores
All applicants need to submit transcripts from any institution where 16 or more credits were completed.
International applicants may need to submit additional materials such as transcript evaluations and English proficiency test scores. Please see the International Applicant Webpage for requirement details.
Interview
Before acceptance, all strong applicant candidates will be required to have an interview with two or three members of the Admissions Committee. This can be completed either on site or via video-teleconference.
