University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

What you'll study

This programme combines core Master of Public Health training with specialised coursework and applied training in veterinary epidemiology, zoonoses and One Health. Core MPH modules typically cover epidemiologic methods, biostatistics, public health ethics and health systems. Specialist topics include surveillance systems for animal and human disease, outbreak investigation and response, risk assessment for zoonotic pathogens, comparative epidemiology, diagnostic and laboratory methods relevant to infectious disease, spatial and genomic epidemiology, and policy and communication for public and animal health.

Programme structure normally comprises required core courses, concentration electives, a supervised practicum or field placement and a culminating project such as a capstone or thesis. Students have opportunities to take elective modules across the Gillings School of Global Public Health and to collaborate with colleagues in veterinary medicine, environmental sciences and laboratory research groups. Applied learning emphasises real-world surveillance datasets, outbreak exercises, field investigations and stakeholder engagement.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised undergraduate degree in veterinary medicine, animal science, biology, public health or a related discipline. Professional veterinarians (DVM/VMD), as well as candidates with strong quantitative or biological science backgrounds, are welcome. Typical application materials include academic transcripts, a personal statement outlining interests in veterinary epidemiology and career objectives, a current CV or résumé, and letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees.

Relevant professional or research experience in animal health, field epidemiology, laboratory work or public health practice strengthens an application. International applicants who are non-native English speakers must demonstrate proficiency in English via an approved test unless exempt. Admissions committees assess the whole application for quantitative preparation, relevant experience and fit with programme goals; specific testing requirements or prerequisites should be confirmed on the programme admissions page.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that bridge animal and human health. Common career paths include positions in government veterinary public health agencies, state and national departments of agriculture or health, international organisations such as WHO or FAO, public health institutes, zoonotic disease surveillance units, and non-governmental organisations addressing emerging disease threats.

Other opportunities include roles in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, diagnostic and veterinary laboratories, academic and policy research, outbreak investigation and emergency response teams, risk assessment and consultancy, and continued doctoral study. The combination of epidemiologic skills and veterinary knowledge makes graduates valuable in multidisciplinary One Health teams addressing antimicrobial resistance, food safety, wildlife disease and pandemic preparedness.

Why study at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The Gillings School of Global Public Health at UNC Chapel Hill provides a strong epidemiologic and biostatistical foundation, with faculty expertise in infectious disease, surveillance and applied public health research. Students benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration across campus, including partnerships with veterinary schools and state public health laboratories, enabling access to practicum placements and joint research projects.

UNC’s research environment offers opportunities to work on regional and global zoonotic disease projects, engage in field-based surveillance, and learn from experienced investigators and public health practitioners. The programme emphasises applied skill development, professional networking and pathways into practice, making it suitable for candidates committed to careers at the interface of animal and human health.