Dominican University of California

What you'll study

The programme combines core public health foundations with specialised veterinary epidemiology and One Health content. You will study principles of epidemiology and biostatistics, infectious disease ecology, zoonoses, and environmental health alongside laboratory and field methods used in disease surveillance and outbreak investigation.

• Core public health modules: introduction to public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy and ethics, environmental and occupational health.
• Veterinary epidemiology and One Health: disease ecology and transmission, zoonotic diseases, comparative pathology concepts, and risk analysis at the human–animal interface.
• Laboratory and field methods: diagnostic techniques, sampling strategies, surveillance systems, geographic information systems (GIS) for disease mapping, and data management.
• Research and inquiry: study design, scientific communication, and quantitative and qualitative research methods tailored to population- and animal-health questions.
• Capstone and practicum: an applied practicum with a public health department, animal-health agency, research laboratory or NGO, and a senior capstone project involving original analysis or community-based intervention design.
• Electives and interdisciplinary options: courses in microbiology, immunology, veterinary public health topics, environmental science, policy analysis and global health.

Entry requirements

Entry typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent with demonstrated academic readiness in quantitative and science subjects. Successful applicants usually present a solid record in biology and mathematics; chemistry and statistics are advantageous. Admissions materials commonly include transcripts, a personal statement outlining interest in public and animal health, and at least one academic or professional reference.

For transfer applicants, relevant college-level coursework in biology, chemistry, or public health strengthens an application. International applicants should demonstrate English language proficiency according to the university's standard requirements. Candidates with volunteer, work or internship experience in animal care, laboratories, or public-health settings are competitive.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for entry-level roles where public health and animal health intersect, and for continued graduate or professional study (for example, MPH, DVM, or PhD programmes). Typical career pathways include:

• Disease surveillance and outbreak response roles in local, state or national public health agencies.
• Positions with animal-health authorities, veterinary diagnostic laboratories, or the agricultural sector focusing on disease monitoring and biosecurity.
• Research assistant or technician posts in university, government or private research settings studying zoonoses and infectious disease dynamics.
• Work with international NGOs and global health organisations on One Health initiatives, emergency preparedness and zoonotic disease control.
• Preparation for professional careers in veterinary medicine, epidemiology, public health policy or environmental health through further study.

Why study at Dominican University of California

Dominican University of California offers a small, student-centred learning environment where close faculty mentorship supports hands-on training and applied projects. The university’s liberal-arts framework emphasises critical thinking and communication skills alongside scientific rigour, which is valuable for interdisciplinary One Health work.

Students benefit from access to field and internship opportunities in the Bay Area that connect them with public health departments, research institutions and animal-health organisations. Teaching faculty with applied experience guide practicum placements and capstone projects, helping students build the practical skills and professional networks needed for careers at the interface of veterinary and public health.