University of North Florida

What you'll study

This applied MPH pathway combines core public health training with specialised coursework and practical experience in veterinary epidemiology and zoonotic disease control. Core modules cover epidemiologic methods, public health surveillance, biostatistics, environmental and occupational health, and health policy and management. Specialist modules focus on topics such as:

• Zoonotic disease ecology and transmission — principles of pathogen transmission between animals and humans, reservoirs and spillover risk factors.
• Veterinary epidemiology — study design, field investigation of animal disease outbreaks, sample size and diagnostic test evaluation in animal populations.
• Disease surveillance systems — design and evaluation of surveillance for livestock, companion animals and wildlife; passive and active surveillance strategies.
• One Health and intersectoral coordination — integrated approaches to health that bridge human, animal and environmental sectors including risk communication and community engagement.
• Laboratory methods and diagnostics — fundamentals of diagnostic testing, specimen handling, laboratory quality and interpretation of diagnostic results in an epidemiologic context.
• Risk assessment and emergency preparedness — quantitative and qualitative assessment of animal disease risks, contingency planning and response for transboundary and emerging threats.

The programme typically includes applied learning through a practicum or field placement with public health, veterinary or wildlife agencies, and a capstone project or thesis that requires evidence-based analysis of a real-world animal health problem. Students gain hands-on experience with outbreak investigation tools, surveillance datasets, GIS mapping for disease, and communication of findings to technical and non-technical audiences.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to hold a bachelor's degree from a recognised institution. Degrees in biological sciences, veterinary medicine, public health, environmental science, animal science or related disciplines are particularly relevant. Typical application components include:

• Official academic transcripts demonstrating satisfactory undergraduate performance.
• A personal statement outlining interest in veterinary epidemiology/public health and career goals.
• Letters of recommendation, usually academic or professional, that speak to research potential and relevant experience.
• Relevant professional or volunteer experience with animals, laboratories, public health programmes or research is advantageous.
• Proof of English language proficiency for international applicants, where applicable.

Some applicants with strong professional experience but a non-traditional academic background may be considered. Specific GPA expectations, test score requirements and additional documentation are set by the university; prospective students should consult the programme admissions page for the most current criteria.

Career prospects

Graduates of this pathway are prepared for careers at the interface of animal and human health. Typical roles include:

• Veterinary epidemiologist or disease surveillance officer within government agencies (local, state or national).
• One Health specialist or programme coordinator for NGOs and international organisations.
• Outbreak investigator or field epidemiologist focusing on zoonotic and transboundary animal diseases.
• Public health analyst, policy advisor or risk assessor working on animal health policy, biosecurity and emergency preparedness.
• Research scientist or data analyst in academia, industry or diagnostic laboratories focusing on infectious disease dynamics.

The applied skills in surveillance, outbreak response, lab interpretation and intersectoral communication are also valuable in private industry, agricultural extension, wildlife conservation and pharmaceutical or diagnostic companies that focus on animal health.

Why study at University of North Florida

The University of North Florida offers this MPH pathway within a university that emphasises applied, community-engaged public health training and small-class instruction. Located in a metropolitan region with diverse animal and agricultural contexts, students benefit from proximity to state and local public health and animal health agencies, wildlife and zoological institutions, and regional veterinary and laboratory resources. The programme emphasises hands-on learning through practicum placements and collaborative projects that connect students with practitioners in the field.

Faculty bring expertise in epidemiology, environmental health and One Health approaches, and the curriculum is designed to develop practical skills in surveillance, outbreak investigation, quantitative analysis and risk communication. Graduates leave with the technical knowledge and professional experience needed to work across sectors addressing zoonotic and animal-associated disease threats.