Eastern Mennonite University

What you'll study

The programme delivers a foundation in public-health principles alongside coursework and practical experiences centred on animal health, disease transmission between animals and humans, and population-level disease control. Courses emphasise the intersection of human, animal and environmental health (One Health), quantitative methods for disease investigation, and applied laboratory and field techniques.

• Core public-health topics: introductory epidemiology, biostatistics, health promotion, environmental health, and public-health policy and ethics.
• Veterinary epidemiology and infectious disease: zoonoses, comparative pathology, disease ecology, surveillance systems, outbreak investigation methods and risk assessment.
• Laboratory and field methods: diagnostic techniques, sampling strategies, molecular or microbiological methods (where facilities permit), and biosecurity/biosafety principles.
• Data and analytic skills: applied biostatistics, geographic information systems (GIS) for disease mapping, and data management for surveillance systems.
• Interdisciplinary and ethical perspectives: One Health seminars, public-health ethics, community engagement and the social determinants of health that affect both people and animals.
• Capstone and practicum: a supervised practicum with a public-health, veterinary or environmental organisation and a senior capstone project or thesis addressing a real-world veterinary public-health question.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a high-school diploma or equivalent with a solid academic record. Successful candidates typically demonstrate preparedness in relevant science and quantitative subjects and a commitment to community health.

• A complete secondary-school transcript showing coursework in biology and mathematics; chemistry is strongly recommended.
• Evidence of academic achievement and readiness for collegiate study; selective programmes may consider the academic profile in context of the whole application.
• Personal statement explaining interest in public health and animal health, and how the programme aligns with academic or career goals.
• Letters of recommendation from teachers or professionals who can speak to academic potential and suitability for field-based work are often encouraged.
• International applicants should provide evidence of English language proficiency according to the university's standard requirements.
• Relevant extracurricular experience (volunteering with animal shelters, agricultural work, laboratory experience, or public-health volunteering) strengthens an application but is not always mandatory.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that bridge animal and human health, or for further professional or graduate training. The programme emphasises practical skills and critical thinking valued by employers in public and private sectors.

• Positions in local, state or national public-health agencies supporting zoonotic disease surveillance, outbreak response or health education.
• Roles in animal-health programmes, biosecurity and disease-control teams, or as veterinary public-health technicians working alongside veterinarians and epidemiologists.
• Laboratory technician or support roles in diagnostic laboratories, research institutes and testing facilities.
• Employment with non-governmental organisations and international agencies working on One Health initiatives, animal welfare, or community health projects.
• Progression to graduate study such as MPH, MSc in epidemiology, or veterinary medicine (DVM) for those pursuing clinical careers.

Why study at Eastern Mennonite University

Eastern Mennonite University offers a liberal-arts approach that integrates scientific training with ethical reflection, community engagement and cross-disciplinary learning. Small class sizes allow for close faculty mentoring and support, and an emphasis on experiential education ensures students gain hands-on practicum and capstone opportunities that connect classroom learning to regional public-health and animal-health needs.

• Close-knit learning environment with accessible faculty who combine disciplinary expertise and a commitment to community-focused public health.
• Curriculum that frames technical skills within ethical, social and environmental contexts—preparing graduates to approach veterinary public health holistically.
• Opportunities for internships and fieldwork in the Shenandoah Valley and beyond, helping students build practical experience and professional networks.
• Preparation for a variety of career paths or further study through interdisciplinary training in epidemiology, biostatistics, laboratory methods and public-health practice.