University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

What you'll study

The degree combines core public health training with specialised coursework addressing animal health, zoonoses and the ecological drivers of disease. You will build quantitative and laboratory foundations alongside applied, field-based skills.

• Core public health foundations: introductory epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health policy and social determinants of health.
• Veterinary epidemiology and One Health topics: courses on zoonotic disease ecology, comparative infectious disease, surveillance systems, outbreak investigation and risk assessment at the animal–human–environment interface.
• Quantitative and laboratory methods: biostatistical analysis, data management, diagnostics and laboratory techniques relevant to infectious disease surveillance, and use of GIS for spatial epidemiology.
• Research and practicum: a supervised practicum or internship with public health agencies, veterinary services, research labs or NGOs, and an independent research project or capstone in veterinary public health.
• Electives and interdisciplinary options: electives in conservation medicine, microbial ecology, animal health policy, food safety, global health, and courses offered through related departments such as biology, environmental sciences and the veterinary college (where collaborative options exist).

Entry requirements

Admission to the Bachelor of Science in Public Health is through the university's undergraduate admission process. Applicants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent with a strong academic record, particularly in science and mathematics.

• Academic preparation: recommended coursework includes biology, chemistry, mathematics (including pre-calculus or calculus), and statistics where available.
• Academic performance: competitive applicants present strong grades across academic courses; specific GPA expectations are determined by the Universitys undergraduate admissions standards.
• Supplementary material: a personal statement demonstrating interest in public health and animal health, and letters of recommendation are encouraged where requested by admissions. Standardised testing policies follow the university's current undergraduate admissions guidance.
• Transfer students: applicants transferring from community college or other universities should have completed transferable science and math prerequisites and provide college transcripts and a summary of completed coursework.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that bridge veterinary and public health practice, research, policy and surveillance. The degree provides a platform for both immediate employment and further professional education.

• Positions in state and local public health departments and animal health services conducting disease surveillance, outbreak response and risk communication.
• Research technician or data analyst roles in university research groups, government laboratories and private sector companies working on zoonoses, vaccine development or diagnostic testing.
• Roles in food safety, farm biosecurity, wildlife disease management, and environmental health agencies addressing cross-species transmission and ecosystem health.
• Employment with international organisations and NGOs focused on global health, pandemic preparedness and One Health initiatives.
• Pathways to further study: many graduates progress to professional degrees such as Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), Master of Public Health (MPH), MSc/PhD in epidemiology, or related clinical and research programmes.

Why study at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

UNC Chapel Hill offers strong interdisciplinary public health training through its public health school and collaborations across campus, enabling students to combine epidemiology, laboratory skills and policy perspectives. The university's research-active faculty in infectious disease and epidemiology provide mentorship and opportunities for student-led research.

• Interdisciplinary collaborations: access to faculty and courses across biology, environmental sciences and nearby veterinary programmes, supporting an integrated One Health education.
• Applied learning: practicum placements and research projects with state public health agencies, regional animal health partners and community organisations allow students to gain hands-on experience.
• Research opportunities: students can engage with ongoing epidemiology and infectious disease research labs, benefiting from a strong tradition of translational public health scholarship.
• Career support: career services, alumni networks and local industry relationships in the region help connect graduates with roles in public health, research and policy.