Southern Arkansas University

What you'll study

This programme combines core public health knowledge with specialised topics in veterinary epidemiology and zoonotic disease control. Core modules typically include introductory public health principles, epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health policy and ethics, and global health. Specialist modules focus on infectious disease ecology, zoonoses, food safety and inspection, animal population health, and One Health approaches that integrate human, animal and environmental data.

Practical and laboratory skills are emphasised: laboratory methods for infectious disease detection, outbreak investigation techniques, disease surveillance systems, geographic information systems (GIS) for epidemiology, and risk assessment. Students normally complete field-based learning through a practicum or internship with local health departments, animal health agencies, agricultural partners or research groups, and a capstone or research project that applies epidemiological methods to a real-world problem.

• Core public health foundations: health determinants, communication and policy
• Epidemiology and biostatistics: study design, data analysis and interpretation
• Veterinary public health: zoonoses, animal population health and biosecurity
• Laboratory and field methods: diagnostics, surveillance and outbreak response
• One Health and food safety: interdisciplinary prevention and control strategies
• Practicum/Capstone: applied experience with a public health or animal health partner

Entry requirements

Applicants are typically expected to hold a high school diploma or equivalent with a strong record in science and mathematics. Recommended preparation includes biology and chemistry; physics and statistics or mathematics are advantageous. Southern Arkansas University may consider standardised test scores where provided, but admissions also take into account GPA, personal statements and relevant extracurricular experience.

Transfer students should provide transcripts from prior colleges and may receive credit for equivalent coursework. International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements. Mature applicants with relevant work or volunteer experience in animal, agricultural or health settings are considered on an individual basis.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles in local and state public health departments, animal health and regulatory agencies, food safety and inspection services, agricultural extension, and non-governmental organisations involved in disease prevention and control. Typical entry-level positions include public health technician, surveillance officer, laboratory assistant, environmental health specialist, and animal health technician.

The degree also provides a foundation for postgraduate study such as a Master of Public Health (MPH), veterinary medicine (DVM), or epidemiology and research-focused graduate programmes. Career pathways often lead to outbreak investigation, disease surveillance programme management, food safety regulation, and interdisciplinary One Health roles that coordinate human and animal disease responses.

Why study at Southern Arkansas University

Southern Arkansas University offers a personalised learning environment with relatively small class sizes and close access to faculty, many of whom bring practical experience in public health, agriculture and laboratory science. The university's location in a largely rural and agricultural region provides opportunities for hands-on fieldwork and partnerships with local animal health services, extension offices and public health agencies.

Students benefit from applied learning through practicums and community-based projects, dedicated academic support services and career guidance, and pathways to graduate study. The programme’s emphasis on One Health and veterinary epidemiology suits students seeking careers where human and animal health intersect and who want practical skills in surveillance, outbreak response and preventive health strategies.