CUNY(The City University of New York)

What you'll study

The programme builds a core foundation in public health — epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental and social determinants of health, health policy and health promotion — while offering specialised modules and electives that address animal-associated disease and the One Health framework. Teaching combines classroom lectures, laboratory practicals, fieldwork and community placements.

• Core public health modules: Introduction to Epidemiology, Biostatistics for Health Sciences, Environmental Health, Health Systems and Policy, Social and Behavioural Determinants of Health.
• Veterinary epidemiology and One Health modules: Principles of Veterinary Epidemiology, Zoonoses and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Disease Ecology and Wildlife Health, Food Safety and Animal–Human Interfaces.
• Laboratory and technical skills: Microbiology and Pathogen Detection, Diagnostic Laboratory Methods, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for disease mapping, Data Management and Statistical Software.
• Practical experience: Field epidemiology projects, supervised placements with municipal public health agencies, animal health services or partner research groups, and a capstone or honours research project focused on a One Health topic.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school diploma with a good record of academic achievement. Typical successful applicants have completed core science subjects at secondary level, especially biology and chemistry, and demonstrate competence in mathematics. Admissions will consider the overall academic record alongside personal statements and any relevant extracurricular or volunteer experience.

• Academic prerequisites: secondary-level biology and chemistry recommended; mathematics or statistics preferred.
• Typical academic profile: evidence of solid performance in science and quantitative subjects (exact grade requirements vary by CUNY campus and programme).
• Supporting information: personal statement explaining interest in public health and veterinary epidemiology; references or evidence of related experience (volunteering, lab work or internships) are helpful where available.
• Additional requirements: some campuses may interview shortlisted applicants or request supplementary information; international applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements set by the University.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that require understanding of disease transmission across human, animal and environmental systems. Many continue into public sector and non-governmental roles, laboratory and surveillance positions, or further study.

• Public health analyst or epidemiology technician in local or state health departments, including zoonotic disease teams.
• Surveillance and outbreak investigation roles with public health agencies and animal health services.
• Laboratory technologist or diagnostic support roles in clinical, veterinary or public health laboratories.
• Positions in food safety, agriculture agencies, wildlife health and conservation organisations focused on disease prevention and control.
• Research assistant roles in academic or applied One Health research groups, and progression to postgraduate study (MPH, MSc, PhD) or professional degrees such as veterinary medicine (DVM) or clinical public health specialisms.

Why study at CUNY(The City University of New York)

CUNY offers an urban-centred public health education with strong links to New York City’s diverse public health infrastructure. Students benefit from faculty with applied public health and research experience, opportunities for placements with municipal health agencies and partner organisations, and access to community-based projects across a large metropolitan setting.

• Practical exposure: ready access to internships and practicum placements with city and state public health departments, NGOs and research centres that work on zoonoses, food safety and environmental health.
• Interdisciplinary training: collaboration across public health, environmental sciences and related disciplines to support One Health learning and cross-sector problem solving.
• Research and professional networks: opportunities to work with faculty on applied research projects and to connect with external veterinary and animal health partners through established institutional relationships.
• Accessible urban campus system: a wide student community with diverse perspectives and concentrated public health challenges that enrich applied learning and career networking.