University of Mount Union

What you'll study

This programme combines core public health training with specialised veterinary epidemiology and zoonoses modules. Early years cover foundational biological sciences, anatomy and physiology for animals, introductory epidemiology, and biostatistics. Subsequent years deepen into infectious disease ecology, zoonotic disease prevention, surveillance systems, risk assessment, and One Health principles that integrate human, animal and environmental health.

• Core public health topics: principles of epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health policy and health communication.
• Veterinary and biological sciences: animal anatomy and physiology, microbiology, parasitology, immunology and laboratory techniques relevant to animal pathogens.
• Specialist modules: zoonotic diseases, disease surveillance and outbreak investigation, molecular epidemiology, food safety and animal production systems.
• Practical and applied learning: laboratory skills, field investigations, GIS for disease mapping, and data analysis using statistical software.
• Capstone and experiential components: a supervised practicum or internship with public health agencies, veterinary clinics or research groups, and an independent research or capstone project in veterinary epidemiology or a One Health topic.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have completed secondary education with strong grades in biology or a comparable life science; chemistry or mathematics is also highly recommended. Typical applicants will have a combination of science qualifications and evidence of relevant experience or interest.

• Academic background: high-school diploma with emphasis on biology; applicants with other science backgrounds will be considered.
• Additional evidence: a personal statement outlining interest in veterinary public health, and one or two academic or professional references.
• Standardised tests: where required by admissions policy, applicants may submit relevant test scores; check the university admissions guidance for details.
• Non-traditional applicants: mature students and those with relevant work or volunteer experience in animal care, public health or laboratory settings are welcome to apply and will be assessed holistically.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of roles that bridge animal and population health. Common career paths include positions in disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, public and animal health agencies, food safety authorities, and research laboratories. Alumni also move into roles with international organisations, non-governmental organisations focused on health and development, biosecurity and biodefence, and veterinary public health programmes within government.

• Veterinary public health officer or animal health inspector
• Epidemiologist or disease surveillance analyst
• Laboratory technician or molecular diagnostics specialist
• One Health specialist working with NGOs or intergovernmental bodies
• Further study: graduate training in veterinary medicine, public health (MPH), epidemiology or related research degrees

Why study at University of Mount Union

The University of Mount Union offers a personalised undergraduate experience with small class sizes and close faculty mentorship, making it well suited to the practical, interdisciplinary nature of veterinary epidemiology. The programme emphasises hands-on laboratory and field training, undergraduate research opportunities and applied practicums with local public health departments, veterinary clinics and animal health laboratories. Students benefit from cross-disciplinary collaboration across the biology, health sciences and public health units, and from career-focused support that helps secure internships and post-graduation placements.