University of Arizona

What you'll study

The programme combines core public health training with specialist modules focused on animal-associated and zoonotic diseases. Core subjects typically cover epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health policy and research methods. Specialist topics include veterinary epidemiology, zoonoses and disease ecology, surveillance system design, outbreak investigation and control, risk assessment, and One Health principles.

Students gain applied technical skills such as study design, infectious disease modelling, diagnostic interpretation, spatial analysis (GIS) for disease mapping, and laboratory and field-sampling methods relevant to animal populations. Instruction is delivered through lectures, case-based learning, laboratory sessions and field exercises.

The programme normally requires completion of a significant applied component: a practicum or internship with a public health or veterinary agency and a culminating experience such as a capstone project or a research thesis. These capstone projects typically address real-world problems in zoonotic disease surveillance, livestock health, wildlife disease management or integrated human–animal health interventions.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree. Suitable backgrounds include veterinary medicine, animal science, biology, ecology, public health, or related disciplines. Admissions committees typically look for evidence of quantitative competence (for example coursework or experience in statistics or ecology), research or practical experience with animals or public health settings, and clear motivation for studying veterinary epidemiology.

Application materials generally include academic transcripts, a personal statement outlining professional and research interests, curriculum vitae, and letters of recommendation. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency. Some applicants may be asked to provide evidence of relevant laboratory or field experience; prior coursework in microbiology, epidemiology or statistics is advantageous.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for careers across government, non-governmental organisations, industry and academia. Typical roles include:

• Field or laboratory epidemiologist specialising in zoonotic diseases
• Surveillance and outbreak investigation officer for national or regional public health agencies, veterinary services or agricultural ministries
• One Health programme manager for NGOs and international organisations
• Research scientist in university or government laboratories studying wildlife, livestock or vector-borne diseases
• Public health consultant for industry sectors such as food safety, pharmaceuticals or animal production
• Progression to doctoral research in epidemiology, veterinary public health, disease ecology or related fields

Graduates bring an interdisciplinary skill set valued where human, animal and environmental health intersect — for example in zoonotic disease control, emergency response, vaccine evaluation, risk assessment and health policy development.

Why study at University of Arizona

The University of Arizona offers an interdisciplinary environment that emphasises One Health and applied disease ecology. The Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health provides a foundation in public health practice while faculty and researchers across the campus work on veterinary, wildlife and environmental health issues, enabling cross-college collaboration.

Students benefit from access to field research opportunities in diverse ecosystems and border-region health contexts, practical partnerships with local and state public health and animal health agencies, and training in contemporary tools such as GIS, molecular diagnostics and disease modelling. The programme’s practical practicum and capstone components connect students with employers and research teams, supporting career transition into public health, veterinary services and research roles at the human–animal–environment interface.