University of Central Oklahoma

What you'll study

This programme combines core public health training with specialised study of animal-associated disease dynamics and control. Core modules cover epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health policy and health promotion to establish population-level thinking and research skills.

• Epidemiology and Biostatistics: study of disease patterns, measures of disease frequency, study design (cohort, case-control, cross-sectional) and introductory statistical methods for analysing public health data.
• Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases: principles of pathogen biology, transmission pathways between animals and humans, and control measures for bacterial, viral and parasitic zoonoses.
• One Health and Ecology of Disease: interdisciplinary perspectives linking human, animal and ecosystem health with case studies on emerging infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance.
• Disease Surveillance and Outbreak Investigation: practical methods for surveillance system design, data collection and interpretation, case investigation, and communication of findings.
• Laboratory Methods and Diagnostics (introductory): overview of common diagnostic approaches used in animal and public health laboratories, biosafety principles and sample handling.
• Animal Health Management and Biosecurity: principles of herd health, vaccination strategies, movement controls and farm-level biosecurity measures to prevent and respond to outbreaks.
• Public Health Law, Ethics and Policy: legal frameworks and ethical considerations that shape disease control policies, animal welfare issues and emergency response options.
• Field Practicum and Capstone Project: applied placement with a public health, veterinary or animal health organisation and a research or applied capstone that integrates epidemiological methods with a One Health focus.

Entry requirements

Applicants should meet the general undergraduate admission standards of the University of Central Oklahoma. Typical preparation includes a high school diploma or equivalent with evidence of college-preparatory coursework.

• Recommended academic background: biology (including an introductory biology course), chemistry and mathematics (algebra or pre-calculus). Prior coursework in statistics is advantageous.
• Admissions will consider academic record, personal statement and any relevant experience such as volunteer work, animal handling, laboratory exposure or public health activities.
• Students without direct prerequisites can often make up required foundation courses in the first year; transfer applicants should provide transcripts and details of completed science and mathematics coursework.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that bridge animal and human health in governmental, non-profit and private sectors, or for further study at graduate level.

• Possible entry-level positions: disease surveillance technician, public health educator with a One Health focus, animal health field technician, laboratory assistant in veterinary or public health labs, and research assistant roles.
• Opportunities with agencies and employers such as state and local public health departments, departments of agriculture or animal health, animal shelters and rescue organisations, diagnostic and veterinary laboratories, NGOs working on zoonoses and food safety, and industry roles in biosecurity and risk assessment.
• Many graduates use the degree as preparation for graduate programmes in veterinary medicine, epidemiology, public health (MPH) or allied biomedical sciences, or for certification and specialised training in animal health surveillance and outbreak response.

Why study at University of Central Oklahoma

The University of Central Oklahoma offers a student-centred learning environment with relatively small class sizes and accessible faculty who have experience in public health practice and research. The programme emphasises applied learning through field placements and capstone projects that allow students to work on real-world surveillance and outbreak response issues.

• Location advantages: UCO’s proximity to regional public health and animal health organisations provides opportunities for internships, collaborative projects and guest speakers from state and local agencies.
• Interdisciplinary approach: the curriculum integrates public health, veterinary epidemiology and environmental perspectives to reflect One Health principles, preparing graduates to work across sectors.
• Support for career development: students have access to academic advising, internship coordination and career services that help translate classroom skills into professional placements or graduate study pathways.