MPVM vs. MPH

MPVM vs. MPH

Master’s of Public Health (MPH) and Master of Preventive Veterinary Medicine (MPVM) degrees are similar, but there are some key differences to explore. 

Master’s of Public Health

In general, an MPH degree prepares students for careers in the US Public Health system.  MPH programs emphasize human health, and seek to promote and protect health and reduce health disparities in human populations.  The biggest issues in human health are typically non-infectious chronic diseases, so most MPH programs do not have an infectious disease focus and emphasize issues related to behavior modification.  MPH programs include core coursework in Health Services Administration, Environmental Science, and Social & Behavioral Aspects of Public Health, in addition to epidemiology and biostatistics.  Students can take electives in epidemiology, biostatistics, general public health, or other topics.

Master of Preventive Veterinary Medicine

An MPVM degree is intended to prepare students for leadership roles in veterinary population health worldwide.  Infectious diseases are emphasized, though the principles learned apply to non-infectious conditions as well.  Knowledge of disease processes is assumed.  The MPVM program includes core coursework in Infectious Disease Surveillance & Control, Applied Research, Leadership & Risk Communication, and Emerging Issues in One Health, in addition to more epidemiology and biostatistics coursework than is required for an MPH.  Electives allow for exploration of risk analysis, simulation modeling, diagnostic test evaluation, ecology, zoonoses, food safety, and other areas.

Upon completion of the MPVM, a veterinarian or physician will know how to conduct a research study to address a population health or productivity issue.  This includes developing a hypothesis, designing the study, collecting and analyzing the data, interpreting the results, and communicating those results to policy-makers, scientists, and the public.  Graduates have the skills to review and evaluate disease control programs or other veterinary services programs.  Graduates are prepared to be field epidemiologists, and also have the foundation to transition into a PhD program in epidemiology, ecology, integrative pathobiology, or another discipline.

What’s the difference between MPVM and MPH?