Drew University

What you'll study

The programme blends core public health training with specialised coursework in veterinary epidemiology, zoonoses and One Health concepts. Students study population health principles, disease surveillance and outbreak investigation methods as applied to animals and humans, and learn laboratory and field techniques for detecting and tracking infectious agents.

• Core public health modules: introductory epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health policy and ethics.
• Veterinary and One Health subjects: zoonotic diseases, comparative pathology, animal population health, veterinary public health systems and risk assessment for animal-origin threats.
• Technical and analytical skills: laboratory methods for pathogen detection, geographic information systems (GIS) for spatial analysis, data management and modelling of disease spread.
• Applied learning: field practicums, laboratory placements, community-based projects and a senior capstone or research project that integrates public health and veterinary perspectives.

Entry requirements

Applicants should demonstrate a strong foundation in the natural sciences and quantitative skills. Typical qualifications include a secondary school diploma or equivalent with biology and chemistry; applicants with additional mathematics are well placed for the statistical components of the degree. Admissions consider academic preparation, personal statement, and references. Transfer students or applicants with vocational qualifications should show evidence of relevant coursework or experience; some programmes may recommend or require placement testing in mathematics.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles across government, non-governmental organisations, industry and research that require expertise in disease control where animals and people interact. Typical career paths include:

• animal or public health epidemiologist in local, state or national agencies
• surveillance officer for zoonotic and emerging infectious diseases
• research assistant in academic or laboratory settings focusing on infectious disease ecology
• biosecurity or animal health technician in agriculture, wildlife or zoo settings
• policy analyst or programme coordinator for One Health initiatives in NGOs and international agencies

Many graduates also progress to postgraduate study such as MPH, MSc in epidemiology, PhD research degrees, or professional training including veterinary medicine or clinical public health practice.

Why study at Drew University

Drew’s liberal arts environment offers small classes and close faculty mentorship, enabling hands-on learning and undergraduate research. The university’s location provides access to regional public health and veterinary laboratories, internship placements and collaborations with nearby hospitals and research centres. Students benefit from an interdisciplinary approach that emphasises One Health, practical field experience, and career support services that help place graduates into public health, research and veterinary-related roles.