CUNY(The City University of New York)

What you'll study

The programme combines core MPH training in biostatistics, epidemiology, health policy and social determinants of health with specialised content in veterinary epidemiology, zoonoses and One Health approaches. Typical core modules include Applied Epidemiology, Biostatistical Methods, Public Health Practice and Ethics, and Research Methods. Specialised modules and elective topics commonly offered are Veterinary Epidemiology and Surveillance, Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Zoonotic Disease Control, Environmental Drivers of Disease, Diagnostic and Laboratory Methods for Field Epidemiology, and One Health Policy and Programmes.

Teaching is delivered through lectures, case-based seminars and practical laboratory or field sessions where available. Students complete quantitative data analysis assignments, outbreak investigation exercises and a supervised practicum or field placement with public health agencies, animal health services or research groups. A culminating project or capstone—often a practice-based project or a research dissertation—integrates methods and substantive knowledge and demonstrates competency in applied veterinary public health.

Entry requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in veterinary medicine, biological sciences, public health, or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution.
• Solid grounding in biology or animal health; coursework in introductory epidemiology or statistics is advantageous. Applicants without formal prerequisites may be admitted with recommended preparatory coursework.
• A professional CV, a personal statement outlining interest in veterinary epidemiology and public health, and academic transcripts.
• Letters of recommendation, typically two, from academic or professional referees who can speak to research or professional potential.
• Demonstrated English language proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English; recognised tests or institutional equivalents are accepted.
• Relevant professional experience in animal health, public health, laboratory work or research is beneficial but not always required; some applicants enter directly from undergraduate study.

Career prospects

• Roles in governmental public health and animal health agencies, including surveillance officers, field epidemiologists and veterinary public health specialists.
• Positions in international organisations, non-governmental organisations and emergency response teams working on zoonoses, outbreak response and One Health programmes.
• Employment in diagnostic laboratories, research institutes and universities as research associates or doctoral candidates focusing on infectious diseases and epidemiology.
• Opportunities in policy, programme management and consultancy related to disease prevention, biosecurity, food safety and environmental health.
• Pathways to further study at doctoral level or professional advancement in clinical veterinary public health and epidemiology.

Why study at CUNY (The City University of New York)

CUNY’s public health schools and programmes are embedded in one of the largest and most diverse urban health ecosystems, providing ready access to municipal public health agencies, research centres and community health partners. Students benefit from faculty who work on applied public health problems in a metropolitan context and from practicum opportunities with local and international public health and animal health organisations.

The university’s multi-campus system supports interdisciplinary collaboration across environmental sciences, urban planning, medicine and public policy, which is especially valuable for One Health and cross-sectoral work. CUNY also places a strong emphasis on serving diverse communities and developing practical skills for applied epidemiology, surveillance and policy—preparing graduates to translate veterinary and animal health expertise into effective public health action.