Walden University

What you'll study

This programme combines core public-health training with specialised coursework that addresses the epidemiology of animal diseases, zoonoses and the intersection of human, animal and environmental health (One Health). The curriculum is practice-focused and typically includes a mix of foundational MPH modules, advanced epidemiological methods, and veterinary-specific topics.

• Core public-health foundations – principles of public-health practice, health policy and management, ethics, and community assessment.
• Biostatistics and research methods – applied biostatistics, study design, survey methods, data analysis and interpretation using standard statistical software.
• Epidemiology – infectious- and non-infectious-disease epidemiology, outbreak investigation, surveillance systems, and field epidemiology methods.
• Veterinary epidemiology and zoonoses – disease transmission dynamics in animal populations, diagnosis and control of animal-borne infections, and case studies in zoonotic outbreaks.
• One Health and policy – interdisciplinary approaches to disease prevention, risk analysis, interagency coordination, and policy development affecting animal and human health.
• Laboratory and diagnostic principles – laboratory surveillance, diagnostic testing strategies, quality assurance and interpretation of laboratory results in epidemiological investigations.
• Geospatial and surveillance tools – use of GIS, remote sensing, and digital surveillance platforms for animal-health monitoring and early warning systems.
• Applied practicum or capstone – a supervised field placement, practicum project or applied research capstone focused on a real-world veterinary public-health problem (surveillance design, outbreak response, risk assessment or programme evaluation).

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised bachelor's degree in veterinary medicine, animal science, biological sciences or another relevant discipline. Typical requirements include:

• A completed undergraduate degree from an accredited institution.
• A solid academic record; many applicants present a competitive GPA and coursework in biology, microbiology or related subjects.
• Evidence of quantitative competency — prior coursework in statistics or demonstrable experience with data analysis is usually expected. Where needed, preparatory courses may be recommended.
• A current résumé or curriculum vitae outlining relevant professional experience; clinical or laboratory experience is advantageous.
• A personal statement describing career goals, relevant experience and reasons for pursuing the MPH concentration.
• References or professional recommendations; requirements vary by applicant background.
• International applicants must meet English-language proficiency requirements and provide recognised academic credential evaluations where applicable.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that bridge veterinary medicine and public health. Career pathways typically include employment in government animal-health agencies, international organisations, academia, industry and non-governmental organisations.

• Veterinary epidemiologist or surveillance officer for national veterinary services, ministries of agriculture or public-health agencies.
• Outbreak investigator or field epidemiologist responding to zoonotic disease events.
• One Health coordinator, linking animal, human and environmental health programmes at local, national or international levels.
• Food-safety and public-health specialist in regulatory agencies or private industry, focusing on farm-to-fork risk management.
• Research scientist or data analyst in academic institutions, research institutes or pharmaceutical and diagnostics companies.
• Programme manager or technical advisor for NGOs and international bodies involved in disease control, preparedness and capacity building.

Why study at Walden University

Walden’s MPH pathway emphasises applied public-health practice with flexible delivery suited to working professionals. Students benefit from an online curriculum that integrates public-health competencies with veterinary and One Health content, and from support services aimed at practicum placement and career development.

• Flexible online learning options to balance study with professional commitments, with opportunities for synchronous and asynchronous engagement.
• Practice-based curriculum that culminates in a practicum or capstone project addressing real-world veterinary public-health challenges.
• Faculty with public-health and field-experience backgrounds who provide applied mentorship and supervision for applied projects.
• Resources for career preparation, including guidance on practicum sites, professional networking and continuing-development pathways in public and animal health sectors.