Northern Arizona University

What you'll study

The programme blends foundational public health subjects with veterinary-focused epidemiology and applied One Health topics. Core modules typically include epidemiologic methods, biostatistics, environmental health, public health policy and programme planning. Veterinary-specific topics cover infectious disease ecology, zoonotic disease surveillance, outbreak investigation and control, diagnostic and laboratory methods relevant to animal health, and risk assessment for food-borne and vector-borne diseases.

• Epidemiologic Methods: study design, measures of disease frequency and association, surveillance systems and outbreak investigation techniques.
• Biostatistics for Public Health: descriptive and inferential statistics, regression modelling and use of statistical software for analysing animal and human health data.
• One Health and Zoonoses: interdisciplinary frameworks linking human, animal and environmental health; case studies of emerging zoonotic threats.
• Veterinary Public Health Practice: food safety, antimicrobial resistance, herd-level interventions and biosecurity principles.
• Field Methods and Laboratory Practice: sampling strategies, diagnostic test interpretation and quality management for surveillance systems.
• Practicum or Capstone Project: applied experience with a public health agency, veterinary service or research group, or a research-based thesis addressing a veterinary epidemiology question.

Students follow a mix of classroom coursework, practical laboratories, data-analysis workshops and a culminating practicum or research project. There is an emphasis on applied skills — designing and evaluating surveillance systems, performing risk assessments, and communicating findings to professional and community audiences.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline such as veterinary medicine, animal science, biology, public health or a related field. Relevant professional experience—such as veterinary practice, laboratory work, disease surveillance or public health roles—strengthens an application.

• Official transcripts from previous postsecondary institutions.
• A statement of purpose outlining interests in veterinary epidemiology and intended career goals.
• Letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees.
• Evidence of quantitative aptitude is desirable (courses in statistics, epidemiology, or strong quantitative coursework).
• For applicants whose first language is not English, an approved English language qualification is required.

Some applicants may be admitted conditionally or asked to complete prerequisite coursework if their academic background lacks key foundational subjects. GRE requirements vary by intake and applicant profile; check the programme office for current admissions testing policy.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that bridge animal and human health. Typical career destinations include government veterinary public health and animal health agencies, disease surveillance units, non-governmental organisations working on zoonoses and food safety, and private-sector positions in animal health companies and diagnostic laboratories.

• Field epidemiologist or surveillance officer (state, federal or international agencies)
• Veterinary public health specialist in food safety, farm biosecurity or antimicrobial stewardship
• Research scientist or data analyst in academic or applied research settings
• Policy advisor or programme manager for One Health initiatives
• Laboratory quality manager or diagnostics specialist in veterinary laboratories

Alumni commonly move into roles that require applied data analysis, outbreak response skills and the ability to translate technical findings for policy-makers and stakeholders in both human and animal health sectors.

Why study at Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University offers an interdisciplinary public health environment with opportunities to work across wildlife, agricultural and human health disciplines. The university emphasises experiential learning through practicum placements and applied capstone projects, enabling students to build practical skills in surveillance, outbreak investigation and communication.

Located in the Mountain West, NAU provides access to a range of ecological settings and partner agencies in state and regional public and animal health organisations, which supports hands-on fieldwork and community-engaged research. Faculty bring experience in epidemiology, ecology and public health practice and supervise projects that address regional and global challenges in zoonotic disease control and One Health.

Students benefit from small cohort sizes, collaborative research opportunities and career support from the university’s public health and career services teams, helping them to connect with employers across government, industry and non-profit sectors.