University of San Diego

What you'll study

The programme provides core public health training with specialist modules that address veterinary epidemiology, zoonoses and One Health principles. You study foundational subjects in epidemiology and biostatistics alongside applied units such as disease surveillance and outbreak investigation, zoonotic disease ecology, risk assessment and animal population health management. Typical modules include:

• Principles of Epidemiology – measures of disease occurrence, study design, bias and confounding.
• Biostatistics for Public Health – basic analysis, interpretation and use of statistical software for public health data.
• Zoonotic Diseases and One Health – ecology of zoonoses, transmission dynamics and cross-sectoral approaches.
• Veterinary Epidemiology and Population Health – herd/flock health, surveillance strategies for animal populations and control measures.
• Outbreak Investigation and Field Epidemiology – practical methods for detection, investigation and response to outbreaks in animals and humans.
• Laboratory Methods and Diagnostic Systems – overview of diagnostic approaches, quality systems and pathogen detection relevant to animal health surveillance.
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Spatial Analysis – mapping and spatial tools for disease surveillance and risk mapping.
• Research Methods and Ethics – study design, data collection, scientific writing and ethical issues in animal and human research.

The degree normally combines taught coursework, a supervised practicum placement with a public health or animal health agency and a research capstone or thesis project that addresses a real-world problem in veterinary public health.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree. Degrees in veterinary medicine, biological sciences, public health, epidemiology, or a closely related discipline are typically preferred. Practical experience with animal health, laboratory work, outbreak response or public health practice strengthens an application.

Typical application documents include:

• Academic transcripts demonstrating degree completion and relevant coursework.
• A current CV or résumé outlining professional and research experience.
• A personal statement describing motivation, relevant experience and career objectives within veterinary public health.
• References (academic or professional) attesting to suitability for graduate study.

Some applicants may also be required to provide evidence of English language proficiency if their first language is not English. Admissions panels look for quantitative and analytical aptitude; applicants without a strong quantitative background may be asked to complete preparatory coursework.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue roles where animal and human health intersect, including positions in government veterinary services, public health agencies, international organisations and non-governmental organisations. Common career paths include:

• Veterinary epidemiologist or animal health epidemiologist in national veterinary services.
• Public health epidemiologist focusing on zoonotic disease surveillance and outbreak response.
• One Health programme officer in international agencies or NGOs working on integrated human–animal health initiatives.
• Research scientist in academic, governmental or private-sector laboratories studying emerging infectious diseases.
• Policy adviser or risk assessor addressing animal trade, food safety and biosecurity.
• Field epidemiologist supporting emergency preparedness and response for zoonotic outbreaks.

Graduates may also move into roles in pharmaceutical or diagnostic companies, wildlife and conservation organisations, or continue into doctoral research in epidemiology, veterinary public health or related fields.

Why study at University of San Diego

The University of San Diego offers a public health degree that emphasises interdisciplinary, applied training and community engagement. Students benefit from smaller cohort sizes and close mentoring from faculty with public health and infectious disease expertise. The programme places strong emphasis on experiential learning through practicum placements and community- or field-based projects that connect theory to practice.

San Diego’s geographic location provides proximity to a wide range of public health, animal health and research institutions, enabling partnerships for placements and collaborative projects. The curriculum’s One Health emphasis equips graduates with the skills to work across sectors to address contemporary challenges in zoonotic disease control, surveillance and policy.