University of Chicago

What you'll study

This master's combines core public health training with specialist study of animal health, zoonotic disease dynamics and the connections between human, animal and environmental health. The programme typically comprises core MPH subjects in epidemiology, biostatistics and public health practice, plus targeted modules and applied work in veterinary epidemiology.

• Core public health modules: introductory and intermediate epidemiology, applied biostatistics, study design and methods, ethics and public health systems.
• Veterinary and One Health modules: principles of veterinary epidemiology, zoonoses and pathogen ecology, One Health frameworks, animal population health management and disease control strategies.
• Infectious disease and surveillance: outbreak investigation and response, surveillance system design and evaluation, laboratory and field diagnostic integration, pathogen genomics for surveillance.
• Quantitative and analytical skills: statistical modelling for infectious diseases, spatial epidemiology and GIS applications, risk assessment and decision analysis.
• Practical experience: field practicum or placement with public health agencies, veterinary services, NGOs or research groups; a capstone project or thesis applying methods to a real-world veterinary-public health problem.

Teaching methods include lectures, small-group problem-solving, lab and fieldwork, data workshops and supervised research. Electives allow deeper focus on areas such as food safety, wildlife disease ecology, antimicrobial resistance or global health policy.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline such as biology, veterinary science, public health, epidemiology or a closely related field. Prior coursework in biology and quantitative methods (including basic statistics) is expected; applicants without stronger quantitative preparation may be asked to complete preparatory coursework.

• Academic record: a good undergraduate degree from a recognised institution.
• Professional experience: relevant work or research experience in animal health, clinical veterinary work, public health, laboratory science or field epidemiology is advantageous, particularly for applicants from non-epidemiology backgrounds.
• Supporting materials: statement of purpose outlining goals and fit with the programme, curriculum vitae, academic transcripts and letters of recommendation.
• English language: applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency as required by the university.
• Testing: standardised test requirements (such as the GRE) may be optional or vary by department; check the programme's admissions guidance.

Applicants with international qualifications or non-traditional backgrounds are considered on an individual basis; strong quantitative or laboratory experience helps where academic preparation differs from programme expectations.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for careers at the intersection of animal and human health. Common career paths include roles in:

• public health agencies and veterinary public health units at local, state/provincial or national level;
• international organisations and multilateral agencies dealing with zoonoses, One Health and outbreak response;
• non-governmental organisations and humanitarian agencies working on zoonotic disease control, food security and animal welfare;
• research institutes, universities and diagnostic laboratories focusing on infectious disease surveillance, modelling and pathogen discovery;
• pharmaceutical and biotech companies, and consultancies involved in vaccine development, risk assessment and disease control strategy;
• agribusiness and food safety agencies overseeing surveillance and control of foodborne zoonoses.

The combination of applied epidemiology, surveillance skills and One Health awareness also equips graduates for further research degrees or specialist training in epidemiology, veterinary public health or infectious disease modelling.

Why study at University of Chicago

The University of Chicago offers a rigorous, research-oriented environment with interdisciplinary strengths across epidemiology, data science and biomedical research. Students benefit from access to faculty working on infectious disease ecology, pathogen genomics, statistical methods and public health policy, and from collaborations with clinical and public health partners.

The university's emphasis on quantitative training, paired with opportunities for field placements and applied capstone projects, helps students translate methods into practice. Being located in a major urban centre provides exposure to diverse public health challenges and partner organisations, while extensive career services and alumni networks support professional development and placement.