University of California

What you'll study

This programme combines core public health training with specialised coursework in veterinary epidemiology, zoonotic disease control and One Health principles. Teaching mixes quantitative methods, applied fieldwork and policy-focused modules to build skills in outbreak investigation, surveillance design and risk assessment.

• Core public health modules: epidemiologic methods, biostatistics, study design and research ethics.
• Veterinary epidemiology and infectious disease: disease ecology of zoonoses, transmission dynamics, modelling of infectious diseases in animal populations.
• Surveillance and diagnostics: surveillance system design and evaluation, laboratory diagnostics interpretation and sample selection strategies.
• One Health and policy: interdisciplinary approaches to human, animal and environmental health; policy development and communication for veterinary public health.
• Applied tools and technologies: geographic information systems (GIS) for disease mapping, data management, advanced statistical and modelling packages.
• Practicum or capstone project: a mentored applied project, practicum placement with a public or animal health agency, or a research thesis addressing a real-world veterinary public health problem.

The programme typically allows elective specialisation in areas such as food safety and inspection, wildlife health, antimicrobial resistance, or global health security. Students gain experience in field sampling, laboratory collaboration and interagency response planning.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor's degree in veterinary medicine, animal science, biology, public health or a closely related discipline. Typical requirements include:

• Academic background: a degree with substantial coursework in biological sciences; prior coursework in statistics or introductory epidemiology is advantageous.
• Academic performance: a competitive undergraduate record; specific GPA thresholds vary by campus and year.
• Relevant experience: practical experience with animal health, laboratory work, public health practice or research strengthens applications. Employers and volunteer work in veterinary or public health settings are valued.
• Language and additional evidence: proof of English proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English and letters of recommendation. Some programmes may request a personal statement outlining research interests and career goals and may consider GRE scores on a case-by-case basis where required.

Applicants with strong quantitative skills or those lacking certain prerequisites may be advised to take preparatory courses in statistics or epidemiology before or during the programme.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for careers that address animal, human and environmental health across public, private and non‑profit sectors. Common career paths include:

• Veterinary public health officer or epidemiologist in national or state animal health agencies.
• Field epidemiologist with international organisations, humanitarian NGOs or the World Health Organization.
• Surveillance and data analyst roles in food safety, agribusiness and pharmaceutical companies.
• Research scientist or programme manager in academic institutions, research centres or public health laboratories.
• Consultant in risk assessment, biosecurity planning or One Health policy development.

The programme’s emphasis on applied skills, practicum placements and interdisciplinary networking helps graduates move into roles in outbreak response, disease surveillance, policy formation and research focused on zoonoses, antimicrobial resistance and foodborne disease control.

Why study at University of California

Studying veterinary epidemiology within the University of California system gives access to strengths in veterinary medicine, agriculture and public health. The university is known for strong veterinary teaching hospitals, collaborative One Health centres and research groups focused on infectious disease ecology and food safety. Students benefit from multidisciplinary faculty, partnerships with state and federal agencies and opportunities for hands-on fieldwork in diverse ecosystems.

Facilities commonly available include advanced laboratory resources, epidemiologic and modelling expertise, and established practicum links with public health and animal health agencies. These resources support applied learning and prepare graduates to work across the animal–human–environment interface.