University of Mississippi

What you'll study

The programme combines core public health training with specialist coursework in veterinary epidemiology, zoonotic disease ecology and One Health policy. Core MPH modules typically cover epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health behaviour and public health systems. Specialist modules focus on animal disease surveillance, outbreak investigation and control, risk assessment for zoonoses, diagnostic and laboratory methods relevant to field epidemiology, and spatial analysis of disease patterns.

• Core public health methods: epidemiologic study design, applied biostatistics, public health ethics and health systems.
• Veterinary epidemiology: surveillance system design, field investigation techniques, population-level disease dynamics in domestic and wild animals.
• Zoonoses and One Health: cross-species transmission, pathogen ecology, integrated human-animal-environment approaches to prevention.
• Laboratory and diagnostic methods: basics of diagnostic testing, sample collection, interpretation of laboratory results for epidemiological use.
• Applied skills: spatial epidemiology/GIS, data management, outbreak simulation and disease modelling, risk communication and policy translation.
• Practicum and capstone/thesis: a supervised field practicum with public health or animal health agencies and a culminating capstone project or research thesis that applies methods to a real-world veterinary public health problem.

Structure and assessment

Delivery combines lectures, seminars, laboratory or field workshops, and a supervised placement. Assessment methods typically include project reports, practical assessments, data analyses, policy briefs and a final capstone or thesis. Part-time and flexible study options may be available to accommodate professionals.

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline such as biology, animal science, veterinary technology, public health, or a related field. Relevant professional experience in animal health, laboratory work, public health or fieldwork is advantageous. Typical application components include academic transcripts, a personal statement outlining interest and experience in veterinary public health, one or more letters of reference, and a curriculum vitae.

English language proficiency is required for applicants whose prior education was not in English; acceptable test scores or institutional equivalents are expected. Some applicants may be asked to attend an interview. Where applicable, the programme may accept students with strong quantitative skills in lieu of formal veterinary training, provided they demonstrate commitment to the field.

Career prospects

Graduates leave equipped for roles that bridge animal and human health. Common career pathways include:

• Positions in government animal health and public health agencies conducting surveillance, outbreak investigation and policy development.
• Work with international and non-governmental organisations on zoonotic disease control, emergency preparedness and One Health initiatives.
• Roles in industry such as food safety, biosecurity, epidemiology units within pharmaceutical or diagnostic companies.
• Research and academic careers, including progression to doctoral study in epidemiology, infectious disease ecology or related fields.
• Laboratory or field epidemiologist roles supporting diagnostic testing, surveillance system implementation and risk assessment.

Why study at University of Mississippi

The University of Mississippi offers a multidisciplinary environment that emphasises applied training and regional engagement. The programme draws on faculty with experience in epidemiology, environmental health and policy and fosters collaborations with local and state public health and agricultural agencies for practicum placements. Students benefit from hands-on training opportunities, access to regional field sites, and a smaller cohort size that supports close mentorship and personalised project supervision.

Emphasis on One Health and practical skills prepares graduates for immediate employment in animal and public health sectors, and the programme’s networks across the Gulf South region facilitate internships and professional connections that are valuable for career development.