University of San Francisco

What you'll study

The programme combines rigorous training in epidemiologic and biostatistical methods with subject‑matter expertise in veterinary epidemiology, infectious disease ecology and One Health approaches. Core study areas include advanced epidemiologic theory, quantitative methods, infectious disease modelling, surveillance design and evaluation, and applied field methods in animal and human populations.

• Core modules: Advanced Epidemiology, Advanced Biostatistics, Research Methods and Study Design, Surveillance Systems and Evaluation.
• Veterinary and One Health modules: Veterinary Epidemiology, Zoonoses and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Disease Ecology and Wildlife Health, Animal Population Health Management.
• Applied and technical modules: Spatial Epidemiology and GIS, Mathematical and Statistical Modelling of Infectious Diseases, Laboratory Methods for Field Epidemiology, Data Science for Public Health.
• Research training: Research seminars, teaching practicum, elective placements with public health or veterinary agencies, and a sustained doctoral dissertation project that advances knowledge in veterinary public health or One Health.

Programme structure typically includes an initial period of coursework to build methodological depth, followed by comprehensive/qualifying examinations and a concentrated period of original research culminating in a doctoral dissertation and oral defence. Students are expected to publish and present research during their candidature and to undertake interdisciplinary collaborations across public‑health, veterinary and environmental sciences.

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally hold a relevant postgraduate degree such as an MSc/MPH, DVM or equivalent in epidemiology, public health, veterinary medicine, biology or a related discipline, with a strong academic record. Significant professional experience in epidemiology, veterinary public health, surveillance or field research strengthens an application.

• Academic transcripts demonstrating graduate‑level preparation in quantitative methods or epidemiology.
• A clear research proposal outlining proposed doctoral research interests in veterinary epidemiology, zoonoses, One Health or related topics.
• Curriculum vitae detailing relevant research, fieldwork or professional experience.
• References (typically two or three) who can attest to research potential and preparedness for doctoral study.
• Evidence of English language proficiency where applicable.

The admissions process assesses alignment between the applicant’s research interests and supervisory capacity within the department, as well as methodological readiness for doctoral‑level work. Applicants without a strong quantitative background may be asked to complete bridging coursework before or during early stages of the programme.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for research and leadership roles across academia, government, non‑governmental organisations and industry where expertise in animal‑human disease interfaces is required. Typical career paths include:

• Academic researcher or faculty positions in public health, veterinary medicine, ecology or related disciplines.
• Senior epidemiologist or programme lead in national public health agencies, ministries of agriculture or veterinary services.
• Roles with international organisations and NGOs focused on pandemic preparedness, zoonotic disease control, and One Health initiatives.
• Positions in pharmaceutical, diagnostics or biotech companies working on animal and human health products, surveillance tools and vaccine development.
• Consultancy and advisory roles in disease surveillance, risk assessment and outbreak response.

Why study at University of San Francisco

The University of San Francisco emphasises interdisciplinary scholarship and social justice in health, providing a strong environment for One Health and veterinary public health research. Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, the university offers proximity to a dense network of public health agencies, research hospitals, biotech firms and conservation organisations, enabling applied collaborations and practicum opportunities.

Students benefit from faculty expertise in epidemiology, health systems and community health, access to methodological training in quantitative and spatial analysis, and a campus culture that values community engagement and translational research. The programme supports doctoral candidates through tailored supervision, opportunities for cross‑departmental collaboration, and guidance on publishing and grant writing to prepare graduates for research‑intensive careers.