MSc in Veterinary Public Health – Haramaya University
Postgraduate Programme

Master of Science in Veterinary Public Health

Healthy animals, healthy people, healthy world — through the One Health approach.

The Master’s in Veterinary Public Health is an interdisciplinary program focused on protecting human and animal health through a One Health approach. It trains students in zoonoses, food safety, epidemiology, and antimicrobial resistance, with hands-on laboratory and field experience. Graduates gain expertise in research, risk assessment, and policy development, preparing them for careers in government, academia, and international organizations, where they contribute to global health security, sustainable food systems, and the prevention and control of emerging public health threats.

Degree
MSc in Veterinary Public Health
Modality
Regular, Summer
Duration
2 years (regular), 4 years (summer)
Start Date
September (regular), July (summer)

Healthy Animals, Healthy People, Healthy World

The Master’s in Veterinary Public Health trains future leaders to safeguard human and animal health, ensure food safety, and tackle global health challenges through the One Health approach.

About the Programme

Pursuing a Master’s in Veterinary Public Health at Haramaya University offers a unique opportunity to address critical health challenges at the human–animal–environment interface. This program equips students with advanced knowledge and practical skills in zoonoses, food safety, epidemiology, and One Health approaches, preparing graduates to design evidence-based interventions for local and global health. Haramaya University stands out for its strong research culture, state-of-the-art laboratories, and extensive field programs in Ethiopia, providing hands-on experience in disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, and public health policy implementation. By studying here, you will benefit from world-class faculty mentorship and a vibrant learning environment, positioning you to contribute meaningfully to safeguarding human and animal health, strengthening food security, and advancing One Health initiatives both nationally and internationally.

Why Study at Haramaya University?

  • One Health Focus

    Integrates human, animal, and environmental health for holistic disease prevention and control.

  • Hands-On Field Training

    Extensive practical experience in outbreak investigation, zoonoses surveillance, and food safety inspections.

  • Advanced Laboratory Facilities

    Access to state-of-the-art labs for molecular diagnostics, microbiology, and epidemiological research.

  • Expert Faculty Mentorship

    Guidance from experienced researchers and practitioners in veterinary public health and epidemiology.

  • Research Opportunities

    Opportunities to engage in applied projects addressing local and regional public health challenges.

  • Global and Local Impact

    Prepares graduates for careers in government, NGOs, international organizations, and academia, contributing to sustainable health solutions.

  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration

    Opportunities to work with professionals across medicine, environmental science, and public health, fostering a One Health perspective.

  • Policy and Leadership Training

    Equips students with skills to influence health policy, manage public health programs, and lead disease prevention initiatives.

Comprehensive Curriculum: Building Expertise in Veterinary Public Health

The Master’s in Veterinary Public Health curriculum provides a comprehensive blend of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and research experience. Core courses cover veterinary public health, epidemiology, zoonotic diseases, food safety, microbiology, and One Health principles, ensuring a solid foundation and gain a comprehensive understanding of the field. Students choose electives aligned with their interests, such as antimicrobial resistance, vector-borne diseases, or health policy. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through laboratory work, field epidemiology, and outbreak investigations. Each student undertakes an independent research project or thesis, applying theoretical knowledge to investigate a specific public or animal health challenge, often in collaboration with faculty and public health institutions. Optional specializations allow focused expertise, equipping graduates to design and implement effective interventions at the human–animal–environment interface.

Sample Courses List

Where This Degree Takes You

Graduates of the Master’s in Veterinary Public Health are prepared for diverse careers at the intersection of human, animal, and environmental health. They can serve as epidemiologists, public health officers, food safety specialists, and policy advisors in government ministries, research institutes, and international organizations such as WHO, FAO, and OIE. Many also contribute to universities as lecturers or researchers, advancing One Health science. Others work with NGOs, development agencies, and the private sector to address zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and food safety. The program equips graduates with leadership and technical skills to strengthen health systems and promote global health security.

Potential Job Titles

Government & Public Sector

  • Veterinary Public Health Officer
  • Zoonoses Specialist
  • Food Safety and Hygiene Officer
  • Disease Surveillance Officer
  • Public Health Policy Advisor

Academia & Research

  • Research Scientist / Laboratory Scientist
  • Academic Lecturer or Researcher

International Organizations & NGOs

  • One Health Program Coordinator
  • Consultant for WHO, FAO, OIE, or NGOs
  • Outbreak Investigation Specialist

Featured Employers

Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), Ethiopian Agricultural Authority (EAA), Animal Health Institute (AHI), National Veterinary Institute (NVI), Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), Regional Animal Health Bureaus, Veterinary/Livestock Offices, Regional Veterinary Laboratories, Wildlife Authority, Higher Education Institutes, research institutes, Non-Governmental Organizations, and International Organizations and UN agencies (FAO, WHO, ILRI, OIE), and the Private Sector.