Salisbury University

What you'll study

The programme combines core public health training with specialised study in veterinary epidemiology, zoonotic disease, and One Health principles. You will take foundational courses in epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health and health policy alongside biology modules such as animal physiology, microbiology, and infectious disease ecology.

• Core public health topics: introductions to epidemiology and biostatistics, health promotion, public health ethics and policy, and environmental health.
• Veterinary and biological science: animal anatomy and physiology, microbiology and immunology, parasitology, and comparative pathology.
• Applied epidemiology and surveillance: outbreak investigation methods, disease surveillance systems, spatial epidemiology and risk assessment for zoonoses.
• Laboratory and field methods: laboratory diagnostics, sample collection and biosafety, molecular methods basics, and applied field studies on farms and in wildlife settings.
• Skills and synthesis: data analysis using statistical software, GIS mapping of disease, grant and report writing, and a capstone or practicum placing students with public health agencies, veterinary clinics, research groups or agricultural partners.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a high school diploma or equivalent with strong performance in science subjects. Recommended preparation includes biology and chemistry; mathematics or statistics is also highly desirable. Admissions typically consider academic record, a personal statement demonstrating interest in public and animal health, and at least one academic reference.

For mature or transfer applicants, relevant college coursework or practical experience in laboratory, veterinary, agriculture or public health settings strengthens an application. International applicants must meet English language requirements through approved tests or institutional equivalence.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles where animal and human health intersect. Typical entry-level positions include disease surveillance technician, public health outreach officer, animal health laboratory assistant, biosecurity officer on farms or in the food chain, and research technician in academic or government laboratories.

Many graduates progress to professional study — for example, a Master of Public Health (MPH), a veterinary medicine degree (DVM), or specialist MSc programmes in epidemiology or infectious disease — which opens pathways into epidemiologist roles, outbreak investigation, regulatory agencies (state or federal animal health services), international health organisations, and non-governmental organisations focused on One Health.

Why study at Salisbury University

Salisbury University offers a student-centred environment with relatively small class sizes and opportunities for hands‑on learning across campus and the surrounding Eastern Shore region. The programme emphasises experiential education: students commonly complete practicums, internships and capstone projects with local public health departments, agricultural partners and laboratories.

Faculty bring teaching and research experience in infectious disease, ecology and public health, and the university’s coastal and agricultural setting provides access to field sites for studying wildlife, livestock and environmental drivers of disease. These elements combine to prepare graduates for practical roles in veterinary public health and for further professional training.