Grand Valley State University

What you'll study

This programme blends foundational public-health subjects with veterinary epidemiology and applied One Health topics. Core study areas include epidemiologic methods, biostatistics, research design and public-health ethics, alongside specialised modules on zoonotic diseases, animal population health, disease surveillance systems, risk assessment and outbreak investigation.

• Epidemiology and Biostatistics – study design, measures of disease frequency and association, regression methods and data interpretation.
• Veterinary Epidemiology – transmission dynamics in animal populations, herd-level disease management, and diagnostic test evaluation.
• Zoonoses and One Health – ecology of zoonotic agents, intersectoral collaboration and integrated approaches to prevention.
• Disease Surveillance and Informatics – surveillance system design, data sources, data management and basic spatial analysis.
• Risk Analysis and Policy – quantitative and qualitative risk assessment, communication, and policy frameworks affecting animal and public health.
• Laboratory Methods and Field Techniques – principles of diagnostic testing, sampling strategies and biosafety considerations (practical components vary by offering).
• Applied Practice or Thesis – a supervised practicum placement with a public health/veterinary agency or a research thesis addressing a practical problem in veterinary public health.

Entry requirements

Applicants are typically expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline such as biology, veterinary medicine, public health, animal science or a related field. Successful candidates normally demonstrate quantitative competency (for example coursework in statistics or calculus) and relevant laboratory or field experience is advantageous.

Typical application components include academic transcripts, a personal statement outlining interests in veterinary epidemiology and career goals, and letters of recommendation. International applicants will need to satisfy English-language proficiency requirements as set by the university. Where applicable, applicants may be asked to complete prerequisite courses before starting the programme.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that bridge animal and human health across government, industry, non-governmental organisations and research institutions. Common career destinations include:

• Veterinary public-health officer or animal health epidemiologist in national or regional government departments;
• Disease surveillance and outbreak investigation specialist for public-health agencies or international bodies;
• Risk assessor or policy analyst focusing on food safety, biosecurity or zoonotic disease control;
• Research or laboratory positions in academic institutions, diagnostic laboratories or research institutes;
• Roles in industry and NGOs working on animal health programmes, wildlife health or One Health initiatives.

Why study at Grand Valley State University

Grand Valley State University offers an applied, student-centred learning environment with opportunities for hands-on practicum placements in the Great Lakes region. Students benefit from small-class teaching, interdisciplinary collaboration across biological and health sciences, and access to local public-health and animal-health partners for experiential projects.

The university’s emphasis on community engagement and practical training helps students develop the applied skills employers seek in surveillance, outbreak response and policy implementation. Faculty mentoring and connections with regional health agencies provide pathways to hands-on experience and professional networks in veterinary epidemiology and public health.