Southeastern Louisiana University

What you'll study

The programme builds a foundation in core public health disciplines—epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health promotion and research methods—then applies those skills to the study of animal-associated disease and zoonoses. You will study the ecology and transmission of infectious agents across species, principles of veterinary epidemiology, outbreak investigation and response, food- and water-borne disease prevention, and risk assessment.

• Core modules: introductory epidemiology, biostatistics for health sciences, environmental health, public health systems and policy, research methods.
• Veterinary and One Health modules: zoonotic diseases, veterinary epidemiology, population health in animals, food safety and inspection, One Health principles.
• Practical and laboratory skills: microbiology and diagnostic methods, field investigation techniques, spatial analysis/GIS for disease mapping, laboratory safety and sample handling.
• Applied experience: practicum or internship with public health agencies, veterinary services, food safety inspectors or non-governmental organisations; a capstone project or honours thesis applying epidemiological methods to a real-world problem.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have a high-school diploma or equivalent. Typical preparation includes strong grades in science and mathematics subjects such as biology, chemistry and algebra. Admissions decisions consider academic record, reference(s) and any relevant work or volunteer experience.

Prerequisite college-level coursework or demonstrated competence in biology and algebra/statistics is recommended for students who wish to start epidemiology and laboratory courses in the first year. International applicants should demonstrate proficiency in English. Some practicum placements may require background checks, immunisations (for example against hepatitis and tetanus) and up-to-date TB screening.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that bridge animal and human health. Common career paths include:

• disease surveillance and outbreak investigation positions with local, state or national public health agencies
• food safety and inspection roles in government and industry
• laboratory technician or diagnostic assistant positions in veterinary or public health labs
• roles with animal health services, agricultural agencies or wildlife health organisations focusing on population health and disease control
• positions with non-governmental organisations and international health agencies working on zoonotic disease control and One Health programmes
• further study options such as professional degrees (MPH, DVM) or postgraduate research in epidemiology, infectious disease or public health.

Why study at Southeastern Louisiana University

Southeastern offers a supportive, student-focused learning environment where students benefit from small class sizes and faculty with applied experience in public and animal health. The university’s regional location provides opportunities for fieldwork and placements with state public health departments, agricultural extension services and veterinary diagnostics labs that serve both rural and coastal communities.

Students gain practical, hands-on experience through laboratory classes, internships and collaborative projects, giving them the skills employers look for in surveillance, diagnostics and outbreak response roles. Student organisations and local partnerships also help students build professional networks and develop leadership experience within the One Health community.