University of Utah

What you'll study

The programme combines core MPH training with specialised coursework in veterinary epidemiology, zoonotic disease, and One Health. Core modules typically include epidemiologic methods, biostatistics, environmental and occupational health, health systems and policy, and research methods.

• Veterinary and One Health-focused modules: principles of veterinary epidemiology, zoonoses and pathogen ecology, animal population health management, wildlife disease ecology, and surveillance of animal and human health.
• Analytical skills: applied biostatistics, outbreak investigation and field epidemiology, spatial epidemiology/GIS for disease mapping, and laboratory data interpretation.
• Applied experience: practicum or field placement with public health agencies, animal health agencies, wildlife management groups or research labs, plus a capstone project or thesis that applies epidemiologic methods to a veterinary public health question.
• Electives and professional development: risk communication, policy and regulatory frameworks for animal and food safety, quantitative modelling of infectious diseases, and grant writing.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised bachelor's degree in a relevant subject such as biological sciences, veterinary science, public health or a related discipline. Typical expectations include a satisfactory academic record and preparation in basic biology and quantitative methods.

• Demonstrated undergraduate coursework in biology or animal sciences and in statistics or calculus is usually required or strongly recommended.
• Supporting documents commonly requested are academic transcripts, a personal statement describing interest in veterinary epidemiology/One Health, and two to three letters of recommendation.
• Relevant professional, volunteer or research experience in animal health, public health, laboratory work or field research is advantageous.
• International applicants will need to meet English language requirements and provide certified academic credential assessments as required by the university.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of roles where animal and human health intersect. Typical career paths include positions in public and animal health agencies, non-governmental organisations, research institutions and industry.

• Field epidemiologist or surveillance officer focusing on zoonoses for city, state or national public health and animal health departments.
• One Health specialist or programme manager in international organisations and NGOs working on zoonotic disease control, food safety and animal welfare.
• Researcher or data analyst in academic or government laboratories studying infectious disease ecology, microbial genomics or disease modelling.
• Advisory roles in pharmaceutical, diagnostic or agricultural companies working on disease prevention, vaccines and biosecurity.
• Progression to doctoral study (PhD) or professional veterinary or public health qualifications for careers in academia and high-level policy.

Why study at University of Utah

The University of Utah offers an interdisciplinary environment with access to faculty experienced in epidemiology, infectious disease ecology and public health practice. Proximity to state and local public health agencies, wildlife management organisations and clinical research facilities provides a range of practicum and collaborative research opportunities.

• Interdisciplinary teaching and research that emphasise One Health approaches to complex disease problems spanning humans, domestic animals and wildlife.
• Opportunities for applied fieldwork and placements with regional public health and animal health partners, enabling hands-on training in surveillance and outbreak response.
• Access to research infrastructure and analytical resources, including spatial analysis tools and laboratory collaborations, that support both applied and academic career paths.
• A supportive academic community where students can tailor their studies through electives, capstone projects or thesis work aligned with career goals in veterinary public health.