Dual DVM/MPH Program

Program Highlights

Virginia Tech's Public Health Program offers a dual DVM/MPH degree program specifically for DVM students enrolled at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. This program positions graduates to work at the interface of human and animal health, addressing complex issues in agriculture, food safety, zoonotic diseases, laboratory management, and bioterrorism response. It emphasizes a One Health approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of human and animal health.

For individuals not currently DVM students, completing an MPH focused on public health can also serve as excellent preparation for applying to DVM programs.

Delivery Modes

The DVM/MPH is an integrated dual-degree program, implying an on-campus, full-time commitment aligned with the DVM program structure. MPH courses are strategically scheduled during summer sessions and alongside DVM coursework.

Curriculum Overview

Students in the DVM/MPH program graduate with both degrees in four years. Key aspects of the curriculum include:

• Option to begin MPH courses in the summer sessions before or after DVM Year 1.

• MPH courses are also taken during DVM Year 3 and in the summer sessions after DVM Year 3.

• Students pursue the infectious disease concentration of the MPH program. This concentration focuses on principles of infectious disease, neglected and emerging infectious diseases, infectious disease epidemiology, and infection control and prevention.

Admissions Requirements

Only current and admitted VMCVM DVM students are eligible to apply to the DVM/MPH program.

Deadlines

To take Summer Session MPH courses pre-DVM Year 1:

• Apply to the MPH program by April 15 before starting the DVM program in the fall.

To take Summer Session MPH courses after DVM Year 1:

• January 5

Required Materials

• Online application .

  • Please note: application fees are non-refundable

    • The Virginia Tech Graduate School waives the application fee for prospective students that meet certain criteria. The waiver criteria can be found here .

• Personal statement

  • Your statement should be 800 words and address the following:

    1. What interests and excites you about public health?

    2. How have your life experiences related to public health? Don’t limit yourself to your resume.

    3. Why did you choose the specific Virginia Tech MPH concentration(s)?

    4. Why do you believe resiliency is an important attribute to have while participating in an educational program and for life after graduation? Provide examples of how you have exhibited resilience and what you learned.

• 1 academic or professional letter of recommendation, to be completed in the online application, or mailed or emailed to the department.

• Resume or CV

• Transcripts, unofficial

When possible, application materials should be submitted electronically. If you need to submit paper materials, please send them to: Population Health Sciences (0442) 205 Duck Pond Drive Blacksburg, VA 24061

Career & Practical Experience

The DVM/MPH dual degree prepares graduates for a variety of careers at the intersection of animal and human health. Potential career paths include:

• Addressing complex agriculture and food industry concerns.

• Controlling and preventing emerging zoonotic diseases.

• Managing laboratory animal facilities and diagnostic laboratories.

• Responding to acts of bioterrorism.

• Governmental careers in public or corporate practice.

• Livestock practice with a focus on prevention, health, and food safety at the herd level.

• Companion animal practice, applying a One Health approach.