Radford University

What you'll study

The curriculum builds a foundation in population health, epidemiology and biostatistics, then applies those principles to animal-associated disease processes and One Health practice. Early coursework typically covers fundamentals of public health, introduction to epidemiologic methods, introductory biostatistics, environmental health and health policy.

• Core epidemiology: study design, measures of disease frequency and association, outbreak investigation techniques.
• Veterinary epidemiology and zoonoses: pathogen ecology, transmission dynamics between animals and humans, surveillance systems for animal diseases.
• Laboratory and diagnostic principles: sampling, diagnostic test interpretation, biosafety and quality assurance relevant to animal and public health labs.
• Biostatistical applications and data analysis: applied statistics, data management, and use of software for surveillance and research data.
• One Health and environmental interfaces: food safety, wildlife health, vector-borne disease, and environmental drivers of emerging infections.
• Practicum and capstone: hands-on experience in community or agency placements, field investigations, and a senior research or practice project integrating veterinary and public health approaches.

Courses emphasise applied skills such as disease surveillance design, GIS mapping for outbreak investigations, risk assessment, communication of health risk to stakeholders, and ethical considerations in animal and human research.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a high school diploma or equivalent with preparation in science and quantitative subjects. Typical preparation includes biology and chemistry, and comfortable competence with algebra or college-preparatory mathematics. Admissions consideration is based on academic record, a personal statement outlining interest in public and veterinary health, and letters of recommendation.

Strong applicants demonstrate experience or interest in animal health, laboratory work, or community health — for example through volunteer work at animal shelters, veterinary clinics, farms, public health internships, or relevant coursework. Students who lack particular prerequisites may be advised to take foundational science courses before or early in the programme.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for entry-level roles that bridge animal and human health, and for graduate or professional training. Common career paths include:

• Animal and zoonotic disease surveillance officer in state or national veterinary services or public health departments.
• Field epidemiology or outbreak response technician supporting investigations of animal-associated infections.
• Positions in food safety and inspection agencies, biosecurity and quarantine services, or wildlife health organisations.
• Laboratory support roles in diagnostic, research or reference labs focused on veterinary pathogens.
• Roles in non-governmental organisations, international aid agencies, or industry addressing One Health initiatives, risk communication, and prevention programmes.

Many graduates also continue to advanced study — for example a Master of Public Health (MPH), Master of Science in epidemiology, or professional degrees such as the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) — to expand clinical, research or leadership opportunities.

Why study at Radford University

Radford offers an undergraduate learning environment with relatively small class sizes, allowing close interaction with faculty who are experienced in public health practice and interdisciplinary research. The university emphasises experiential learning, with opportunities for supervised practicum placements in regional public health departments, animal health agencies and community organisations.

Students benefit from hands-on laboratory training, access to regional field sites for wildlife and agricultural health projects, and guidance to pursue internships with state and federal partners. The programme’s focus on applied, One Health-oriented skills prepares graduates to work effectively at the human–animal–environment interface, whether entering the workforce or continuing to graduate and professional programmes.