University of Michigan

What you'll study

This undergraduate programme combines core public health training with specialised study of animal-associated disease dynamics, zoonoses and population-level approaches to disease control. You will take foundational modules in epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health and health policy, alongside specialist topics such as veterinary public health, zoonotic infectious diseases, One Health approaches, animal health surveillance systems and field epidemiology methods.

• Core public health modules: introductory epidemiology, intermediate biostatistics, environmental and occupational health, health systems and policy, and research methods.
• Veterinary epidemiology and One Health modules: principles of veterinary public health, zoonoses and emerging infections, surveillance design and analysis for animal populations, and comparative epidemiology.
• Laboratory and field methods: laboratory diagnostic principles, biosafety and biosecurity, outbreak investigation practicum, and spatial analysis of disease data.
• Applied learning: practicum or internship with public health agencies, NGOs or veterinary services, and a capstone research project or thesis focusing on an applied question in veterinary epidemiology or zoonotic disease control.
• Electives: options may include infectious disease modelling, genomics and molecular epidemiology, global health, animal ecology and statistical computing.

Entry requirements

Admissions are competitive and seek students with a strong science background and demonstrated interest in public health or animal health. Typical applicants have high-school qualifications with good grades in biology and mathematics; chemistry is often recommended. Relevant coursework in statistics, life sciences or environmental science is advantageous.

• Academic preparation: strong performance in science and maths subjects at secondary level. International applicants should present equivalent qualifications.
• Experience and motivation: evidence of commitment to the field through volunteering, internships, laboratory or animal-care experience, research projects, or community public health activities is helpful.
• Application materials: a complete application through the university admissions process, personal statement outlining interest in veterinary epidemiology and public health, and academic references are required. Standardised tests may be optional depending on admissions policies.
• Additional considerations: interviews or supplemental materials may be requested for shortlisted candidates. International applicants may need to demonstrate English language proficiency.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles across human and animal health sectors, often combining technical skills with policy or field practice. Many students enter the workforce in surveillance, outbreak response, research support, or programme delivery; others continue to graduate or professional training.

• Junior epidemiologist or surveillance officer with public health departments, state veterinary services or animal health agencies.
• Research technician or project coordinator in university labs, non-governmental organisations or private research institutes focused on zoonoses and infectious diseases.
• Policy analyst or programme officer in government departments, international organisations or NGOs working on One Health, disease control and biosecurity.
• Roles in diagnostics and laboratory services supporting animal disease testing, or industry positions in agriculture, pharmaceutical and biotech companies.
• Progression to advanced study: many graduates pursue a Master of Public Health, MSc in Epidemiology, PhD, or professional degrees such as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or clinical medicine, which expand career options into senior epidemiology, clinical veterinary practice or academic research.

Why study at University of Michigan

The University of Michigan offers interdisciplinary public health training with strong research capacity and access to a broad network of health and life-science expertise. Students benefit from faculty engaged in infectious disease and population-health research, opportunities for experiential learning in urban and state public health settings, and collaborative links across campus with departments in biological sciences, environmental science and policy.

• Research-led teaching: learn from active researchers working on emerging infections, surveillance methods and One Health problems.
• Practical experience: placements and practicum opportunities with public health agencies, non-profits and research projects in Michigan and beyond.
• Interdisciplinary resources: access to statistical, laboratory and field-methods training through campus facilities and research centres.
• Career support: strong links with governmental agencies and NGOs, plus a large alumni network that supports internships and employment transitions in public and animal health sectors.