University of Michigan

What you'll study

This MPH pathway combines core public health training with specialised modules in veterinary epidemiology, zoonoses and One Health approaches. Students gain practical skills in study design, disease surveillance, biostatistics, spatial analysis and risk assessment applied to animal populations and cross-species transmission.

• Core public health foundations – biostatistics, epidemiologic methods, public health ethics and health systems.
• Veterinary epidemiology and zoonoses – transmission dynamics, host–pathogen ecology, surveillance strategies for livestock and wildlife, and control measures for zoonotic threats.
• Quantitative methods – applied regression, time-series analysis, survival analysis, and spatial epidemiology/GIS for mapping disease spread.
• One Health and policy – interdisciplinary frameworks, risk communication, outbreak preparedness, and policy development for animal and public health intersections.
• Practical experience – field- or lab-based practicum, data-driven capstone project or thesis involving real-world datasets, with opportunities to work with public agencies, NGOs or research groups.

Structure

The programme is structured around core MPH requirements delivered alongside elective modules targeted to veterinary epidemiology. Typical completion routes include a practicum plus capstone project or a research thesis, and the curriculum emphasises applied skills in data analysis and surveillance. Students may tailor course choices to focus more on laboratory methods, wildlife health, food-animal systems or policy and programme evaluation.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised bachelor’s degree, typically in biology, animal science, public health, epidemiology, veterinary science, or another quantitative or life-science discipline. Admissions favour candidates with:

• A strong academic record demonstrating preparation for graduate-level quantitative work.
• Prior coursework or experience in biology, microbiology, statistics, or epidemiology is advantageous.
• Relevant professional or research experience (such as public-health practice, laboratory work, field epidemiology, or animal-health roles) strengthens an application.
• Standard application components: personal statement outlining interests in veterinary epidemiology and One Health; CV; academic transcripts; letters of recommendation; and proof of English language proficiency if applicable.

Some applicants may be expected to demonstrate readiness for advanced quantitative coursework. Where appropriate, programmes offer bridging modules or recommend preparatory courses.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that integrate animal and human health. Typical career paths include:

• Surveillance and field epidemiology posts with national or state public-health agencies, departments of agriculture, and disease control centres.
• Positions in international organisations and NGOs working on zoonotic disease control, pandemic preparedness and One Health programmes.
• Roles in food safety, animal production companies and the veterinary pharmaceutical industry focusing on disease prevention, monitoring and risk assessment.
• Research and academic careers in epidemiology, infectious diseases, ecology and public health, including doctoral study.
• Consultancy and policy roles developing guidelines for biosecurity, outbreak response and integrated human–animal health interventions.

Why study at University of Michigan

The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive public-health curriculum with strong emphasis on applied epidemiology and interdisciplinary research. Students benefit from faculty expertise in infectious disease epidemiology, statistics and environmental health, plus access to research centres and laboratories that undertake work on zoonoses, surveillance systems and One Health topics.

The university’s location provides opportunities to collaborate with public-health agencies, non-governmental organisations and research partners across the region and nationally, enabling practicum placements and data-driven projects. Teaching combines methodological rigour with applied training, preparing graduates to address complex animal–human health challenges in public, private and academic sectors.