Dual DVM/MPH Program

Program Highlights

The University of Georgia offers a DVM-MPH dual degree program, a five-year concurrent curriculum designed to prepare veterinarians for leadership roles in public health. Graduates are equipped to address significant public health challenges in areas such as epidemiology, environmental health, global health, infectious disease investigation and control, homeland security, food safety, and policy. The program aims to develop professionals who can respond to emerging zoonotic diseases and contribute to future disease threat prevention.

Delivery Modes

This is a full-time, on-campus program integrated within the five-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) curriculum. Students begin taking required MPH-related courses during their DVM studies, with dedicated MPH coursework commencing in the spring semester of the fourth year.

Curriculum Overview

The MPH component is administered by the College of Public Health. Students are required to enroll in specific courses such as POPH 5180 (Public Health), POPH 5230 (Special Topics in Population Health-journal club), IDIS 5300 (Veterinary Emergency Preparedness and Response), and IDIS/VBDI 5230S (Special Topics in Public Health, Community Engagement and Service Learning in Veterinary Medicine). Students also select electives based on their chosen area of emphasis.

Practical experience is integral to the program, requiring students to complete a 6-week veterinary-public health related externship. The MPH curriculum also includes an MPH internship (PBHL 7560) and culminates in an MPH Capstone Project.

Admissions Requirements

Eligibility for the DVM-MPH program is restricted to currently enrolled DVM students at the University of Georgia. Prospective students typically apply after successfully completing their sophomore year of the DVM program, although some required courses begin in the DVM freshman year.

The application process involves several steps:

• Submitting the DVM-MPH Declaration of Intent form and required materials by June 15 during Year 2 of the DVM curriculum.

• Participating in an interview with the DVM-MPH Advisory Committee if selected.

• Receiving formal acceptance from the DVM-MPH Advisory Committee.

• Submitting a formal application to the UGA Graduate School during the Fall of Year 4.

• Submitting a formal application to the College of Public Health via SOPHAS during the Fall of Year 4.

Career & Practical Experience

Graduates of the DVM-MPH program are uniquely qualified for careers as public health veterinarians in diverse settings, including local, regional, national, and international health organizations, within both public and private institutions. They are prepared to work in epidemiology, environmental health, global health, infectious disease investigation and control, homeland security, food safety, and policy development.

The program emphasizes practical experience through a required 6-week veterinary-public health related externship and an MPH internship (PBHL 7560). These experiences provide students with hands-on skills to address real-world public health issues, including the prevention and control of zoonotic diseases.