University of Massachusetts Boston

What you'll study

This MPH pathway focuses on the principles and practice of epidemiology as applied to animal health and zoonoses, emphasising the One Health approach that integrates animal, human and environmental perspectives. Teaching combines core public health subjects with specialised modules targeted at veterinary epidemiology.

• Core public health foundations — epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health and health systems and policy to provide the methodological base for population-level work.
• Veterinary epidemiology — study design, measures of disease frequency and association, analytical epidemiology, cohort and case–control studies applied to animal populations.
• Zoonotic and emerging infectious diseases — ecology and transmission dynamics of zoonoses, risk factors for spillover, and strategies for prevention and control.
• Disease surveillance and outbreak investigation — surveillance system design, data sources for animal and human health, outbreak response protocols and practical field investigation skills.
• One Health and policy — interdisciplinary approaches to health policy, legal and ethical considerations, and strategies for interagency collaboration across veterinary, human health and environmental sectors.
• Applied methods and tools — spatial analysis/GIS for disease mapping, molecular epidemiology concepts, diagnostic testing interpretation and use of public health informatics.
• Practicum or capstone — a supervised field placement or applied research project with a state agency, public health department, laboratory or NGO that provides hands-on experience in surveillance, risk assessment or programme evaluation.
• Research thesis option — for students preferring an academic route, a supervised research dissertation in collaboration with faculty conducting work in veterinary public health or infectious disease epidemiology.

Entry requirements

Typical entrants hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in veterinary medicine, animal science, biology, public health, or a closely related discipline. Successful applicants usually demonstrate quantitative aptitude and coursework or experience in biological or statistical subjects.

• Undergraduate degree from an accredited institution or equivalent; a professional veterinary degree is an advantage but not strictly required.
• Academic transcripts and a personal statement describing motivations and relevant experience in animal or public health.
• References — typically two academic or professional referees able to comment on academic potential and suitability for public health practice.
• Relevant professional or volunteer experience in animal health, laboratories, public health agencies or field epidemiology strengthens an application.
• International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through approved tests or institutional exemptions.
• Some applicants may be invited to an interview; standardised tests (for example GRE) are not universally required but applicants should check current admissions guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates go into roles that use epidemiological and public health skills to manage disease risks at the animal–human–environment interface. The degree prepares students for both practice-oriented and research pathways.

• Veterinary or animal health epidemiologist roles in government agencies (state and federal veterinary services, public health departments, animal disease centres).
• Positions with international organisations and NGOs dealing with zoonoses, pandemic preparedness and One Health programmes.
• Surveillance analyst, outbreak investigator or field epidemiologist in human and animal health sectors.
• Laboratory liaison or diagnostic epidemiologist roles that require interpretation of surveillance and diagnostic data.
• Policy advisor or programme manager for animal health policy, biosecurity and emergency response planning.
• Research careers in academic institutions, public health institutes or industry, including further doctoral study (PhD) in epidemiology, infectious disease or One Health.

Why study at University of Massachusetts Boston

The University of Massachusetts Boston offers an urban research environment with strong links to public health agencies and research centres in the Boston region. Students benefit from interdisciplinary faculty expertise across public health, biology and environmental science, and from practical placement opportunities that connect classroom learning with field experience.

• Close proximity to major hospitals, state public health agencies and federal research institutions supports placement and collaboration opportunities.
• Emphasis on applied, practice-oriented training through practicums and employer-engaged projects, preparing graduates for immediate public health roles.
• Diverse student community and institutional commitment to equity, which is reflected in public health teaching and community-based research partnerships.
• Flexible study options and access to resources for students pursuing applied research, policy work or professional advancement within veterinary public health and One Health domains.