St. John's University

What you'll study

This programme builds core public health knowledge—epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy and research methods—while adding applied modules focused on animal health and zoonoses. Teaching blends classroom lectures, case-based learning and practical laboratory or field training.

• Applied Epidemiology: study of outbreak investigation, study design, cohort and case–control methods, and interpretation of epidemiological data in animal and mixed-species populations.
• Biostatistics for One Health: quantitative methods, data management, statistical modelling and use of software for analysing surveillance and research data.
• Zoonotic Diseases and Clinical Syndromic Surveillance: ecology and transmission of major zoonoses, diagnostic pathways and syndromic surveillance systems linking veterinary and human health data.
• Veterinary Public Health and One Health Policy: regulatory frameworks, risk assessment, biosecurity, food safety and interagency collaboration at local, national and international levels.
• Labs and Diagnostic Methods: fundamentals of laboratory diagnostics, sample handling, molecular and serological testing principles relevant to field investigations (taught in collaboration with partner laboratories where available).
• Spatial Epidemiology and Data Visualisation: GIS applications, spatial analysis of disease spread, mapping for surveillance and communication of risk.
• Research Project or Practicum: an extended independent research dissertation or a supervised practicum placement with a public health, veterinary authority or international agency to apply learning to a real-world problem.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline such as veterinary science, biological sciences, public health, epidemiology or a related health or life science. Candidates with substantial professional experience in animal health, veterinary practice, public health agencies or surveillance programmes may also be considered.

Typical requirements include:

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant subject at a good standard (or equivalent professional qualifications/experience).
• Evidence of quantitative ability—such as coursework in statistics, epidemiology or data analysis—or relevant professional experience.
• Two academic or professional references that comment on suitability for postgraduate study.
• For applicants whose first language is not English, proof of English language proficiency to the university's required standard.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for careers that address disease risks at the human–animal interface. Common career paths include roles in:

• national and regional public health and animal health agencies (surveillance, outbreak response, policy and risk assessment)
• international organisations and NGOs working on One Health, zoonoses control and disaster preparedness
• research institutes and universities conducting epidemiological or translational research
• veterinary diagnostic laboratories, pharmaceutical and biotech companies (epidemiology, surveillance analytics, regulatory affairs)
• food safety and inspection authorities, and consultancy roles advising on biosecurity and disease management.

Why study at St. John's University

St. John's University offers an applied, interdisciplinary environment suited to public health specialists who need to work across sectors. The programme emphasises practical skills—data analysis, outbreak investigation and interagency coordination—and provides opportunities for placements with public health departments and partner laboratories.

Students benefit from a curriculum that integrates human and animal health perspectives and from faculty with experience in epidemiology, policy and field investigation. Small cohort sizes support close supervision of research projects and personalised career guidance aimed at service, academic and industry pathways in veterinary public health and One Health practice.