Animal and public health is seriously threatened by viral, bacterial, and parasitic infectious diseases. These diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, claiming at least 17 million human lives, and indeterminable numbers of animals each year.

Impacting the world

With a focus on cutting edge techniques and both basic and translational science, the department is working to address all aspects of infectious diseases. Our strengths lie in immunology, vaccinology, drug discovery, and investigation of host-pathogen interactions, and our graduate programs are highly sought after.

From teaching to research to service, our faculty are highly collaborative—working with other UGA departments and universities on high-level research—and dedicated to providing expertise in disease diagnosis as part of our veterinary diagnostic labs in Athens and Tifton.

Graduate Programs

For those interested in a research-driven career in academia or industry, we offer a PhD in Infectious Diseases. We also offer master’s degree programs and participate in the College’s DVM-PhD dual degree program.

Undergraduate Programs

Undergraduate Minor in Infectious Diseases

The minor provides students with an in-depth understanding of pathogen biology, host-pathogen interactions, and management of diseases as well as prepares students to pursue careers in a variety of infectious disease-related fields, including healthcare and life-science industries.

Undergraduate Certificate in Infectious Diseases

The certificate introduces students to practical and theoretical knowledge of infectious diseases across a range of biological scales from molecules and cells to populations and includes host-pathogen interactions.

Undergraduate Infectious Diseases Laboratory Research Courses

These courses provide research opportunities that may fulfill one or more laboratory or elective course requirements for various life science undergraduate majors.