University of Arizona

What you'll study

The programme combines core public health training with specialised study of animal-associated disease dynamics and the systems used to detect and control them. Core public health modules cover epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health policy and social determinants of health. Veterinary epidemiology specialisms typically include zoonoses and disease ecology, surveillance systems, outbreak investigation, laboratory diagnostics and food safety.

• Core modules: Principles of Epidemiology; Introductory Biostatistics; Environmental and Occupational Health; Health Systems and Policy; Research Methods.
• Specialist modules: Zoonotic Diseases and One Health; Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Ecology; Diagnostic Methods and Laboratory Safety; Molecular Tools in Disease Investigation; Foodborne and Vector-borne Disease.
• Technical skills: GIS for public health, data management and analysis, field sampling techniques, biosafety and specimen handling, laboratory methods relevant to microbial and parasitic agents.
• Capstone and experiential learning: A practicum or internship with public health agencies, veterinary diagnostic laboratories, wildlife health centres or industry partners, plus a culminating capstone project or senior seminar applying epidemiologic methods to a real-world problem.
• Research and electives: Opportunities to join faculty-led research in infectious disease, wildlife health or environmental exposures, and electives in global health, policy, or advanced laboratory methods.

Entry requirements

Applicants typically need a high-school diploma or equivalent with a strong record in science and mathematics. Preparatory subjects often sought include biology, chemistry and algebra or calculus. Universities commonly consider academic performance across the final two years of secondary study, personal statements and, where offered, references.

• Evidence of competency in biology and chemistry is recommended; coursework in calculus or statistics is advantageous.
• Standardised tests (such as SAT/ACT) may be optional or considered as part of the application depending on admissions policy.
• Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts showing completed prerequisites; credit may be given for relevant community college coursework.
• International applicants must meet English proficiency requirements and provide certified academic records translated into English where required.
• Some applicants are invited to interview or provide additional materials if applying to competitive tracks or honours-level research streams.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that connect animal and human health across government, industry and non-profit sectors. Career paths often begin in surveillance, laboratory support or field investigation and can progress into technical or leadership roles with further training.

• Entry-level positions: public health technician, disease surveillance specialist, veterinary technician with a focus on epidemiology, laboratory assistant in diagnostic or research labs.
• Mid-career opportunities: epidemiologist (with additional qualifications), outbreak investigator, food safety specialist, environmental health officer, wildlife health coordinator.
• Employers: state and federal public health agencies, agricultural and veterinary services, diagnostic laboratories, non-governmental organisations, zoos and wildlife organisations, pharmaceutical and biotech companies.
• Further study: graduates frequently progress to professional and graduate programmes such as MPH, MS/PhD in epidemiology or infectious disease, or professional veterinary training to gain clinical qualifications.

Why study at University of Arizona

The University of Arizona offers a multidisciplinary environment that supports One Health education, drawing on strengths in public health, biological sciences and environmental research. Students benefit from access to research institutes and collaborations with state and regional health agencies, which provide practicum placements and applied research opportunities.

Teaching emphasises hands-on skill development — from field sampling and GIS analysis to laboratory techniques — and the curriculum is designed to prepare students for immediate entry into public health and animal-health careers or for further graduate study. The programme’s geographic location also offers distinctive fieldwork opportunities in desert, agricultural and wildlife settings relevant to regional and global disease ecology.