Southeastern Louisiana University

What you'll study

The programme combines core public health training with specialised courses in veterinary epidemiology and One Health. Core modules introduce epidemiologic methods, biostatistics, public health ethics and programme planning. Specialist courses focus on disease surveillance and outbreak investigation for animal populations, zoonotic disease ecology, diagnostic methods and laboratory interpretation, animal population health management, and the role of food safety and biosecurity in protecting public health.

• Applied Epidemiology and Surveillance: study of study designs, surveillance systems, sampling strategies and outbreak response applied to animal health.
• Biostatistics for Public Health: statistical methods for analysing surveillance data, longitudinal and categorical data, and use of statistical software.
• Zoonoses and One Health: ecology and transmission of zoonotic agents, interfaces between humans, animals and the environment, and intersectoral response frameworks.
• Food Safety and Veterinary Public Health: hazards analysis, risk assessment, inspection frameworks and policy considerations affecting animal-derived food chains.
• Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Epidemiology: mapping disease distributions, spatial analysis and risk mapping for targeted interventions.
• Laboratory Methods and Diagnostic Interpretation: principles of diagnostic testing in animal disease investigations and integration of laboratory data into surveillance.
• Research Project or Practicum: an independent research dissertation or a field practicum placement with public health, animal health, or laboratory agencies, emphasising applied problem solving.

The programme typically offers a mix of lectures, laboratory sessions, field exercises and a substantial applied project or practicum to build competency in real-world settings.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree in veterinary medicine, animal science, biology, public health or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution. A solid academic record is expected; competitive applicants commonly present a cumulative GPA at or above typical graduate admission thresholds.

Relevant professional or research experience with animals, veterinary practice, laboratory work, public health agencies or field epidemiology strengthens an application. Applicants whose first language is not English must meet the university’s English language proficiency requirements.

The programme may request transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement outlining relevant interests and goals, and a résumé or CV. Where available, previous coursework in statistics or introductory epidemiology is advantageous.

Career prospects

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

• Veterinary epidemiologist or disease investigator in state, federal or international animal health agencies
• Disease surveillance specialist or outbreak response officer with public health departments
• Food safety and inspection roles in regulatory agencies or industry
• Research scientist or analyst in academic, government or non-governmental research programmes focused on zoonoses and One Health
• Biosecurity and risk assessment advisor for agricultural companies, veterinary services or conservation organisations
• Programme officer or technical advisor for international health organisations and NGOs working on zoonotic disease control and capacity building

Graduates also use the degree as a stepping stone to doctoral study or to clinical and diagnostic laboratory leadership positions.

Why study at Southeastern Louisiana University

Southeastern Louisiana University provides a learning environment with small class sizes and close faculty supervision, enabling hands-on training in applied epidemiology and field methods. Its location in Louisiana places students near diverse agricultural systems, coastal environments and public- and animal-health agencies, offering rich opportunities for practicum placements and collaborative projects that address regional disease challenges.

Students benefit from faculty with experience in epidemiology, wildlife health and public health practice, access to laboratory and GIS resources, and established relationships with state animal health and public health departments. The programme emphasises practical skills, interdisciplinary One Health perspectives and applied research, preparing graduates to work effectively across animal, human and environmental health sectors.