Felician University

What you'll study

The programme builds a foundation in core public-health disciplines—epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy and environmental health—then advances into veterinary epidemiology and One Health topics. Modules typically include descriptive and analytic epidemiology, study design and applied biostatistics, infectious disease epidemiology, surveillance system design, zoonoses and pathogen ecology, outbreak investigation and response, risk assessment and control measures, and public-health law and ethics.

Specialist coursework focuses on animal disease surveillance, diagnostic methods relevant to veterinary public health, wildlife and livestock health, and the human–animal interface. Students learn practical skills in geographic information systems (GIS) for disease mapping, laboratory basics for interpreting diagnostic data, and data management for surveillance systems. A research methods component and a capstone or thesis allow students to design and complete an applied study relevant to veterinary public health.

Learning is reinforced through a practicum placement with a public-health agency, veterinary diagnostic laboratory, animal health organisation or non‑governmental provider, offering hands‑on experience in surveillance, outbreak investigation, risk communication or programme implementation.

Entry requirements

• Undergraduate degree (bachelor’s) in veterinary medicine, animal science, biology, public health, nursing or a related life‑science field.
• Academic record showing preparation in basic biology and statistics; relevant coursework or professional experience in animal health or public health is advantageous.
• Personal statement describing interest in veterinary epidemiology and career goals, and a current CV/résumé.
• Two or three professional or academic references who can speak to research potential and relevant experience.
• International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through approved tests or equivalent qualifications where required.
• Some applicants may be invited to interview; relevant professional experience or a prior degree in veterinary medicine can strengthen an application.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles across government, industry, academia and non‑profit sectors where animal and zoonotic disease control is required. Typical positions include epidemiologist or surveillance officer in state or national public health agencies, veterinary public health officer, outbreak investigator, disease ecologist, risk assessor, One Health programme coordinator, and roles in animal health diagnostic laboratories.

Other career paths include work with international organisations and NGOs on transboundary animal disease control, positions in pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms focused on vaccine development and diagnostics, and research or teaching roles in higher education. The combination of applied practicum experience and a capstone or thesis also supports progression to doctoral research for those interested in academic careers.

Why study at Felician University

• Small class sizes and close faculty supervision create an interactive learning environment where applied projects and practicum placements are emphasised.
• Interdisciplinary training rooted in the Franciscan tradition of service, with a focus on community engagement, public service and ethical practice in public health.
• Location in the New Jersey / New York region provides access to state public-health agencies, veterinary diagnostic laboratories, and a range of clinical and field placement opportunities.
• Practical skill development—GIS, outbreak investigation, surveillance design and interpretation of diagnostic data—prepares graduates to work effectively at the human–animal health interface.
• Capstone and practicum options enable students to develop applied experience and professional networks with local and regional animal‑health and public‑health partners.