Building capacity in One Health: a case study in developing and sustaining interdisciplinary programs in higher education

Abstract One Health, which addresses complex health challenges from the perspectives of environmental, animal and human health, is increasingly incorporated into research and management frameworks. However, educational programs that build capacity for implementing a One Health approach have lagged behind due to difficulties integrating diverse knowledge systems and barriers to collaboration across academic units. Here, we describe the development of a Bachelor of One Health (BOH) undergraduate degree, which spans four colleges (faculties) at a comprehensive university in Canada. We describe the program, rationale, developmental and operational processes, and reflect on factors that may enhance the likelihood of success. We conclude that developing and launching a collaborative, interdisciplinary program such as the BOH is more likely to succeed with early institutional support, robust learning outcomes, a dedicated developmental team with departmental recognition for participation, a high degree of sustained consultation and communication, and ongoing support for, and engagement by, academic partners.