Overview
This PhD degree program provides a broad didactic and varied research experience in Vector Biology and Medical Parasitology through a combination of foundational coursework and dissertation. Specific goals for this PhD degree program are to further develop independent scholarship, originality, and competence in research, teaching, and professional service in the context of military public health and preventive medicine framework, with the overall objective to provide training and experience necessary for leading both research and operational careers in vector biology or medical parasitology within the DoD and Public Health Services. Within the PhD program, an individualized course of study is designed for each graduate student to meet their specific needs through direction and consultation with their academic and research committee members, with students classified into one of two informal tracks indicating emphasis of a study area: Vector Biology or Medical Parasitology. Students complete coursework that provides instruction in the foundational vector biology and medical parasitology knowledge at an appropriate level of complexity. This instruction may be delivered through online, in-person or blended methodologies that meet requirements in defined content areas. Through a combination of vector biology/medical parasitology coursework and independent research, students in the PhD Vector Biology and Parasitology track programs will gain knowledge and understanding necessary to lead research efforts in the areas of arthropod vector and zoonotic reservoir biology, arthropod-borne and zoonotic diseases, disease transmission and epidemiology; medical and veterinary impact of arthropod vectors, zoonotic reservoirs, and the diseases they transmit on public and global health; all necessary to lead vector-borne and zoonotic disease risk assessment efforts and the strategic planning, coordination and implementation of vector surveillance and control operations and disease prevention.
Degree Requirements
Complete the following:
| PMO 540 | Introduction to Environmental and Occupational Health | 3 |
| PMO 503 | Biostatistics I | 3 |
| PMO 565 | Vector Biology | 1.5 |
| PMO 567 | Medical Entomology | 3 |
| PMO 511 | Introduction to Epidemiology | 3 |
| PMO 1030 | Introduction to Data Management | 0.75 |
| IDO 704 | Scientific Ethics and the Responsible Conduct of Research | 1.5 |
| PMO 504 | Biostatistics II | 3 |
| PMO 512 | Epidemiologic Methods | 3 |
| PMO 569 | Malaria Epidemiology and Control | 2.25 |
| PMO 561 | Medical Parasitology | 2.25 |
| PMO 560 | Principles and Practice of Tropical Medicine | 4.5 |
| PMO 564 | Epidemiology and Control of Arboviruses | 1.5 |
| PMO 964 | Research in Vector Biology and/or Parasitology | 1-9 |
| PMO 530 | Social and Behavioral Sciences Applied to Public Health | 3 |
| PMO 680 | Introduction to Public Health | 0.75 |
| PMO 810 | Integrated Pest & Vector Management | 1.5 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 108 |
Students must take one of the following: PMO 998, PMO 1010, or OPMS 5003, and must complete a minimum of 108 credit hours which includes required elective and research courses not shown above.