Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

What you'll study

This programme combines core public health training with specialised study in animal health, disease transmission and population-level approaches to preventing zoonotic disease. You will study foundations in epidemiology and biostatistics alongside microbiology and immunology, then build expertise in subjects such as disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, risk assessment and One Health principles.

• Core public health modules: introductory epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health promotion and health policy.
• Biological sciences: general biology, microbiology, immunology and medical/veterinary microbiology concepts relevant to infectious agents.
• Veterinary epidemiology modules: principles of animal disease, zoonoses, surveillance systems, outbreak investigation methods, population health in domestic and wild animals.
• Applied and technical skills: laboratory methods basics, diagnostic test interpretation, geographic information systems (GIS) for disease mapping, data management and statistical software for public health analysis.
• One Health and policy: interdisciplinary approaches linking human, animal and environmental health; ethics; regulatory frameworks; emergency preparedness and response.
• Experiential learning: field practicums, internships or community-engaged projects with public health departments, veterinary clinics, agricultural agencies or non-governmental organisations.
• Capstone or senior project: a research or applied project demonstrating integrated knowledge in veterinary epidemiology and public health practice.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requires completion of secondary education with a university-preparatory diploma or equivalent. Candidates are normally expected to have studied biology (or equivalent life science) and mathematics to a level that prepares them for quantitative coursework; chemistry is strongly recommended.

• Successful academic record in secondary education; specific grade thresholds follow the university's general admissions policy.
• Prerequisite knowledge in biology and mathematics; college preparatory chemistry is recommended.
• Application materials usually include a personal statement outlining interest in public health and animal health, and one or more academic or character references.
• Transfer applicants are considered with review of college transcripts; prior coursework in biology, statistics or health sciences can be credited where appropriate.
• Non-traditional or mature applicants are evaluated on a combination of prior learning, work experience and motivation to study.

Career prospects

Graduates enter roles that intersect animal and human health, often working for public health agencies, veterinary authorities, laboratories and non-profit organisations. The degree also provides a solid foundation for further professional or postgraduate study.

• Disease surveillance or epidemiology technician roles in state or local public health departments and agricultural agencies.
• Laboratory or diagnostic support positions in veterinary or public health laboratories.
• Animal health programme officer or disease control coordinator for governmental or international organisations.
• Field investigator roles in outbreak response and zoonotic disease control.
• Positions in biosecurity, food safety and farm animal health services.
• Progression to postgraduate study: Master of Public Health (MPH), MSc in epidemiology, or professional degrees such as the DVM for those seeking clinical veterinary careers.

Why study at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

Saint Mary’s offers a liberal-arts grounded public health education with small class sizes and close faculty mentorship, which supports hands-on learning and student research. The university emphasises community engagement and values-based education, enabling students to undertake practicums and projects with local public health departments, veterinary clinics and agricultural partners.

• Personalised teaching: small cohorts and accessible faculty allow tailored supervision of applied projects and internships.
• Experiential focus: practical placements and community partnerships give direct exposure to surveillance, outbreak investigation and public health practice in real settings.
• Interdisciplinary approach: robust liberal arts offerings and collaborations across biology, health sciences and policy support the One Health perspective central to veterinary public health.
• Preparation for next steps: graduates are ready for employment in public and animal health sectors or for advanced study in epidemiology, public health or veterinary medicine.