Walden University

What you'll study

This doctoral programme combines advanced public health theory, quantitative and qualitative research methods, and specialised study in veterinary epidemiology and the animal–human health interface. Core coursework typically covers advanced epidemiologic methods, biostatistics for population studies, research design and measurement, public health systems and policy, and ethical issues in public health research.

• Veterinary epidemiology and zoonoses: transmission dynamics of animal-borne pathogens, outbreak investigation in animal and mixed populations, and risk assessment.
• One Health approaches: integrative frameworks connecting animal, human and environmental health for prevention and control strategies.
• Surveillance and disease control: design and evaluation of surveillance systems, diagnostics, biosecurity, and intervention effectiveness.
• Advanced biostatistics and modelling: multivariate analyses, survival analysis, spatial epidemiology and mathematical models of infectious disease spread.
• Research methods and dissertation: rigorous mixed-methods and quantitative research methods, grant-writing, and an original dissertation project contributing new knowledge to veterinary public health.

Students work closely with faculty mentors to develop a dissertation that may address topics such as zoonotic outbreak response, antimicrobial resistance in animal populations, food safety epidemiology, or evaluation of community-based One Health interventions.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised master's degree in public health, epidemiology, veterinary medicine, biological sciences, or a related field. Typical requirements include:

• A completed master's degree from an accredited institution or equivalent professional qualifications.
• Academic transcripts demonstrating strong performance at graduate level.
• A curriculum vitae or résumé showing relevant professional and research experience; clinical veterinary experience is advantageous for a veterinary epidemiology focus.
• Statement of purpose outlining research interests and proposed doctoral study area, and how the programme aligns with career goals.
• Two or more professional or academic references commenting on research potential and preparedness for doctoral work.
• Evidence of English language proficiency where applicable (such as IELTS or TOEFL) for applicants whose first language is not English.

Some applicants may be invited for an interview with faculty to discuss research fit. Prior coursework in epidemiology and statistics is highly recommended; applicants without these may be admitted conditionally and required to complete preparatory modules.

Career prospects

Graduates of this programme are prepared for senior research, policy and leadership roles at the interface of veterinary and public health. Common career paths include:

• Academic researcher or university faculty in veterinary public health, epidemiology or One Health.
• Senior epidemiologist or surveillance lead in government public health agencies, ministries of agriculture, or zoonoses control programmes.
• Research scientist or programme manager with international organisations and non-governmental organisations focused on global health, disease prevention and food safety.
• Technical specialist roles in pharmaceutical, diagnostic, and animal health industries, including vaccine development and antimicrobial stewardship.
• Consultancy and policy advisory positions on outbreak preparedness, biosecurity, and cross-sectoral health initiatives.

The doctorate emphasises the skills needed to design and lead large-scale studies, obtain competitive research funding, and influence policy and practice in One Health and veterinary public health.

Why study at Walden University

Walden offers a doctoral environment designed for working professionals, combining flexible delivery formats with structured research mentorship. Students benefit from faculty mentors with applied public health and epidemiology experience, opportunities to pursue interdisciplinary One Health research, and support services for dissertation planning and proposal development.

The programme emphasises applied research that addresses real-world challenges in zoonotic disease control, surveillance and policy. Its structure allows students to tailor coursework and research to their professional interests while engaging with a network of peers and practitioners across public and animal health sectors.

Prospective students should review Walden's programme materials and contact admissions or the public health faculty to discuss fit, research supervision and pathways to complete the doctoral dissertation.