Colorado State University

What you'll study

The programme emphasises quantitative and applied research in veterinary epidemiology, zoonotic disease, and public health interventions across animal and human populations. You will combine advanced coursework, methodological training and an original dissertation project under faculty supervision.

• Core methods: advanced epidemiologic methods, longitudinal and case–control study design, survival analysis, and causal inference.
• Quantitative skills: biostatistics for infectious disease, spatial analysis and geographic information systems (GIS), disease modelling and computational methods.
• Veterinary and ecological topics: zoonoses and emerging infectious diseases, wildlife and livestock disease ecology, animal population health management and host–pathogen interactions.
• Surveillance and control: surveillance system design and evaluation, outbreak investigation, risk assessment and mitigation strategies in production and companion animal settings.
• Policy and practice: One Health principles, public health law and ethics, communication of risk to stakeholders and policy translation.
• Research training: responsible conduct of research, grant writing, pedagogy and professional development; culminates in a doctoral dissertation based on original research.

Programme structure typically includes an initial period of coursework and qualifying examinations, followed by focused dissertation research and regular committee reviews. Students have opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration with laboratories, surveillance programmes and field studies.

Entry requirements

• Master’s degree (MSc, MPH or equivalent) in epidemiology, veterinary medicine (DVM/VMD), public health, ecology, statistics or a closely related biomedical or quantitative discipline. Exceptional applicants with a relevant professional doctorate and strong research experience may also be considered.
• Demonstrated quantitative background, including coursework or experience in statistics, epidemiology or modelling. Applicants without a formal quantitative degree should show evidence of equivalent training or experience.
• Research statement outlining proposed doctoral interests in veterinary epidemiology, public health or One Health; alignment with potential faculty supervisors is important.
• Academic transcripts, CV, and letters of recommendation that speak to research potential and academic preparation.
• Proof of English language proficiency where applicable (for non-native speakers), and fulfilment of any additional university graduate school requirements such as residency or immunisation documentation.
• Standardised tests (e.g. GRE) may be optional or considered on a programme-by-programme basis; check the programme admissions guidance for current expectations.

Career prospects

Graduates work across academic, governmental, non-governmental and industry sectors where expertise in animal and population health is needed. Typical career paths include:

• Academic researcher or faculty positions in veterinary schools, schools of public health and ecology departments.
• Senior epidemiologist or scientific advisor roles in national and international public health agencies, agricultural ministries and centres for disease control.
• Positions in international organisations and NGOs focused on zoonotic disease control, pandemic preparedness and One Health implementation.
• Industry roles in pharmaceutical, biotechnology and animal health companies addressing vaccine development, surveillance tools and risk assessment.
• Consultancy, policy analysis and leadership roles in biosecurity, food safety and animal production systems.

Why study at Colorado State University

Colorado State University offers strong interdisciplinary resources for doctoral training in veterinary epidemiology and public health, including a well‑regarded veterinary college and active research groups in infectious disease, ecology and One Health. The institution supports collaborative projects across campus and with external public health and veterinary agencies, providing access to field sites, laboratory facilities and surveillance networks.

Students benefit from mentorship by faculty with expertise in quantitative epidemiology, modelling and field-based disease investigation, plus opportunities for applied research in livestock, wildlife and companion animal systems. The university’s location and partnerships enable extensive hands-on experience in surveillance, outbreak response and translational research that informs policy and practice.