Boise State University

What you'll study

This programme combines core public health disciplines with specialised coursework and applied training in veterinary epidemiology and One Health approaches. Core modules typically cover epidemiologic methods, biostatistics, public health ethics and research methods. Specialist modules address zoonotic disease ecology, veterinary public health policy, outbreak investigation and response, surveillance system design and evaluation, laboratory methods for infectious disease diagnostics, geographic information systems (GIS) for disease mapping, and risk assessment.

Students undertake a practicum or field placement with public health agencies, veterinary services, research centres or NGOs to gain practical experience in surveillance, data analysis and outbreak investigation. A capstone project or thesis integrates coursework and applied experience, emphasising original analysis, programme evaluation or policy development related to animal‑associated disease risks and control strategies.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelors degree in a relevant discipline such as animal science, veterinary medicine, biology, ecology, public health or a related field. Typical application components include academic transcripts, a personal statement describing professional and research interests in veterinary epidemiology or One Health, and two professional or academic references. Relevant work or volunteer experience in animal health, public health, laboratory research or field epidemiology is advantageous.

Some level of quantitative skill is required; applicants may be asked to demonstrate prior coursework in statistics or epidemiology or complete preparatory modules if needed. International applicants must meet university language requirements. Additional pre‑admission checks such as immunisation records or background screening may be required for placements that involve contact with animals or human populations.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that bridge animal and human health. Typical career destinations include positions as epidemiologists or surveillance officers in government public health or agricultural agencies, veterinary public health specialists, outbreak investigation team members, disease ecologists, surveillance analysts for NGOs and international organisations, and roles in pharmaceutical or diagnostic companies that focus on zoonotic pathogens.

Alumni also progress to research careers in academic or government laboratories, working on pathogen ecology, risk assessment and control strategies, or continue to doctoral study in epidemiology, veterinary science or public health. The skill set—epidemiologic analysis, surveillance design, GIS mapping and outbreak response—is transferable across local, national and international disease control contexts.

Why study at Boise State University

Boise State offers an applied, interdisciplinary approach well suited to One Health training, drawing on strengths in public health, ecology and data analytics. Students benefit from small cohort sizes and faculty who conduct applied research in infectious disease surveillance, environmental health and health systems, enabling close mentorship on practicum and capstone projects.

The universitys regional partnerships with state health and agricultural agencies, wildlife and environmental organisations provide practical placement opportunities across urban, rural and wildlife settings found in the region. Facilities supporting the programme include GIS and data‑analysis resources, access to laboratory collaborations and connections to a network of public and animal health practitioners throughout the state and region, helping students build professional experience and local to international career pathways.