University of Oregon

What you'll study

This programme combines core public‑health training with specialised modules on animal health, zoonotic diseases and One Health systems. You will take core MPH subjects in epidemiology, biostatistics, public‑health ethics and health systems, then follow specialised topics such as veterinary epidemiology, infectious disease ecology, surveillance design, outbreak investigation, diagnostic methods for animal pathogens and risk assessment.

• Core public‑health modules: introductory and applied epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, research methods and practicum preparation.
• Veterinary and One Health modules: principles of veterinary epidemiology, ecology of zoonoses, comparative immunology and host–pathogen interactions, animal population health management.
• Applied skills and tools: surveillance systems and data management, geographic information systems (GIS) for disease mapping, laboratory and diagnostic basics relevant to animal pathogens, quantitative risk assessment, and statistical modelling of infectious diseases.
• Capstone and practical experience: an applied practicum or internship with public‑health agencies, veterinary services, NGOs or research groups, plus a capstone project or research thesis investigating a real‑world problem in veterinary public health.

Teaching methods typically include lectures, case studies of outbreaks and control programmes, hands‑on data analysis workshops, fieldwork opportunities, and supervised research. The course emphasises interdisciplinary collaboration among human health, veterinary and environmental disciplines.

Entry requirements

Applicants are usually expected to hold a recognised undergraduate degree in a related discipline such as biology, veterinary science, animal science, public health, epidemiology or a closely related field. Typical requirements include:

• A completed bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution; candidates with substantial professional experience in public or animal health may also be considered.
• A solid quantitative background demonstrated through prior coursework (statistics, epidemiology or related disciplines) or relevant work experience.
• Supporting documents: academic transcripts, a personal statement outlining career goals and reasons for applying, a current CV, and at least two references (academic or professional).
• For international applicants, evidence of English language proficiency where English is not the first language.
• Some applicants may be asked to provide evidence of prior field or laboratory experience with animals or infectious disease surveillance; immunisation or occupational health documentation may be required for placements.

The department may accept applicants with interdisciplinary backgrounds provided they complete any required preparatory coursework in quantitative methods or biological sciences before or during the programme.

Career prospects

Graduates of an MPH in Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health go on to roles that bridge animal and human health. Common career paths include:

• Animal and zoonotic disease epidemiologist in government veterinary services, public‑health agencies or international organisations.
• Surveillance and outbreak response officer for regional or national disease control programmes.
• Technical advisor or programme manager for NGOs and development agencies focused on One Health, food safety or livestock development.
• Researcher in academic institutions, research institutes or industry conducting studies on disease ecology, vaccine impact or risk assessment.
• Policy analyst or consultant on animal health policy, biosecurity and emergency preparedness.

Graduates are well placed to work in national ministries of agriculture or health, intergovernmental organisations, non‑profits, diagnostic laboratories, and consultancy firms. Many alumni also continue to doctoral study in epidemiology, ecology or veterinary public health.

Why study at University of Oregon

The University of Oregon offers an interdisciplinary environment that supports One Health approaches, bringing together strengths in ecology, environmental science, statistics and public health. Students benefit from access to applied research projects, opportunities for fieldwork in varied ecological settings across the Pacific Northwest, and collaboration with regional public‑health and animal‑health agencies.

Faculty teaching in this area typically combine expertise in infectious‑disease ecology, quantitative epidemiology and public‑health practice. The programme’s emphasis on applied skills, data analysis and practicum experience prepares graduates for operational and research roles handling complex problems at the human–animal–environment interface.