University of North Dakota

What you'll study

The programme combines core public health training with specialised coursework in veterinary epidemiology and zoonotic disease control. Core MPH modules typically cover epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health policy and health systems, and research methods. Veterinary-focused modules may include infectious disease epidemiology, zoonoses and One Health principles, surveillance systems for animal and human health, food safety and inspection, diagnostic laboratory methods, risk assessment, outbreak investigation, spatial epidemiology/GIS and applied modelling.

Students normally complete a practicum or applied field placement with a public health, veterinary or agricultural agency and a culminating research project or capstone that applies epidemiologic methods to a real-world problem. Teaching methods include lectures, case studies, lab sessions, data analysis workshops and supervised fieldwork. The programme emphasises practical skills such as study design, statistical analysis, surveillance evaluation, sample collection and interpretation, and science communication for stakeholders.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, typically in veterinary medicine, animal science, biology, public health, or a related field. Competitive applicants will demonstrate a solid foundation in biological sciences and quantitative skills; prior coursework in statistics or epidemiology is advantageous. A minimum GPA is usually required in undergraduate study (requirements vary by applicant pool).

Application materials commonly include transcripts, a personal statement outlining academic and career goals, a current CV or résumé, and letters of recommendation. International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements. The programme may consider professional experience in animal health, public health or research as part of the admissions assessment. Prospective students should consult the University of North Dakota admissions pages for the most current, programme-specific entry guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for careers in governmental, non-governmental and private sector roles that require expertise at the animal–human health interface. Typical job titles include veterinary epidemiologist, public health epidemiologist with a zoonoses focus, disease surveillance officer, food safety specialist, risk assessor, outbreak investigator, policy analyst and One Health programme coordinator. Employers include state and national public health departments, veterinary services and agriculture agencies, international organisations, diagnostic and reference laboratories, food industry regulators and research institutions.

Some graduates continue to doctoral study or clinical veterinary specialisation, or move into roles in research, teaching and advanced epidemiologic practice. The applied practicum and capstone experience support employability by providing demonstrable field experience and professional networks.

Why study at University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota offers this MPH through departments and centres with strengths in epidemiology, rural health and interdisciplinary One Health approaches. Students benefit from a close-knit academic community, faculty with active research programmes in infectious and zoonotic diseases, and opportunities for applied placements with regional public health and veterinary partners. Small class sizes support personalised mentoring, and the curriculum is designed to blend quantitative training with practical field skills.

UND’s location provides exposure to challenges and systems typical of rural and mixed agricultural regions, which is valuable for professionals addressing animal and zoonotic disease in diverse settings. The programme is suitable for students seeking a balance of rigorous analytical training and hands-on experience to advance careers in veterinary public health, disease control and One Health leadership.