Fairleigh Dickinson University

What you'll study

The curriculum combines core public‑health training with specialised courses in veterinary epidemiology and zoonotic disease control. Core modules cover epidemiologic methods, biostatistics, environmental and occupational health, health policy and programme planning. Specialist modules typically include veterinary epidemiology, zoonoses and One Health, disease surveillance and outbreak investigation, diagnostic methods and laboratory biosafety, risk assessment and animal population health management.

Students learn applied skills in study design, data analysis (including use of statistical software), spatial analysis and interpretation of surveillance data. The programme normally includes a practicum or field placement working with veterinary public‑health agencies, state or federal animal health services, NGOs or research units, plus a capstone project or thesis that applies methodology to a real‑world problem such as an outbreak investigation, surveillance system evaluation or risk mitigation plan.

• Core epidemiology and biostatistics
• Veterinary epidemiology and population health
• Zoonotic infections and One Health principles
• Disease surveillance, outbreak detection and response
• Laboratory methods, diagnostics and biosafety
• Spatial epidemiology and GIS applications
• Risk assessment, policy and emergency preparedness
• Practicum/field placement and capstone thesis

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in veterinary medicine, animal science, biological sciences, public health or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution. Graduates with professional degrees such as DVM are welcome. Admission typically considers academic record, relevant professional or volunteer experience, and a demonstrated interest in animal and public health.

Required application materials usually include official transcripts, a personal statement outlining career aims and reasons for choosing the programme, a current CV or résumé, and letters of recommendation. International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through an approved test unless exempt. Some applicants may be invited for an interview; relevant work or field experience can strengthen an application. The programme may accept students with diverse backgrounds by recommending foundation coursework if quantitative skills need strengthening.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that bridge animal and human health. Common career destinations include public‑sector agencies (national or state animal health departments, ministries of agriculture, public‑health agencies), international organisations and NGOs working on zoonoses and One Health, diagnostic and reference laboratories, and the pharmaceutical and veterinary vaccine industry.

Typical job titles include veterinary epidemiologist, public‑health epidemiologist with a zoonotic focus, disease surveillance officer, outbreak investigation specialist, risk assessor, and research associate. Alumni also move into policy roles, emergency preparedness and biosecurity, academic research and teaching, or continue to doctoral study in epidemiology or related fields.

Why study at Fairleigh Dickinson University

Fairleigh Dickinson University offers a small‑group learning environment with access to regional public‑health and animal‑health networks in New Jersey and neighbouring New York. The university emphasises practical, career‑oriented training, enabling students to take practicum placements with local and state agencies, laboratories and community health partners.

Students benefit from faculty with applied experience in epidemiology and public health practice, a curriculum that integrates One Health content with hands‑on analytics and outbreak response training, and flexible delivery options that may include on‑campus and hybrid coursework. The programme is suited to those wanting to build the technical and professional skills needed to work at the interface of veterinary and human health.