Dartmouth University

What you'll study

This interdisciplinary degree combines core public health training with veterinary epidemiology, ecology and One Health approaches. The curriculum typically includes foundational modules in epidemiology, biostatistics and environmental health, integrated with veterinary-focused subjects such as infectious disease biology, animal population health, zoonoses and disease surveillance.

• Core public health modules: Introduction to Public Health, Principles of Epidemiology, Biostatistics for Health Sciences, Environmental and Occupational Health.
• Veterinary and biological sciences: Comparative Anatomy and Physiology, Infectious Disease Biology, Wildlife and Domestic Animal Health, Veterinary Public Health.
• Quantitative and laboratory skills: Data Analysis in R or Python, Statistical Modelling for Epidemiology, Laboratory Methods in Microbiology and Serology.
• Field and applied components: Surveillance and Outbreak Investigation, Field Epidemiology Practicum, GIS and Spatial Analysis for Disease Mapping.
• Policy and ethics: One Health Policy, Risk Communication, Ethics in Public Health and Animal Welfare.
• Capstone and electives: A research-led senior thesis or capstone project in veterinary epidemiology or a related practicum placement; elective options may cover topics such as food safety, global health, conservation medicine and antimicrobial resistance.

Teaching methods typically combine lectures, problem-based seminars, laboratory practicals and supervised fieldwork. Students are encouraged to undertake independent research projects and external placements with public health agencies, veterinary services or conservation organisations.

Entry requirements

Entry is competitive and applicants are expected to demonstrate strong performance in science subjects, particularly biology and mathematics. Typical academic requirements include a secondary-school qualification with high grades in biology (or life sciences) and mathematics; applicants with chemistry or environmental science are also well-prepared.

• Academic profile: Successful candidates generally show excellence in science subjects and a well-rounded academic record. Prior coursework in biology, chemistry and statistics is desirable.
• Experience and motivation: Relevant extracurricular experience—such as volunteering with animal welfare organisations, conservation projects, laboratory internships or public health outreach—is viewed favourably. Applicants should be able to articulate an interest in One Health and interdisciplinary problem solving.
• Additional requirements: Admissions may consider personal statements, references and interviews. Where applicable, international applicants should meet English language proficiency requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that bridge animal and human health, working in government animal health services, public health agencies, non-governmental organisations, industry and research. Career pathways include:

• Veterinary epidemiologist or disease surveillance officer (with further professional training or graduate study).
• Public health analyst focused on zoonotic disease control and outbreak response.
• Field epidemiologist or One Health programme officer with international health organisations and NGOs.
• Research assistant or data scientist in infectious disease modelling, laboratory research, or environmental health.
• Roles in food safety, biosecurity, and pharmaceutical or biotech companies working on vaccines and diagnostics.

Many students progress to postgraduate study (master’s or doctoral programmes) in epidemiology, veterinary public health, infectious disease ecology, or public health policy to specialise further and qualify for senior technical roles.

Why study at Dartmouth University

Dartmouth provides a liberal-arts environment that emphasises close faculty mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration and hands-on field learning—features well suited to training in veterinary epidemiology and public health. Students benefit from small seminar classes, access to laboratory and field resources, and opportunities to work with researchers across biology, environmental science and health policy.

The institution’s emphasis on experiential education supports placements with public health agencies, conservation organisations and veterinary services, while strong links with regional and international partners enable applied research and practicum opportunities. The programme’s blend of quantitative training, laboratory skills and policy perspective prepares graduates to address complex One Health challenges at local, national and global levels.