Veterinary Preventive Medicine and Public Health: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Veterinary Preventive Medicine and Public Health equips professionals to safeguard both animal and human populations through proactive disease prevention and public health intervention. This interdisciplinary field integrates veterinary science with population health strategies to address threats at the animal-human-environment interface.
- Animal epidemiology: The study of disease patterns, causes, and effects within animal populations to inform control and prevention strategies.
- Biostatistics: Application of statistical methods to analyze health data, support research, and guide evidence-based decision-making in disease surveillance.
- Food safety and quality assurance: Practices and protocols to ensure the safety, integrity, and regulatory compliance of animal-derived food products.
- Food toxicology: Assessment of harmful substances in food sources, including chemical and biological contaminants affecting animal and human health.
- Zoonotic and infectious diseases: Investigation of diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans, with a focus on early detection and containment.
- Disease vectors and transference: Analysis of organisms and mechanisms that spread pathogens, including insects, rodents, and environmental pathways.
- Production medicine: Health management strategies for livestock in agricultural settings to enhance productivity, welfare, and disease resilience.
- Animal health: Comprehensive approaches to maintaining the well-being of animal populations through preventive care, monitoring, and intervention.
- Veterinary public health practice: Application of veterinary expertise to community health initiatives, policy development, and emergency preparedness.
- Inspection and evaluation methods: Systematic techniques for assessing facilities, processes, and practices to ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
Veterinary Preventive Medicine and Public Health Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Veterinary Preventive Medicine and Public Health Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Veterinary Preventive Medicine and Public Health degrees, including Veterinarians, Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary and Animal Scientists. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 312,820 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veterinarians 29-1131 | $125,510 | $70,350 - $212,890 | 80,630 | $60.34 |
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1071 | $105,620 | $51,760 - $239,200 | 229,720 | N/A |
| Animal Scientists 19-1011 | $79,120 | $48,440 - $235,750 | 2,470 | $38.04 |
Veterinary Preventive Medicine and Public Health Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $71,190 in Alaska to $157,515 in District of Columbia—a 121% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Arkansas, and California. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 312,820 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Veterinary Preventive Medicine and Public Health by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 5 institutions offering Veterinary Preventive Medicine and Public Health programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Veterinary Preventive Medicine and Public Health is found at Ohio State University, Main Campus (9 graduates), University of California (UCD), Davis (8 graduates), Iowa State University (ISU) (8 graduates), Texas A & M University, College Station (3 graduates), and Texas Tech University (TTU) (3 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 31 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio State University |
Master's
|
9 | Columbus, Ohio | Public | osu.edu |
| University of California (UCD) |
Master's
|
8 | Davis, California | Public | ucdavis.edu |
| Iowa State University (ISU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
8 | Ames, Iowa | Public | iastate.edu |
| Texas A & M University |
Master's
|
3 | College Station, Texas | Public | tamu.edu |
| Texas Tech University (TTU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Lubbock, Texas | Public | ttu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Veterinary Preventive Medicine and Public Health programs
How much can I earn with a Veterinary Preventive Medicine and Public Health degree?
Salaries for Veterinary Preventive Medicine and Public Health graduates vary by role and location. Veterinarians earn a median of $125,510 annually, while Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $105,620. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $157,515 compared to $71,190 in Alaska. Approximately 312,820 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Veterinary Preventive Medicine and Public Health programs?
Currently 5 accredited institutions offer Veterinary Preventive Medicine and Public Health degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Ohio State University, Main Campus (9 graduates), University of California (UCD), Davis (8 graduates), and Iowa State University (ISU) (8 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Veterinary Preventive Medicine and Public Health degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Veterinarians, Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary, and Animal Scientists. Related occupations employ approximately 312,820 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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