DVM/MPH Degree Program

Adding the MPH to your DVM degree positions you to work at the interface of human and animal health, which could include addressing complex agriculture and food industry concerns, controlling and preventing emerging zoonotic diseases, managing laboratory animal facilities and diagnostic laboratories, and responding to acts of bioterrorism. 

For those interested in public or corporate practice, the MPH degree is the most widely sought addition to the DVM for governmental careers. For those interested in livestock practice, the focus on prevention, health and food safety at the herd level uses the same skills taught in the MPH for managing health in any population. For companion animal practice, the One Health approach recognizes the importance of human-animal connections in optimizing health.

Not currently a DVM student?

For those that are not a current DVM student, the MPH is an excellent degree to prepare for a DVM degree. We have had students from both MPH concentrations subsequently accepted into veterinary colleges here and elsewhere in the US after completing their MPH.

• DVM/MPH students graduate with both degrees in four years. 
• DVM/MPH students have the option to start taking MPH courses in the summer sessions before or after DVM Year 1. We are happy to talk with you about the advantages and disadvantages of both options. 
  
• DVM/MPH students will also take MPH courses during DVM Year 3 and in the summer sessions after DVM Year 3.
• DVM/MPH students pursue the infectious disease concentration of the MPH program. This concentration grounds students in the principles of infectious disease, focuses on neglected and emerging infectious diseases, and builds skills in infectious disease epidemiology and infection control and prevention.

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

Deadlines

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

• If you would like to start taking MPH courses in the summer sessions before DVM Year 1, please 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