University of Hawaii at Manoa

What you'll study

The degree combines core public health foundations with specialised modules addressing veterinary epidemiology, zoonotic diseases and disease ecology. Typical topics include introductory and intermediate epidemiology, biostatistics, infectious disease dynamics, One Health principles, environmental health, wildlife and livestock disease management, and public health policy and ethics. Practical skills training often covers field surveillance methods, outbreak investigation procedures, laboratory biosafety basics, sample collection and data analysis using common statistical software.

Program structure usually mixes required core public health courses, a set of concentration electives in veterinary epidemiology and public health, and general education requirements. Students typically undertake a capstone project or practicum placement with public health agencies, state departments (for example departments of health or agriculture), conservation organisations or research laboratories to gain applied experience in surveillance, risk assessment or community outreach.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have completed secondary education with a strong background in science and mathematics. Typical preparation includes at least two years of high‑school laboratory science (biology and/or chemistry) and one year of college preparatory mathematics. Admissions consider overall academic record, personal statement, and any relevant experience such as volunteering or internships in health, animal care or conservation.

International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests or equivalent qualifications. Some programmes may recommend or require introductory coursework in statistics or biology at the university level for transfer students. Specific GPA thresholds and additional requirements for transfer or mature applicants are set by the university and should be checked with admissions.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that bridge human and animal health. Common entry-level positions include disease surveillance technician, public health technician, laboratory assistant, animal health field officer, and roles supporting outbreak response in governmental or non‑governmental organisations. Many graduates progress to graduate study in epidemiology, public health (MPH), veterinary medicine, or related fields to qualify for advanced epidemiologist or clinical roles.

Employers include state and local public health departments, departments of agriculture and fisheries, conservation NGOs, international health agencies, research institutes and private-sector companies involved in biosecurity, food safety and animal production. The programme also provides a foundation for careers in policy, risk assessment, and community health programmes focused on zoonotic disease prevention.

Why study at University of Hawaii at Manoa

University of Hawaii at Manoa offers distinctive advantages for studying veterinary epidemiology and public health because of its geographic location and strong emphasis on tropical and Pacific health issues. Students benefit from opportunities to study disease ecology in island ecosystems and to engage with regional partners addressing transboundary and zoonotic threats in Pacific Island communities.

The university supports interdisciplinary learning through collaborations across public health, biology and environmental sciences, and offers practical placement opportunities with state health agencies, agricultural departments and conservation organisations. Faculty research often focuses on infectious disease ecology, emerging zoonoses and One Health approaches, giving students access to applied research projects and community‑based fieldwork relevant to both local and global public health challenges.