University of Cincinnati

What you'll study

This MPH pathway combines core public health training with specialist modules in epidemiology of animal-associated and zoonotic diseases. Core subjects cover biostatistics, epidemiologic methods, public health policy, and research ethics, while specialist topics include infectious disease ecology, zoonoses and One Health, outbreak investigation and response, animal disease surveillance systems, risk analysis and communication, and laboratory methods for diagnostic epidemiology.

• Core modules: introductory and intermediate epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental and occupational health, health systems and policy, research methods and ethics.
• Specialist modules: veterinary epidemiology, zoonotic disease ecology, outbreak investigation and field epidemiology, surveillance system design, risk assessment for animal and human health, and molecular epidemiology basics.
• Practical training: a practicum placement with public health agencies, veterinary services or research groups and a culminating capstone project or thesis applying epidemiologic methods to a real-world veterinary public health problem.
• Optional skills training: GIS for health, statistical programming (R or SAS), laboratory biosafety and diagnostic techniques, and science communication.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline such as biology, veterinary science, public health, epidemiology or a closely related field. Relevant professional experience (for example in animal health, public health, laboratory work or field epidemiology) strengthens an application.

• A completed undergraduate degree from an accredited institution with transcripts.
• A personal statement outlining motivation, relevant experience and chosen focus within veterinary epidemiology.
• Curriculum vitae or résumé describing academic and professional background.
• References: typically two academic or professional referees.
• Proof of English language proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English, according to university requirements.

The programme may consider applicants from diverse backgrounds and sometimes offers preparatory or bridge coursework for those without formal training in quantitative methods. Prospective students should check the university’s admissions pages for any standardised test policies and specific documentation requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles at the intersection of animal and human health, working in government, non-governmental organisations, industry and academia. Typical career paths include:

• Field epidemiologist or surveillance officer focusing on zoonotic disease monitoring and outbreak response.
• Veterinary public health officer within state or federal animal health agencies.
• One Health coordinator or programme manager for international health organisations and NGOs.
• Research scientist in university, public health or diagnostic laboratory settings.
• Policy analyst or risk assessor for public health or agricultural ministries and regulatory bodies.
• Roles in pharmaceutical or biotech companies focused on vaccine development, diagnostic tools and disease modelling.

Graduates are also well placed to pursue doctoral research in epidemiology, infectious disease ecology or related disciplines.

Why study at University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati offers an MPH grounded in applied, experiential learning with access to faculty who specialise in infectious disease epidemiology and public health practice. The university’s urban location provides diverse practicum and partnership opportunities with local and state health departments, research hospitals and regional animal health stakeholders. Students benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration across public health, biomedical and environmental sciences, hands-on training in surveillance and outbreak investigation, and support for career placement in public and veterinary health sectors.

Through a combination of classroom instruction, practical placements and a capstone research project, the programme emphasises real-world skills — statistical analysis, field epidemiology, risk communication and One Health collaboration — that employers seek when managing zoonotic and cross-species health threats.