Benedictine University

What you'll study

The programme combines core public‑health training with specialist study in veterinary epidemiology and related topics. You will develop skills in study design, data analysis and applied surveillance while learning how animal health, environmental factors and human behaviour interact to influence disease emergence and spread.

• Core public‑health modules: epidemiology, biostatistics, research methods, health systems and public‑health ethics.
• Veterinary epidemiology and zoonoses: principles of disease in animal populations, transmission dynamics, diagnostic interpretation and control strategies for major zoonotic agents.
• Surveillance and outbreak investigation: design and evaluation of surveillance systems, field investigation methods, case definitions and outbreak response planning.
• One Health and environmental health: interdisciplinary approaches linking human, animal and ecosystem health, including risk assessment and prevention strategies.
• Laboratory and diagnostic methods for epidemiologists: interpretation of laboratory data, biosafety considerations and sampling strategies.
• Applied data skills: biostatistical techniques, spatial epidemiology (basic GIS), and data management for surveillance systems.
• Practicum and capstone project: mentored field placement with a public‑health agency, regulatory body, laboratory or NGO and a research or applied capstone addressing a real‑world veterinary public‑health problem.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised undergraduate degree in veterinary medicine, animal science, biological sciences, public health or a related discipline. Relevant professional experience in animal health, public health, laboratory work or disease surveillance strengthens an application.

• Academic transcripts demonstrating a good honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject.
• A current curriculum vitae or résumé outlining relevant work or clinical experience.
• A personal statement describing your motivation, career aims and how the programme fits your goals.
• References (academic or professional) that can speak to your preparedness for postgraduate study.
• Applicants whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate proficiency in English through an approved test or equivalent evidence.

Specific prerequisites such as prior coursework in statistics, microbiology or epidemiology may be recommended; the programme may offer preparatory modules or bridging options for applicants who need to strengthen particular areas.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of roles at the intersection of animal and public health. Career paths often include positions in government agencies, international organisations, industry and research institutions where expertise in zoonotic disease, surveillance and One Health policy is required.

• Animal and human disease surveillance officer roles within public‑health or veterinary services.
• Outbreak investigator or epidemiologist in local, national or international agencies.
• Positions in diagnostic laboratories, research institutes and academic settings focused on infectious disease.
• Regulatory and food‑safety roles in governmental departments or the private sector.
• Policy advisor, programme manager or consultant for NGOs and international health organisations working on zoonoses and One Health initiatives.

Why study at Benedictine University

Benedictine University offers an applied, student‑centred approach with small class sizes and opportunities for close mentoring by faculty who combine academic expertise with practical public‑health and veterinary experience. The curriculum emphasises translational skills — from surveillance system design and statistical analysis to field investigation and communication — preparing graduates to work across sectors.

• Interdisciplinary focus that integrates animal health, human health and environmental perspectives in a One Health framework.
• Opportunities for practicum placements and local partnerships that provide practical exposure to surveillance, laboratory and policy environments.
• Flexible delivery options designed to accommodate working professionals, combining classroom, online and field components as available.
• Support for career development through applied projects, networking with alumni and connections to public‑health and veterinary employers.