Saginaw Valley State University

What you'll study

The programme offers foundational public‑health coursework alongside specialised veterinary epidemiology and animal‑health units. Core subjects typically include epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health policy and health promotion. Veterinary and One Health‑focused modules cover disease ecology, zoonotic diseases, animal population health, diagnostic methods, laboratory techniques, and principles of veterinary public health.

Students will study topics such as:

• Foundations of Public Health – introduction to population health concepts, determinants of health and public‑health systems.
• Epidemiology – study design, measures of disease frequency and association, outbreak investigation methods.
• Biostatistics – descriptive statistics, inferential testing, data management and basic statistical software use.
• One Health and Zoonoses – principles linking human, animal and environmental health, common zoonotic agents and control strategies.
• Veterinary Population Health – herd and flock health, surveillance in domestic and wild animals, population‑level interventions.
• Diagnostic and Laboratory Methods – sample collection, laboratory safety, interpretation of diagnostic results relevant to animal diseases.
• Environmental and Food Safety – foodborne pathogens, biosecurity, risk assessment and prevention in food production chains.
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Disease Mapping – spatial analysis for surveillance and control of animal diseases.
• Policy, Ethics and Communication – regulatory frameworks, ethical considerations in animal and public health, risk communication and stakeholder engagement.

The degree typically includes laboratory classes, fieldwork, and a practicum or internship with public‑health agencies, veterinary services, animal shelters, or research units, culminating in a capstone project or research paper that applies epidemiological methods to a real‑world problem.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised secondary school qualification with strengths in science (biology and preferably chemistry). Typical entry asks for a demonstrated record of academic achievement at high‑school level and completion of prerequisite courses such as biology and mathematics.

Admissions may consider applicants with diplomas from community colleges or transfer applicants who have completed relevant coursework. Practical experience with animals, volunteering in veterinary clinics, or exposure to laboratory work is advantageous.

International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests or equivalent qualifications where English is not the language of instruction. Specific course prerequisites and minimum academic standards are set by the university and should be checked with the admissions office.

Career prospects

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

• Animal health surveillance officers or epidemiology technicians with government agencies
• Public‑health practitioners focusing on zoonoses and food safety for local, state or federal agencies
• Field epidemiologists or disease investigators supporting outbreak response and control
• Research assistants in academic or government research laboratories studying infectious diseases
• Biosecurity and risk assessment officers in agriculture, veterinary services or food production companies
• Positions in animal welfare organisations, wildlife health units or non‑profit public‑health programmes

Graduates may also progress to professional or postgraduate study, such as veterinary medicine, graduate programmes in epidemiology, public health (MPH), infectious disease research, or specialised One Health training.

Why study at Saginaw Valley State University

Saginaw Valley State University provides a supportive, student‑centred learning environment with access to hands‑on laboratory facilities and opportunities for field‑based learning in the region. The university’s programmes emphasise applied learning, small class sizes and direct engagement with faculty, which helps students develop practical skills in epidemiological methods and laboratory practices.

SVSU’s regional connections with public‑health departments, veterinary clinics, agricultural partners and wildlife organisations create avenues for internships and practicum placements that expose students to real‑world animal‑health and public‑health challenges. The curriculum’s One Health perspective prepares graduates to work collaboratively across disciplines to prevent and control diseases that affect both animals and people.

Prospective students should consult the university’s public‑health department for the most current information about curriculum options, practicum opportunities and guidance on career pathways.