Fairmont State University

What you'll study

This programme combines core public health training with specialised coursework in veterinary epidemiology and zoonotic disease control. You will follow a curriculum that mixes classroom lectures, laboratory practicals and field-based learning.

• Core public health foundations – introductory public health, health policy and ethics, environmental health and social determinants of health.
• Epidemiology and biostatistics – principles of epidemiology, outbreak investigation, study design, data analysis and biostatistical methods applied to population-level data.
• Veterinary epidemiology and zoonoses – ecology of zoonotic pathogens, transmission dynamics, surveillance systems for animal and human populations, and risk assessment.
• Laboratory and diagnostic methods – microbiology and molecular techniques used to detect pathogens, sample collection and biosafety practices.
• Food safety and inspection – foodborne disease surveillance, hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) concepts, and regulatory frameworks related to animal products.
• One Health and interdisciplinary approaches – integrated study of human, animal and environmental health with case studies and cross-sector collaboration methods.
• Practicum and capstone – supervised field placement with public health departments, animal health services, laboratories or NGOs, followed by an independent capstone project addressing a real-world problem.

Students also complete general education requirements to develop communication, quantitative and research skills. Typical delivery includes lectures, small-group seminars, laboratory classes and supervised fieldwork.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised secondary school qualification. Typical entry considerations include a good academic record with prior study in biology, chemistry or another life science, and appropriate preparation in mathematics.

• High school diploma or equivalent with science credits (biology and preferably chemistry).
• A competitive academic profile; admissions may consider GPA, course rigour and references.
• Personal statement outlining interest in public health, veterinary science or One Health approaches.
• References or letters of recommendation addressing academic potential and suitability for field-based work.
• International applicants must provide evidence of a recognised secondary qualification and demonstrate English language proficiency through accepted tests or institutional pathways where required.
• Mature applicants with relevant work or voluntary experience in health, animal care or laboratory settings are encouraged to apply; admissions will consider life and work experience alongside formal qualifications.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles where animal and human health intersect, as well as for further professional study. Career routes commonly followed by alumni include:

• Public health technician or disease surveillance officer with local or state health departments.
• Animal health field officer or veterinary epidemiology technician supporting outbreak investigations and monitoring programmes.
• Food safety inspector or quality assurance officer in food production and processing.
• Laboratory technologist in diagnostic or reference laboratories focusing on zoonotic pathogens.
• Programme officer or analyst for non-governmental organisations working on One Health, environmental health or disaster response.
• Further study pathways such as a Master of Public Health (MPH), MSc in epidemiology, or professional veterinary training (DVM) for those pursuing clinical veterinary careers.

Why study at Fairmont State University

Fairmont State offers a student-centred campus with small class sizes that allow close interaction with faculty and hands-on mentoring. The university emphasises applied learning, so this programme integrates laboratory training and community-facing field placements to build practical skills used in public health practice.

• Practical experience: opportunities for practicum placements with regional public health agencies, animal health services and laboratories, giving real-world exposure to surveillance and outbreak response.
• Interdisciplinary One Health focus: curricular emphasis on the intersection of human, animal and environmental health prepares students for collaborative, cross-sector work.
• Accessible faculty: small programmes with faculty who have experience in public health, veterinary public health and laboratory science offer mentorship and support for career development or postgraduate study.
• Regional partnerships: connections with state health departments, veterinary services and local industry facilitate internships, capstone projects and employment pathways.

Overall, the programme is suited to students who want a practical, multidisciplinary education that leads to careers protecting both human and animal health.