Florida International University

What you'll study

The programme combines core public health training with specialised veterinary epidemiology and zoonoses-focused modules. Core coursework typically covers epidemiology, biostatistics, research methods and public health systems, while specialist modules address animal disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, zoonotic disease ecology, One Health principles, laboratory diagnostics interpretation and risk analysis.

• Core public health methods – principles of epidemiology, biostatistics, study design and data analysis.
• Veterinary epidemiology – population-level disease dynamics in animal hosts, transmission modelling and surveillance system design.
• Zoonotic and emerging infections – ecology and drivers of zoonoses, vector-borne diseases and spillover events.
• One Health and policy – intersectoral collaboration, animal–human health interface, regulatory frameworks and risk communication.
• Applied skills – GIS for disease mapping, laboratory methods basics for public health practitioners, outbreak investigation practicum and field epidemiology exercises.
• Capstone or practicum – an applied practicum placement with a public or animal health agency or a research-based capstone project addressing a real-world veterinary public health problem.

Programme delivery commonly mixes classroom seminars, laboratory demonstrations, field-based training and a supervised practical placement or research project to ensure hands-on experience in surveillance, outbreak response and data analysis.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in veterinary medicine, animal science, biological sciences, public health or a closely related discipline. Prior coursework in biology, statistics or epidemiology is advantageous. Admissions usually consider the overall academic record, relevant practical experience (for example in veterinary practice, laboratory work, public health or animal surveillance) and professional references.

International applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English. Some programmes may request a statement of purpose outlining relevant experience and career goals, and may offer alternatives to standardised tests where appropriate; consult the university for current testing policies.

Career prospects

Graduates enter roles across government, industry, academia and non-governmental organisations where animal and human health intersect. Typical career pathways include:

• Veterinary public health officer or epidemiologist with national or regional animal health agencies
• Disease surveillance specialist in zoonoses and emerging infectious diseases
• One Health advisor for international organisations and NGOs
• Field epidemiologist in outbreak investigation and response teams
• Research or laboratory roles in academic institutions or diagnostic laboratories
• Risk analyst or policy officer focusing on food safety, biosecurity or wildlife health

Many graduates also progress to doctoral study or specialised training (for example field epidemiology training programmes) to advance careers in research or senior technical leadership.

Why study at Florida International University

Florida International University offers a metropolitan research environment with strong links to local and regional public health bodies, veterinary services and environmental agencies, which supports practicum and collaborative research opportunities. The university emphasises interdisciplinary approaches and One Health thinking, drawing on expertise across public health, biological sciences and environmental studies.

Students benefit from access to field sites and laboratory resources in a subtropical ecosystem where arboviruses, vector-borne and wildlife-associated diseases are active areas of study. FIU’s location provides practical exposure to international and cross-border public health challenges, and the programme is designed to produce practitioners who can operate in multidisciplinary teams addressing animal and human health threats.