Chapman University

What you'll study

This specialist MPH builds on core public‑health foundations while adding veterinary‑focused epidemiology and One Health content. Core modules cover biostatistics, epidemiologic methods, environmental and social determinants of health, health policy and programme planning. Specialist modules typically include:

• Veterinary Epidemiology — study designs, outbreak investigation in animal populations, transmission dynamics and modelling for livestock and companion animals.
• Zoonoses and One Health — ecology of zoonotic agents, cross‑sectoral response frameworks and integrated surveillance systems.
• Disease Surveillance & Informatics — animal and human surveillance systems, data integration, GIS and outbreak reporting.
• Risk Assessment and Control Strategies — quantitative and qualitative risk assessment, biosecurity, vaccination strategies and control programmes for endemic and emerging diseases.
• Laboratory Methods for Field Epidemiology — principles of diagnostic testing, sample collection, biosafety considerations and interpretation of laboratory data in epidemiological context.
• Research Methods and Biostatistics — applied statistics, study design for animal and zoonotic disease research, and critical appraisal of the literature.
• Practicum / Capstone Project — a supervised applied placement or research project with a public‑health or animal‑health agency, industry partner or academic research team to consolidate practical skills.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have a recognised bachelor’s degree in veterinary medicine, animal science, biology, public health or a closely related discipline. Relevant professional experience in veterinary practice, animal health services, public health or research is advantageous. Typical application materials include an academic transcript, a current CV, personal statement outlining career goals and two references (academic or professional).

Because placements and fieldwork are integral to the programme, applicants must meet any health and immunisation requirements set by placement partners (for example, proof of vaccinations and tuberculosis screening) and be eligible to undertake placements in the region where the university arranges practicum opportunities. Some applicants may be required to demonstrate English language proficiency if their prior education was not in English.

Career prospects

Graduates combine public‑health skills with animal‑health expertise and move into roles across the public, private and non‑profit sectors. Typical career destinations include:

• Government and regulatory agencies responsible for animal health, food safety and zoonotic disease control.
• National and international public‑health organisations, including roles in outbreak response and surveillance of emerging zoonoses.
• Veterinary public‑health units and diagnostic laboratories, supporting surveillance, risk assessment and policy implementation.
• Pharmaceutical and biotech companies working on vaccines, diagnostics or therapeutics for animal and zoonotic diseases.
• Non‑governmental organisations and international development agencies focusing on One Health programmes, capacity building and disease control in low‑resource settings.
• Academic and research institutions pursuing epidemiological research or teaching in One Health and veterinary public health.

Why study at Chapman University

Chapman provides a small‑group, student‑centred environment that emphasises applied learning and close faculty mentoring. The programme integrates public‑health theory with hands‑on practicum experiences to ensure graduates leave with practical competencies in surveillance, outbreak investigation and programme design. Students benefit from an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on expertise across health sciences, environmental health and data analytics.

Located in Southern California, Chapman offers access to a diverse set of potential practicum partners across urban, agricultural and wildlife settings, enabling students to gain real‑world experience with animal and public‑health stakeholders. The curriculum is designed to be adaptable for candidates from veterinary, biomedical and public‑health backgrounds and to prepare graduates for careers that require cross‑sectoral collaboration and leadership in managing diseases at the human–animal interface.