University of Chicago

What you'll study

The curriculum builds a foundation in epidemiology, biostatistics and population health, then applies those methods to animal health and zoonoses through a veterinary epidemiology pathway. You study core public health topics (epidemiologic methods, biostatistics, environmental health, health policy and ethics) alongside specialised modules covering infectious disease ecology, zoonotic pathogens, One Health principles, surveillance systems and outbreak response.

• Core modules: introduction to epidemiology, introductory and intermediate biostatistics, environmental and social determinants of health, research methods and public health ethics.
• Veterinary epidemiology modules: infectious disease ecology, zoonoses and transmission dynamics, veterinary public health, diagnostic and surveillance methods, and spatial epidemiology (GIS) for animal populations.
• Laboratory and practical skills: laboratory methods relevant to infectious disease, data management, statistical programming (R or Python), and field sampling techniques.
• Research and experiential learning: a capstone research project or senior thesis supervised by faculty, internship placement with public health agencies, NGOs or veterinary public health bodies, and opportunities for collaborative research with medical and biological science units.

The degree emphasises quantitative training, field-ready skills and interdisciplinary problem solving, enabling students to analyse outbreak data, design surveillance strategies and contribute to control measures for diseases that cross species barriers.

Entry requirements

Admission is through the University of Chicago College and is competitive. Successful applicants typically demonstrate strong academic performance across a broad secondary curriculum, with particular strength in the sciences and mathematics. Recommended background includes biology and chemistry, and coursework or experience in statistics or computer programming is advantageous.

• Strong high school grades and a rigorous curriculum (A‑levels, IB, national equivalents) with science and maths components.
• Evidence of quantitative aptitude; prior coursework or experience in statistics, calculus or data analysis is helpful.
• Relevant extracurricular experience such as laboratory work, volunteering with animal or public health organisations, internships, or research projects strengthens an application.
• International applicants should present the equivalent academic qualifications and evidence of English language proficiency where required.

Because the programme values demonstrated interest and preparedness for interdisciplinary work, applicants are encouraged to highlight relevant research experience, fieldwork, or applied projects in their personal statements.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles across public health, animal health and research sectors. Typical entry‑level positions include public health research assistant, surveillance technician, field epidemiology support staff, data analyst for health programmes, laboratory technician and policy or programme officer with NGOs and government agencies.

• Employment with national public health and veterinary services, zoonotic disease units and regional disease control centres.
• Research roles in universities, government laboratories and non‑profit research organisations focusing on infectious diseases and One Health challenges.
• Analytical and data‑driven roles in global health organisations, NGOs and international agencies involved in outbreak response and surveillance.
• Further professional pathways include graduate study (DVM, MPH, MSc/PhD in epidemiology, infectious disease or One Health) for careers as epidemiologists, veterinary public health specialists, or academic researchers.

Why study at University of Chicago

The University of Chicago offers rigorous quantitative training and an interdisciplinary approach that is well suited to the demands of veterinary epidemiology and public health. Undergraduates benefit from close faculty mentoring, access to research laboratories and collaborative links with medical and biological sciences units that support One Health work.

• Strong emphasis on methodological rigour and data analysis prepares students to handle complex surveillance and outbreak datasets.
• Opportunities for undergraduate research and a capstone project enable hands‑on experience in laboratory, field or policy settings.
• Cross‑disciplinary connections with the biological sciences, public policy and medicine provide pathways into clinical, laboratory and policy‑facing careers.
• Career services and alumni networks help students secure internships and placements with public health agencies, research institutes and international organisations.