Loyola University Chicago

What you'll study

The programme builds core public health skills in epidemiology, biostatistics and disease surveillance, then applies them to animal health and zoonotic disease control through a One Health perspective. Typical modules include:

• Core Epidemiology: study design, measures of disease frequency and association, risk factor analysis and outbreak investigation methods.
• Biostatistics for Public Health: descriptive and inferential statistics, regression modelling, and practical data analysis using statistical software.
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology: transmission dynamics, surveillance systems, vaccine impact assessment and control strategies for communicable diseases.
• Veterinary Epidemiology and Zoonoses: principles of animal disease surveillance, diagnostic test evaluation, transmission at the human–animal interface and management of zoonotic outbreaks.
• One Health and Environmental Health: interdisciplinary approaches linking human, animal and ecosystem health, risk assessment and prevention strategies.
• Field Methods and Surveillance: practical skills in sampling, laboratory linkages, data collection, GIS for disease mapping and real‑world surveillance system evaluation.
• Policy, Ethics and Communication: public health law, risk communication, stakeholder engagement and ethical considerations in animal and public health practice.
• Practicum and Capstone Project: an applied placement with a public health agency, veterinary service, NGO or research group, followed by a capstone project that integrates field experience and data analysis.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree. Competitive applicants typically have undergraduate preparation in biological sciences, veterinary medicine, public health, or a related quantitative field. Typical application materials include:

• Academic transcripts demonstrating satisfactory performance at undergraduate level.
• A personal statement outlining relevant experience, professional goals and interest in veterinary epidemiology and public health.
• Curriculum vitae or résumé detailing academic, research or clinical experience.
• Letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees.
• Evidence of English language proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English.

Some applicants may be expected to demonstrate quantitative or laboratory experience; relevant professional or clinical veterinary experience can be beneficial. Standardised test requirements (such as the GRE) vary by programme and applicants should consult the university for current requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that span animal and human health sectors. Common career pathways include:

• Positions in national or regional public health agencies working on zoonotic disease surveillance, outbreak response and policy development.
• Roles within veterinary public health units, animal health services and governmental departments responsible for animal disease control and food safety.
• Employment with international organisations, non‑governmental organisations and relief agencies involved in One Health initiatives, disease preparedness and control programmes.
• Research roles in academic institutions or laboratories focusing on infectious disease epidemiology, vaccine evaluation or diagnostic validation.
• Industry positions in pharmaceutical and biotech companies focusing on vaccine development, diagnostic tools or epidemiologic consultancy.
• Progression to doctoral study (PhD) in epidemiology, public health or veterinary sciences for research and academic careers.

Why study at Loyola University Chicago

Loyola University Chicago offers a values‑based education with a strong emphasis on social justice and community engagement. Studying in Chicago provides access to diverse public health agencies, hospitals and community organisations for practicum placements and collaborative projects. The university’s public health faculty bring interdisciplinary expertise in epidemiology, infectious disease and community health, enabling an applied curriculum that links academic training to real‑world public and animal health challenges. Small cohort sizes and hands‑on practicum requirements support close mentorship and practical skill development for careers at the intersection of veterinary and human public health.