University of San Francisco

What you'll study

The programme combines core Master of Public Health training with specialist modules that focus on animal health, zoonoses and the application of epidemiology to veterinary public health problems. Core MPH topics include epidemiologic methods, biostatistics, health systems and policy, environmental health, and research ethics.

• Core epidemiology and methods: study design, measures of disease frequency and association, causal inference, and outbreak investigation techniques.
• Biostatistics and data analysis: statistical modelling, surveillance data analysis, use of statistical software and interpretation of results for public-health decision-making.
• Veterinary epidemiology: population-level disease dynamics in domestic and wildlife species, herd health principles, sampling strategies and study design specific to animal populations.
• Zoonotic disease and One Health: transmission pathways, risk assessment, control strategies for zoonoses (e.g. influenza, rabies, foodborne pathogens) and interdisciplinary collaboration across human, animal and environmental health sectors.
• Surveillance and diagnostics: design and evaluation of surveillance systems, laboratory methods relevant to animal pathogens, genomic epidemiology and outbreak response coordination.
• Practicum or capstone project: applied placement with a public-health agency, veterinary public-health service, NGO or research group in the Bay Area or partner organisations, and a final project that synthesises research and practice.
• Optional electives: geographic information systems (GIS) for disease mapping, food safety and epidemiology, health policy and economics, environmental drivers of emerging disease.

The programme is delivered through a mix of lectures, seminars, practical laboratory or field sessions, data workshops and supervised project work. Students learn to design studies, analyse surveillance data and communicate findings to scientific, policy and community audiences.

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally hold a bachelor's degree in veterinary medicine, animal science, biology, public health or a closely related discipline from a recognised institution. A solid academic record is required; applicants often present the equivalent of a 3.0/4.0 GPA or better.

• Prior coursework in statistics or quantitative methods is strongly recommended; applicants without this background may be admitted with a condition to complete preparatory modules.
• Relevant professional or research experience (for example in animal health, public-health agencies, laboratory work or conservation) is advantageous and may be required for some applicants.
• Supported application materials typically include academic transcripts, a statement of purpose outlining interests in veterinary epidemiology and public health, and at least two professional or academic references.
• International applicants whose first language is not English must meet the university's English language requirements (e.g. TOEFL or IELTS). Additional documentation such as a CV and evidence of professional experience may also be requested.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that intersect animal and human health across government, non-governmental and private sectors. Typical career paths include:

• Veterinary public-health epidemiologist or surveillance officer in local, state or national public-health or animal-health agencies.
• Outbreak investigator and emergency response specialist addressing zoonotic disease events.
• Researcher in academic institutions or research institutes studying infectious diseases, wildlife health or foodborne pathogens.
• Positions in international organisations and NGOs working on One Health, disease control programmes and animal welfare.
• Roles in pharmaceutical, diagnostic or biotechnology companies focused on animal vaccines, diagnostics and surveillance solutions.
• Consultancy and policy roles advising on disease-control strategies, risk assessments and preparedness planning.

Practical experience gained through the practicum/capstone and the programme's Bay Area connections enhances employability in both regional and international contexts.

Why study at University of San Francisco

University of San Francisco offers this specialised MPH within an urban, interdisciplinary setting that emphasises community engagement and social justice. The campus's location in the Bay Area provides ready access to a dense network of public-health agencies, academic research centres, wildlife and animal-health organisations and biotech employers, creating strong placement and collaboration opportunities.

• Faculty bring expertise across epidemiology, infectious disease, environmental health and policy, and the programme emphasises applied, One Health approaches.
• Small cohort sizes enable close mentorship, tailored supervision for capstone projects and strong peer networks.
• Students benefit from practicum placements with local public-health departments, animal-health services and research labs in the San Francisco Bay Area, fostering real-world experience and professional connections.
• The university's commitment to ethics, health equity and community partnership shapes training so graduates can address the social and environmental determinants of zoonotic disease.

Overall, the programme is well suited to students seeking rigorous epidemiological training focused on the prevention and control of diseases at the animal–human–environment interface.