Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases at Tulane University

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PhD Training

Program Overview | Masters Training | PhD Training

It is expected that students entering the PhD program will already have Masters level training (this is a requirement), and will have some existing vector-borne infectious disease training (possibly through this program). Students accepted into the PhD program will be examined on a case by case basis to determine if additional coursework is needed to make up for any training discrepancies. It is expected that students in the PhD track might choose to enroll in classes such as Advanced Medical Entomology or the Arbovirology and Vector Biology methods classes, if previous education did not include this training. A total of 42 credit hours are required. The first year will be used to perform a rotation in each of the track areas as described under Masters training (if not already accomplished), to take a comprehensive exam which would cover all three of the tracks described above, and to identify a research topic. Years 2 and 3 are for dissertation research.

Students are expected to identify a research topic and choose a preceptor within the first 6-12 months of training. All students in the Fellowship Training Program (FTP) will participate in a weekly FTP seminar meeting attended by students and preceptors. This is a forum for presentation of research results, journal article review, invited speaker presentation, and general discussion of current vector-borne infectious disease topics. In addition, all students will identify faculty to serve as an advisory committee, with PhD committees containing 4-5 individuals. Students are expected to formally present their Thesis or Dissertation project to their committee, and obtain committee approval, before a degree is awarded. This constitutes a degree requirement.

To Apply:

Online applications may be obtained through the Graduate School website. To apply click here.

On the first page of the application, for Department, fill in 'Parasitology' and for Area of Specialization, fill in 'Vector-Borne Infectious Disease'.