Ferris State University

What you'll study

The programme combines core public health disciplines with specialised training in animal health, zoonoses and the One Health approach. You will study the principles and methods used to monitor, investigate and control infectious and non-infectious diseases that affect animal and human populations.

• Core public health modules: epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health policy and management, and public health ethics.
• Veterinary epidemiology and infectious disease: disease ecology, transmission dynamics, diagnostic test interpretation, surveillance design and outbreak investigation focused on zoonotic and production-animal diseases.
• One Health and ecosystem health: interdisciplinary approaches to human, animal and environmental health, risk assessment and cross-sectoral collaboration.
• Applied methods and tools: geographic information systems (GIS) for disease mapping, laboratory methods overview for veterinary pathogens, molecular epidemiology concepts and data management for surveillance systems.
• Research, practicum or capstone project: an applied research project or field practicum with an external agency, public health department or veterinary organisation to develop practical skills in study design, data analysis and science communication.

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally hold a recognised bachelor's degree in veterinary medicine, animal science, biology, public health or a closely related discipline. Relevant professional experience in animal health, laboratory work or public health practice is advantageous.

• Academic transcript showing a suitable undergraduate degree.
• A personal statement outlining academic interests, professional experience and reasons for applying.
• At least two professional or academic references.
• A current CV or résumé demonstrating relevant experience; research or clinical experience in epidemiology, animal health, laboratory diagnostics or public health strengthens an application.
• Where English is not the first language, an approved English language qualification is required.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that bridge animal and human health and can work across government, industry and non-governmental sectors. Typical career paths include:

• Veterinary epidemiologist or animal health epidemiologist in government agencies, veterinary services or international organisations.
• Public health epidemiologist specialising in zoonoses, food-borne disease or vector-borne disease surveillance.
• Outbreak investigator, disease surveillance specialist or lab liaison working with veterinary diagnostic laboratories and public health departments.
• One Health coordinator, biosecurity advisor or risk assessor for agricultural industries, NGOs or consultancy firms.
• Research scientist or programme manager in academic, governmental or international research projects on emerging infectious diseases and disease control.

Why study at Ferris State University

Ferris State offers an applied, career-focused approach to public health education with opportunities for hands-on experience and close faculty supervision. The programme emphasises practical skills in surveillance, outbreak response and interdisciplinary collaboration essential to veterinary public health careers.

• Small cohorts and accessible faculty allow for personalised mentoring and collaboration on applied projects.
• Strong links with regional public health agencies, veterinary services and laboratories provide practicum and fieldwork opportunities.
• Practical training in data analysis, GIS mapping and outbreak investigation prepares students for immediate entry into applied public and animal health roles.
• Flexible delivery options, including evening or hybrid modules, support working professionals seeking to upskill.