City University of Seattle

What you'll study

The programme combines core public‑health training with specialist veterinary epidemiology and zoonotic disease modules. Core subjects cover epidemiology, biostatistics, public‑health systems and research methods. Specialist topics include disease surveillance in animal populations, outbreak investigation, zoonoses and food‑borne disease, risk analysis and modelling of infectious diseases, One Health principles and antimicrobial resistance.

Teaching methods emphasise applied skills: case studies of real outbreaks, laboratory data interpretation, GIS for disease mapping, quantitative modelling and critical appraisal of surveillance systems. Assessments typically include practical reports, applied data analysis assignments, a field practicum or internship and a capstone research project or thesis focused on a veterinary public‑health problem.

• Epidemiology and study design
• Biostatistics and quantitative methods for surveillance
• Zoonotic disease ecology and control
• Disease surveillance systems and data management
• Outbreak investigation and emergency response
• One Health approaches and policy for animal‑human health
• Risk assessment, modelling and decision support
• Applied practicum and capstone research project

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in veterinary medicine, animal sciences, biology, public health or a closely related field from a recognised institution. Candidates with substantial relevant professional experience in animal health or public health may also be considered. Typical supporting materials include a CV, personal statement outlining relevant experience and career goals, and academic transcripts.

Additional requirements commonly include evidence of quantitative ability (for example prior coursework in statistics or epidemiology) and competency in written and spoken English. International applicants must meet City University of Seattle's language requirements through recognised tests or previously completed tertiary study in English. Some applicants may be asked to supply professional references or attend an interview.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that bridge animal and human health. Typical career destinations include veterinary epidemiologist, surveillance officer, outbreak investigator, public‑health analyst, policy advisor on zoonoses, and roles in food safety, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies focusing on animal and zoonotic diseases. Opportunities exist in national and regional government agencies, international organisations, non‑governmental organisations, academic and research institutions, and private sector animal‑health firms.

The programme's applied practicum and capstone project also equip graduates for PhD study or specialist research positions in infectious‑disease ecology, antimicrobial resistance and One Health policy development.

Why study at City University of Seattle

City University of Seattle offers a practice‑oriented approach with flexible delivery options suitable for working professionals, including blended and online study patterns. The university emphasises small class sizes and professional experience, allowing close interaction with faculty who combine academic and applied public‑health backgrounds.

Students benefit from City University's location and networks in the Pacific Northwest, which provide access to regional public‑health agencies, research centres and animal‑health employers for practicum placements. The curriculum is designed to be directly relevant to current public‑health practice, with strong focus on practical skills in surveillance, outbreak response and data analysis that employers seek in the veterinary public‑health sector.

City University's career services and industry links support students in securing placements and progressing into relevant roles across government, NGOs and the private sector.