University of San Diego

What you'll study

The PhD in Public Health with a concentration in Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health is a research-led programme that combines advanced epidemiologic and biostatistical methods with applied study of infectious and non‑infectious diseases at the animal–human interface. Core training covers study design, longitudinal and spatial analysis, causal inference, advanced biostatistics, and infectious disease modelling. Specialist courses explore veterinary public health, zoonotic disease ecology, outbreak investigation and response, surveillance systems, diagnostic test evaluation, molecular epidemiology, and One Health frameworks.

Students undertake a substantial independent research project (dissertation) that contributes original knowledge to veterinary epidemiology or the control of zoonoses. Typical elements of the programme include:

• Advanced epidemiologic methods and biostatistics (longitudinal data, survival analysis, mixed models)
• Infectious disease modelling and simulation
• Surveillance design and evaluation, including syndromic and sentinel systems
• Spatial epidemiology and GIS applications for animal and human health
• Laboratory and molecular epidemiology methods relevant to veterinary pathogens
• One Health policy, risk assessment and economic aspects of animal disease control
• Research ethics, scientific communication and grant-writing skills

The programme is tailored to students’ research interests; many undertake interdisciplinary projects with collaborators in veterinary medicine, public health departments, agriculture agencies or non-governmental organisations. Training opportunities include field studies, laboratory collaborations and practicum placements with local or regional public health partners.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant master’s degree (for example MPH, MSc in epidemiology, DVM, or equivalent) or a strong honours bachelor’s degree with substantial research experience. Typical admissions criteria include:

• A completed graduate degree in a relevant discipline or professional qualification in veterinary medicine
• Demonstrable quantitative background (coursework or experience in statistics, epidemiology or related methods)
• A clear research statement outlining proposed doctoral research interests and potential faculty supervisors
• Academic transcripts, curriculum vitae and at least two academic or professional references
• Evidence of research experience, such as publications, thesis work or documented field projects

Standardised test requirements vary; applicants should consult the School of Nursing and Health Science admissions guidance. Candidates for whom English is not a first language will need to demonstrate proficiency in English according to the university’s requirements. Selection emphasises fit with faculty expertise and the feasibility and public health relevance of the proposed research.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for research and leadership roles across academia, public health agencies and industry. Common career pathways include:

• Academic and research posts in universities and research institutes, including roles in veterinary epidemiology, infectious disease ecology and public health
• Employment with national agencies responsible for animal and public health (for example departments of agriculture, public health agencies and veterinary services)
• International organisations and NGOs focused on zoonotic disease control, outbreak response and One Health initiatives
• Roles in the pharmaceutical, diagnostic and biotechnology sectors related to vaccine development, disease surveillance tools and epidemiological consulting
• Positions in policy-making, risk assessment and public health advisory capacities at regional and national levels

Alumni typically move into roles that require advanced analytical skills, leadership in surveillance and outbreak response, and the ability to design and evaluate interventions at the animal–human interface.

Why study at University of San Diego

The University of San Diego offers a research-focused environment with close faculty mentoring and interdisciplinary connections across public health, biological sciences and clinical partners. The programme benefits from the university’s commitment to community engagement and applied research, enabling students to develop projects with local public health departments, veterinary services and regional laboratories.

Located in a region with a strong life sciences and biotechnology sector, students have access to collaborations with industry and public-sector partners involved in surveillance, diagnostics and outbreak response. Small cohort sizes and personalised supervision support advanced methodological training and the timely completion of doctoral research. The programme emphasises One Health perspectives, preparing graduates to address complex challenges at the intersection of animal and human health.