Cost & earnings at University of Missouri-Kansas City What students borrow here, and what they go on to earn
This Bachelor in Public Health with a focus on Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health trains students to detect, prevent and control infectious diseases that affect animals and people. It suits students interested in One Health approaches, combining biology, epidemiology, laboratory skills and community health practice to work at the interface of animal and human health.
The programme combines core public health foundations with specialised coursework in veterinary epidemiology, zoonotic diseases and One Health. You will study disease ecology, principles of epidemiology and biostatistics, microbiology and infectious disease, laboratory methods for diagnosis and surveillance, and public health policy and ethics. Coursework typically includes field epidemiology, outbreak investigation, animal population health, environmental health, and risk assessment.
Structure includes classroom lectures, laboratory practicals and applied projects. Students undertake data analysis and surveillance exercises, laboratory training in microbiological and molecular techniques, and case studies in outbreak response. The curriculum emphasises experiential learning through community-based practicum, internships with public health departments or animal health organisations, and opportunities for collaborative research with faculty.
Applicants should hold a high-school diploma or equivalent with a strong background in science and mathematics. Successful candidates normally present courses in biology and chemistry; preparatory coursework in algebra or statistics is recommended. Admissions decisions consider academic record, college-preparatory coursework, and any relevant extracurricular experience such as volunteer work at clinics, laboratories or community health programmes.
Transfer applicants must supply college transcripts and descriptions of completed coursework; prior coursework in life sciences or statistics may be used for advanced standing. International applicants must meet the university's general admissions and English language requirements.
Graduates are prepared for roles that bridge animal and human health. Common career pathways include veterinary epidemiology technician, disease surveillance specialist, public health investigator, laboratory technologist in diagnostic or research settings, and positions in biosecurity and outbreak response. Alumni also move into regulatory and policy roles with local, state or national public health agencies, animal health organisations and non-governmental organisations focused on zoonotic disease control.
Many graduates continue to professional or graduate training, including Master of Public Health (MPH), Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), or research-oriented MSc/PhD programmes in epidemiology, infectious disease or One Health disciplines.
UMKC offers an urban campus with access to a broad range of clinical, laboratory and public health practicum settings across the Kansas City region. Students benefit from interdisciplinary teaching and opportunities to work alongside faculty involved in infectious disease, epidemiology and population health research. The programme emphasises hands-on experience, with internships and community partnerships that help build practical skills in surveillance, diagnostics and outbreak response.
Studying at UMKC places you in a regional hub for animal health and public health activity, with opportunities to engage with local public health departments, veterinary practices and industry organisations. The university provides academic support services, research mentorship and career advising to help students transition into professional roles or further study in veterinary and public health fields.
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