Drew University

What you'll study

The programme combines core public health training with specialised modules in veterinary epidemiology and zoonotic disease control. You will develop quantitative skills, practical laboratory understanding and policy-relevant competencies for managing infections that move between animals and people.

• Core MPH modules: epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental and occupational health, health policy and systems, research methods.
• Veterinary epidemiology specialist modules: fundamentals of veterinary public health; diagnostic and surveillance methods for zoonoses; outbreak investigation and field epidemiology; disease ecology and pathogen transmission at the human–animal–environment interface.
• Applied methods and analytics: spatial epidemiology and GIS for disease mapping, molecular epidemiology basics, risk assessment and modelling infectious disease spread.
• Practical experience: supervised practicum or placement with public health agencies, veterinary laboratories or NGOs; skills workshops in sample collection, surveillance design and data management.
• Capstone project or thesis: original research or a practicum-based applied project addressing a One Health or veterinary public health problem.

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally hold a recognised undergraduate degree in veterinary medicine, animal science, biology, public health or a closely related discipline. Typical prerequisites include coursework in biology and statistics or demonstrable quantitative ability.

• Academic transcript showing a good undergraduate degree (specific grade or GPA expectations are set by the admissions office).
• Relevant practical experience is desirable; this can include clinical veterinary work, laboratory experience, public health placements or research involving infectious diseases.
• Personal statement outlining interest in veterinary epidemiology and career goals.
• Two or three letters of academic or professional reference.
• Curriculum vitae or résumé.
• Some applicants may be asked for evidence of English language proficiency if their first language is not English.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for careers at the intersection of animal and human health in government, international agencies, industry and research. The programme emphasises practical skills that employers seek in surveillance, outbreak response and policy roles.

• Positions in national public health agencies, veterinary services or departments of agriculture focused on disease surveillance, outbreak investigation and control.
• Work with international organisations and NGOs on zoonotic disease programmes, pandemic preparedness and One Health initiatives.
• Roles in diagnostic and reference laboratories, pharmaceutical or veterinary vaccine development companies involved in disease monitoring and research.
• Academic or research careers in epidemiology, disease ecology and public health, including progression to doctoral study.
• Consultancy and risk assessment roles for environmental health, food safety and biosecurity sectors.

Why study at Drew University

Studying at Drew offers a close-knit academic environment with interdisciplinary connections across the sciences and health disciplines. The university’s size supports small-group teaching, direct access to faculty and opportunities for tailored research or practicum placements.

• Interdisciplinary approach that integrates public health, ecology and veterinary perspectives aligned with One Health principles.
• Practical placement links with regional public health departments, veterinary clinics and laboratories providing real-world experience.
• Faculty and staff experienced in applied epidemiology and public health practice who support student projects and career development.
• Proximity to major metropolitan public health resources and laboratories, facilitating internships and professional networking opportunities.