Program
The Master of Science in Field Epidemiology at USask offers veterinary graduates hands-on training in responding to animal health disease outbreaks.
What you will learn
This project-based program builds practical expertise in applied epidemiological skills such as:
- Outbreak investigation
- Evaluation of surveillance programs
- Risk assessment
- Statistical analysis
- Risk communication
- Diagnostic test use/evaluation
Quick facts
-
Expected Length Thesis-based Project-based Course-based M.Sc. 2 years - Degree requirements
- Class delivery in-person
- Letter of intent must be approved to apply
This program will not be accepting Letters of Intent in December 2025 for Fall 2026. - Supervisor approval not required to apply
- Deadlines and admission details below
A unique field epidemiology path for veterinary graduates
This degree is unique in North America among field epidemiology programs as it focuses on animal health diseases and is intended for those with a veterinary background.
Master of Science in Field Epidemiology
Students will be assigned a supervisor and will complete competency based projects that are specific to the above epidemiological skills. Students will have an opportunity to respond to take lead roles in such investigations and work with research centres, industry groups, and the public.
The Western College of Veterinary Medicine houses both a Disease Investigation Unit and a Centre for Applied Epidemiology. Both research groups, as well as the other Health Science colleges at the University of Saskatchewan provide a rich opportunity for interdisciplinary research and practical applications of academic scholarship to improve both human and animal health.
Tuition and funding
Funding
There is a possibility of a graduate stipend for admitted students.
Graduate stipend is only available for Canadian Veterinarians or permanent residents of Canada with a veterinary degree from an AVMA accredited/recognized institution.
Graduate students at USask can receive funding from a variety of sources to support their graduate education.
Tuition
Thesis or project-based master's program
Graduate students in a thesis or project-based program pay tuition three times a year for as long as they are enrolled in their program.
| Term | Canadian students | International students |
|---|---|---|
| September 1 - December 31, 2025 | ||
| January 1 - April 30, 2026 | ||
| May 1 - August 31, 2026 | ||
| Total per academic year |
Student fees
In addition to tuition above, students also pay fees for programs like health and dental insurance, a bus pass, and other campus services. The amount you need to pay depends on if you are taking classes full time or part time, and if you are on campus or not. The table below assumes you are on campus full-time.
| Fall 2025 | Winter 2026 | Spring 2026 | Summer 2026 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student fees | $578.45 CAD | $804.73 CAD | $36.75 CAD | $36.75 CAD |
Tuition information is accurate for the current academic year and does not include student fees. For detailed tuition and fees information, visit the official tuition website.
Admission requirements
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.), or equivalent, from a recognized college or university (https://www.aavmc.org/aavmc-members/full-member-listing or https://www.avma.org/education/ecfvg/directory-avma-listed-veterinary-colleges-world), contingent on acceptance by the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.
- A cumulative weighted average of 70% (USask grade system equivalent) in the last two years of full-time study (e.g. 60 credit units)
- Proof of English proficiency for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English.
Application process and deadlines
Submit an email of intent
Please note that the Master of Science in Field Epidemiology program will not be accepting Letters of Intent in December 2025 for the Fall 2026 intake.
We appreciate your interest in the program and encourage you to check back in Fall 2026 for updates regarding future admissions.
Email a letter of intent to receive approval to apply to this program. The email should include how you meet the eligibility/admissions requirements and your reasons for wanting to take the program (e.g. if you do not have a D.V.M. you are not eligible to apply).
If you have questions, please email the program coordinator (tasha.epp@usask.ca).
Deadlines and important dates
| Start Term | Submission Window for Letter of Intents |
| September |
December 1st - 23rd of the year prior to when you wish to start* |
*E.g. intent letters submitted in December 2026 will have a start date of September 2027. Any email received outside of this timeline will be deleted.
Submit an online application
Only those students who pass through the email of intent phase will be invited to submit an application online.
International Students - Review federal international study permit policies before you apply. We do not anticipate that the implementation of the PAL process will limit graduate enrollment at USask.
Before beginning your online application, be sure that you have carefully reviewed all program information and admission requirements on this page.
During the application, you'll be asked for:
- Personal information such as your name, address, etc.
- Contact information of your three referees
- For your letters of recommendation, two of your referees must be academic contacts, and the third may be academic or professional
- Your complete academic history from all previous post-secondary institutions
The application takes about 30 minutes to complete. You may save your application and return to it later.
At the end of the application, you will need to pay a non-refundable $120 application fee. Your application will not be processed until payment is received.
Submit required documents
Once you've submitted your online application, you will have access to upload your required documents, and provide the contact information for your references. To do this, go to the "Supplemental Items & Documents" tab in your application.
Preliminary Statement of Marks
- Once you have submitted your application for admission and paid the application fee, you will be required to upload unofficial PDF copies of your academic transcript(s) from each post-secondary institution attended. This requirement will appear as Preliminary Statement of Marks or Additional Prelim. Statement under admission requirements on your Application Summary when you check your application status.
- The uploaded transcript can be an unofficial copy of the transcript issued by the university or college and must include a grading key/legend.
- All pages of a transcript must be uploaded as a single PDF document.
- Uploaded transcripts will be considered unofficial or preliminary. Official copies of your transcripts will be required only for applicants offered admission. This requirement will appear as Post-secondary Transcript under admission requirements on your Application Summary when you check your application status.
- Transcripts in languages other than English must be accompanied by a certified translation.
For students who are required to provide proof of English proficiency:
- Completing a relevant test with the appropriate score is required before the application deadline.
- Tests are valid for 24 months after the testing date and must be valid at the beginning of the student's first term of registration in the graduate program.
- Applicants will be required to upload a PDF copy of any required language test score. Uploaded test scores will be considered unofficial or preliminary.
Contact
Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences
52 Campus Drive
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4
Program Coordinator
Dr. Tasha Epp
Email: tasha.epp@usask.ca
Graduate Administrator
Jackie Gabriel
Email: jackie.gabriel@usask.ca
- Large Animal Clinical Sciences
Learn more about the academic unit offering this program - Program and Course Catalogue
To view official admission and program requirements