University of Northern Colorado

What you'll study

This MPH pathway combines core public health disciplines with specialised study in veterinary epidemiology and zoonoses. Core modules cover biostatistics, epidemiologic methods, public health surveillance and research design. Specialist subjects typically include zoonotic and emerging infectious diseases, outbreak investigation and response, veterinary public health policy, One Health approaches, environmental drivers of disease, and spatial analysis/GIS for animal disease surveillance.

Practical learning is emphasised through a field practicum or internship in a public health, veterinary, laboratory or government setting, and a culminating capstone project or research thesis that applies epidemiologic methods to a real-world animal health or zoonoses problem. Coursework balances classroom-based teaching, applied data analysis, and collaborative interdisciplinary work with faculty across public health and biological sciences.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold an accredited bachelor's degree in a relevant subject such as biology, veterinary science, animal science, public health or a related discipline. Admissions typically consider academic record, relevant professional or volunteer experience in animal or public health, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation.

Because the programme is quantitative, applicants should be prepared to demonstrate competence in introductory statistics and research methods; some applicants strengthen their application with coursework or experience in statistics, epidemiology or laboratory methods. International applicants must meet the university's English language requirements. Some candidates may be invited to an interview as part of the selection process.

Career prospects

Graduates leave with skills to work at the interface of animal and human health. Typical career paths include:

• Veterinary epidemiologist or disease surveillance officer in state or federal animal health agencies
• Public health professional specialising in zoonoses within departments of public health or international organisations
• Outbreak investigation and emergency response roles in government, NGOs or international bodies
• Research scientist or data analyst in academic institutions, research institutes or industry (pharmaceuticals, animal health companies)
• One Health policy advisor, risk assessor or consultant working on cross-sector disease prevention and control

Many graduates also progress to doctoral research or specialist veterinary training to deepen expertise in epidemiology, infectious disease ecology or laboratory science.

Why study at University of Northern Colorado

The University of Northern Colorado offers an applied, student-centred MPH environment with close faculty supervision and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. The university's regional setting provides proximity to agricultural and animal-health stakeholders in Colorado, enabling practicum placements and partnerships with public health and veterinary organisations.

Students benefit from a curriculum that integrates practical epidemiologic skills, data analysis and One Health principles, preparing graduates to work across human, animal and environmental health sectors. Small cohort sizes support personalised mentoring and collaborative research projects that address regional and global animal health challenges.