Kent State University

What you'll study

The programme combines core public health training with specialised study in veterinary epidemiology, zoonoses and One Health approaches. Core modules develop skills in epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health and public health practice. Specialist modules cover topics such as disease surveillance and outbreak investigation for animal and zoonotic diseases, veterinary public health policy and law, diagnostic and laboratory methods in epidemiology, ecological drivers of disease, quantitative disease modelling, and risk assessment.

Students normally complete a mix of coursework, applied practicum and a culminating experience (capstone project or thesis). Typical components include:

• Foundations of Epidemiology and Biostatistics – study design, measures of disease frequency, hypothesis testing and regression methods relevant to population health.
• Zoonoses and One Health – transmission dynamics between animals, humans and the environment, and integrated control strategies.
• Disease Surveillance and Outbreak Response – surveillance system design, field investigation methods, case definitions and communication during outbreaks.
• Veterinary Public Health Policy and Regulation – public health law, animal health policy, food safety and regulatory frameworks.
• Quantitative Methods and Modelling – infectious disease modelling, spatial epidemiology and risk analysis techniques.
• Laboratory and Diagnostic Principles – laboratory methods commonly used in disease detection and interpretation of diagnostic results (taught in partnership with labs where available).
• Applied Practicum / Field Placement – supervised placement with public health agencies, veterinary services, research groups or NGOs to apply skills in a real-world setting.
• Capstone or Research Thesis – an independent applied project or research study addressing a practical problem in veterinary epidemiology or public health.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline such as veterinary medicine, animal science, biology, public health, epidemiology or a closely related field. Admissions committees look for evidence of quantitative ability and relevant experience or academic preparation in the biological or health sciences.

Required application materials typically include official academic transcripts, a personal statement outlining your interest and goals in veterinary epidemiology, and letters of recommendation. Professional or volunteer experience in laboratory work, fieldwork, animal health, public health practice or research strengthens an application. For applicants whose first language is not English, proof of English language proficiency is required.

Standardised test requirements (such as the GRE) vary by programme and applicant profile; applicants should consult the programme office for current guidance on testing and any prerequisites.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that bridge animal and human health, working to prevent and manage diseases that affect people, livestock and wildlife. Typical career paths include:

• Veterinary epidemiologist or disease surveillance specialist in government agencies (state, federal or international).
• Outbreak investigator or field epidemiologist with public health departments, animal health services or emergency response teams.
• Research scientist or data analyst in universities, research institutes or industry conducting surveillance analytics, modelling and risk assessments.
• Policy advisor or programme officer for public health organisations, NGOs or international bodies addressing zoonotic disease control, food safety and One Health initiatives.
• Positions in pharmaceutical, diagnostic or agrochemical companies focused on vaccine development, diagnostics or animal health products.

Graduates often move into roles that require interdisciplinary collaboration, combining laboratory, field and policy skills to inform disease control strategies and public health decision-making.

Why study at Kent State University

Kent State University offers a public health education emphasising practical, applied training and interdisciplinary collaboration. The university’s location in northeast Ohio provides access to regional public and animal health agencies, diagnostic laboratories and a network of healthcare and veterinary partners for practicum placements and research collaborations.

Students benefit from faculty with expertise in epidemiology, environmental health and infectious disease, and from opportunities to work on real-world problems through applied placements and capstone projects. The programme is designed to prepare graduates for immediate entry into professional roles or further research study, with flexible delivery options and support services for professional development and career planning.