Ferris State University

What you'll study

The programme combines core public health principles with specialised coursework in veterinary epidemiology and zoonotic disease control. You will study disease ecology, epidemiologic methods and biostatistics alongside modules on animal health, food safety and environmental determinants of disease. Typical modules include:

• Foundations of Public Health – principles, history and systems of public health practice.
• Epidemiology – study design, measures of disease frequency, risk and causation.
• Biostatistics – descriptive statistics, basic inferential methods and data interpretation.
• Veterinary Epidemiology and Zoonoses – transmission dynamics of zoonotic pathogens, surveillance and control strategies.
• One Health and Environmental Health – interactions among human, animal and ecosystem health and policy responses.
• Laboratory Methods for Public Health – specimen handling, diagnostic basics and biosafety practices relevant to zoonotic agents.
• Disease Surveillance and Outbreak Investigation – practical training in case finding, contact tracing and field investigations.
• Food Safety and Veterinary Public Health – foodborne disease risk assessment, inspection principles and regulatory frameworks.
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for Health – spatial analysis for mapping disease occurrence and risk.
• Capstone/Practicum – a supervised field placement or research project with a public health agency, veterinary practice or laboratory.

The degree is typically structured over four years with progressive depth: core public health courses in the early years, concentration electives and laboratory/field components in later years, and a final-year practicum or capstone that applies classroom learning to real-world problems.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Typical entry expectations include a solid academic record with recommended preparation in biology and chemistry; mathematics or statistics is strongly advised. Colleges may consider standardised test scores where provided, but many accept applications without them; consult admissions for current policy.

Suggested academic background and prerequisites:

• High school biology and chemistry (or college-level equivalents)
• Mathematics through algebra; coursework in statistics advantageous
• A competitive GPA in relevant courses
• Some programmes welcome applicants with volunteer or work experience in animal care, public health or laboratory settings

Transfer applicants are considered with evaluation of college transcripts; prior coursework in the sciences can reduce time to degree. International applicants must meet university-wide English language proficiency requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles in public health agencies, animal health authorities and organisations that address zoonotic and environmental disease risks. Typical entry-level job titles and employers include:

• Public health technician or surveillance specialist in municipal, state or federal health departments
• Veterinary public health technician or biosecurity officer with agricultural agencies or animal health departments
• Laboratory assistant in diagnostic or research laboratories focusing on zoonotic pathogens
• Outbreak investigation support roles with governmental agencies or non-governmental organisations
• Food safety inspector or quality assurance specialist in food production and processing sectors

Graduates also commonly progress to further study — such as a Master of Public Health (MPH), a graduate degree in epidemiology, or veterinary medicine (DVM) — which opens pathways to epidemiologist, veterinary epidemiologist, policy advisor or research scientist roles. The programme’s applied practicum experience and laboratory training make alumni competitive for field and laboratory positions that require an understanding of both animal and human health risks.

Why study at Ferris State University

Ferris State University offers a practical, career-focused approach emphasising hands-on learning and community partnerships. Students benefit from applied laboratory facilities, small-class teaching that supports mentorship, and practicum links with local and state public health and veterinary organisations. The university’s location in Michigan provides opportunities to engage with agricultural stakeholders, public health departments and regional diagnostic laboratories, useful for placements and local employment.

Faculty bring applied experience from public health practice, veterinary public health and laboratory work, and the programme typically stresses One Health collaboration — preparing graduates to work across disciplinary boundaries. Career services and internship networks at the university support students in securing field placements and launching careers in public health, animal health and related sectors.