Georgia Southern University

What you'll study

The programme combines core public health training with specialised coursework in veterinary epidemiology, zoonoses and One Health. Core modules typically cover epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental and occupational health, health policy and programme planning. Veterinary-specific and elective modules commonly include disease ecology of zoonoses, surveillance systems for animal and human populations, diagnostic testing fundamentals, outbreak investigation and response, risk analysis and food safety.

Students learn practical skills in study design, data analysis, spatial epidemiology (including basic GIS applications), laboratory result interpretation, and communication of risk to professional and public audiences. The degree normally culminates in a practicum or field placement with an agency or research group, and a capstone project or thesis that applies epidemiological methods to a real-world animal or zoonotic disease problem.

• Core public health methods: epidemiology, biostatistics, research methods
• Veterinary epidemiology: surveillance, outbreak investigation, disease modelling
• One Health and zoonoses: ecology of disease, antimicrobial resistance, foodborne disease
• Practical components: practicum/field placement, capstone project or thesis
• Optional skills: GIS for public health, laboratory diagnostics, risk communication

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline such as veterinary technology, animal science, biology, public health, nursing or a related field. A competitive undergraduate GPA is normally required; for candidates without a directly related degree, demonstrated coursework or experience in biological sciences, statistics or animal health is typically expected.

Typical application materials include academic transcripts, a personal statement outlining professional and research interests in veterinary epidemiology or One Health, a current CV, and references. Some applicants may be invited for an interview. International applicants must meet English language requirements as specified by the university. GRE scores may be considered where required by programme admissions policy, but applicants should check the current guidance from the school.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that bridge animal and human health. Common career paths include epidemiologist or surveillance officer in public health agencies, state or federal animal health departments, and international organisations; outbreak investigator or field epidemiologist focusing on zoonotic disease; roles in food safety and inspection services; and positions in non-governmental organisations and industry (pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, agricultural biosecurity).

Other opportunities include research assistant or coordinator roles in university or government research programmes, policy and advisory posts related to animal and public health, and further study at the doctoral level. The programme’s practicum and applied capstone aim to help students build professional networks and gain practical experience sought by employers in the One Health and veterinary public health sectors.

Why study at Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern offers an environment that emphasises applied training and community engagement, with opportunities to work on regional animal health and zoonotic disease issues relevant to the southeast. The university’s smaller class sizes allow close mentorship from faculty with experience in epidemiology, public health practice and collaborative One Health research.

Students benefit from practicum placement networks across state and local public health agencies, agricultural extensions and research groups, allowing hands-on field experience and professional connections. The programme’s balance of quantitative methods, fieldwork and policy-focused coursework is designed to prepare graduates for immediate employment in public and animal health roles or for continued research training.