Marywood University

What you'll study

The programme combines core public health concepts with specialist training in veterinary epidemiology and zoonotic disease control. You will study quantitative and qualitative methods for disease investigation, systems for animal and human disease surveillance, risk assessment and communication, and the policy frameworks that shape animal and public health interventions.

• Core public health modules: epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health principles, public health ethics and programme planning.
• Veterinary epidemiology modules: principles of infectious disease transmission in animal populations, herd health management, outbreak investigation methods, spatial epidemiology and modelling of animal diseases.
• One Health and zoonoses: cross-disciplinary approaches to zoonotic disease prevention, interface ecology, antimicrobial resistance and food safety.
• Applied laboratory and field methods: practical training in diagnostic test interpretation, sample collection and basic laboratory biosafety as relevant to surveillance programmes (didactic and practicum components).
• Policy, law and economics: animal health policy, international animal health regulations, risk analysis and the economic impacts of animal disease.
• Capstone/practicum: a supervised practicum placement with a public health agency, veterinary service, non-governmental organisation or research group, followed by a capstone project or research thesis that applies epidemiological methods to a real-world problem.

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally hold a recognised bachelor's degree in veterinary medicine, animal science, biology, public health or a closely related science. Relevant professional experience in animal health, laboratory work or public health practice is advantageous.

• Academic qualifications: undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline from an accredited institution.
• Prerequisites: prior coursework in basic biology and an introductory quantitative course (statistics or research methods) is recommended; the programme may offer bridging courses for candidates who need to refresh these skills.
• Supporting documents: personal statement outlining motivation and relevant experience, curriculum vitae, and at least two academic or professional references.
• English language: for applicants whose first language is not English, evidence of proficiency is required in line with university regulations.
• Additional requirements: interviews or competency assessments may be requested for some applicants; international applicants should ensure they meet any visa or immunisation guidance before placement components.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that bridge animal and human health in government, industry and research. The curriculum emphasises practical skills sought by employers in surveillance, outbreak response and policy development.

• Veterinary epidemiologist or epidemiologist in state/provincial animal health agencies
• Disease surveillance specialist with public health agencies or international organisations
• One Health programme officer for NGOs, international aid agencies or conservation organisations
• Food safety and biosecurity specialist in industry or regulatory bodies
• Research assistant or coordinator in academic and government research projects on zoonoses and antimicrobial resistance
• Policy analyst or advisor on animal health, trade and public health law

Why study at Marywood University

Marywood offers a student-focused learning environment with small class sizes and close faculty mentoring, which is valuable for applied public health training. The university emphasises community engagement and ethical practice, aligning with the interdisciplinary nature of One Health work.

• Applied learning: practicum placements with regional public health agencies and animal health services provide hands-on experience in surveillance and outbreak investigation.
• Interdisciplinary faculty: instructors with backgrounds in epidemiology, public health practice and biological sciences guide students through applied projects and research.
• Regional partnerships: proximity to public health departments, veterinary clinics and agricultural communities supports field placements and local research opportunities.
• Supportive community: small-cohort teaching fosters collaboration, tailored academic advising and career development support aimed at public health and veterinary employers.