University of Texas

What you'll study

The programme combines core public‑health and epidemiological methods with specialist modules focused on animal health, zoonoses and One Health approaches. Teaching balances quantitative analysis, laboratory and field methods, and policy-oriented training so students can trace disease dynamics across animal and human populations.

• Core epidemiology and biostatistics — study design, measures of disease frequency and association, regression modelling, survival analysis and the use of statistical software for outbreak data.
• Veterinary epidemiology — transmission dynamics in domestic and wild animal populations, herd‑level study designs, sampling strategies and diagnostic test evaluation.
• Zoonotic diseases and One Health — ecology of zoonoses, interfaces between wildlife, livestock and people, and integrated surveillance frameworks.
• Disease surveillance and outbreak investigation — principles of surveillance systems, field investigation methods, case definitions, contact tracing and communication of findings.
• Infectious disease modelling and risk analysis — compartmental and stochastic models, spatial modelling, risk assessment methods for trade and public‑health decision making.
• Laboratory and diagnostic methods — basics of diagnostic test interpretation, molecular methods in surveillance and biosafety considerations (delivered in partnership with laboratory facilities where available).
• Geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial epidemiology — mapping disease occurrence, cluster detection and spatial risk mapping for targeted interventions.
• Policy, ethics and communication — regulatory frameworks for animal and public health, ethics in One Health research, stakeholder engagement and risk communication.
• Research project or practicum — independent research thesis or applied placement with public‑health agencies, veterinary services, NGOs or industry partners to develop practical skills and produce a substantive project report.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in veterinary medicine, biological sciences, public health, epidemiology or a closely related discipline. Relevant professional experience in veterinary practice, animal health services, disease surveillance or research can strengthen an application.

• Academic transcript showing a good honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject.
• CV/resumé outlining relevant practical or research experience.
• Personal statement describing motivation for study, research interests and career goals.
• Two academic or professional references.
• Proof of English language proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English (institutional requirements apply).

Some programmes may request additional evidence of quantitative ability (for example, coursework in statistics or mathematics). Standardised tests such as the GRE are sometimes optional or not required; applicants should check the specific campus admissions guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles across animal and human health sectors where expertise in epidemiology and One Health is required. Typical career pathways include:

• Field and government veterinary epidemiologist roles within national animal health services or ministries of agriculture and health.
• Positions in international organisations and NGOs involved in disease control, outbreak response and capacity building (for example, international public‑health agencies and animal‑health bodies).
• Surveillance and outbreak response specialist roles in public‑health agencies, laboratories and diagnostic centres.
• Research and academic careers in universities and research institutes, focusing on infectious disease ecology, modelling and control strategies.
• Industry roles in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, particularly in vaccine development, diagnostics and animal‑health product safety.
• Consultancy and policy advisory positions addressing risk assessment, trade biosecurity and One Health programme design.

Why study at University of Texas

The University of Texas offers an interdisciplinary environment combining strong public‑health training with access to veterinary and biological sciences expertise. Students benefit from research‑active faculty, collaborative projects across health, agricultural and environmental disciplines, and links with state and national public‑health and animal‑health agencies.

Programmes emphasise applied training — through practicums, fieldwork and research projects — giving students practical experience in surveillance, outbreak investigation and data analysis. The university’s networks and partnerships support placements and career development in government, international organisations and industry for graduates seeking to work at the animal–human–environment interface.