Syracuse University

What you'll study

The programme combines core public health training with specialist coursework in veterinary epidemiology and One Health approaches. Core modules cover epidemiology, biostatistics, health systems and policy, environmental and occupational health, and research methods. Specialist modules address zoonotic disease ecology, outbreak investigation and response, surveillance systems for animal and human populations, risk assessment, antimicrobial resistance, and food safety.

Teaching methods include lectures, case-based seminars, laboratory demonstrations where available, field‑based surveillance exercises and applied data analysis. Students complete a substantial experiential component—a practicum in an agency, laboratory or NGO setting—and a capstone research project or applied public health intervention that draws together quantitative and qualitative skills.

• Core public health foundations: epidemiology, biostatistics, policy, environmental health
• Veterinary epidemiology electives: zoonoses, surveillance design, outbreak response, population health of domestic and wild animals
• Applied skills: GIS and spatial analysis, disease modelling, laboratory diagnostics awareness, risk communication
• Practicum placement with an external partner and a capstone research or applied project

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline such as biology, animal science, veterinary technology, public health, or a related health or life‑science field. Admissions committees look for evidence of quantitative ability, academic performance, and commitment to public health practice—this is demonstrated through transcripts, a personal statement, and references.

Relevant professional experience or research experience in animal health, public health, laboratory work or field surveillance strengthens an application. International applicants whose first language is not English must meet the university's English proficiency requirements. Typical application materials include academic transcripts, a CV, two references, and a personal statement outlining career goals and interest in veterinary epidemiology.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that span animal and human health sectors. Career paths commonly taken by alumni include veterinary public health officer, epidemiologist in government agencies, disease surveillance specialist, One Health programme coordinator, public health analyst, and epidemiology researcher. Employers include public health and agricultural ministries, national and state disease control agencies, international organisations, non‑governmental organisations, diagnostic laboratories, food safety and pharmaceutical companies, and academic or research institutions.

The programme’s applied practicum and capstone project are designed to build professional experience and sector contacts, helping graduates move into operational roles in outbreak response, surveillance programme design, risk assessment and policy advising.

Why study at Syracuse University

Syracuse University offers an interdisciplinary public health education that emphasises experiential learning and community engagement. Students benefit from faculty with expertise across epidemiology, environmental health and policy, and from opportunities to work with public health practitioners and regional partners on real-world problems. The university supports applied learning through practicum placement services and career development resources aimed at connecting students with agencies and employers in the public, private and non‑profit sectors.

The programme’s focus on integrating animal, human and environmental health follows contemporary One Health thinking, preparing graduates to work at the interface of multiple sectors. Students also gain access to data‑analysis resources, seminar series and collaborative research opportunities that strengthen both technical skills and professional networks.