Saginaw Valley State University

What you'll study

The programme combines core public health foundations with specialised veterinary epidemiology and One Health topics. Core modules cover epidemiologic methods, biostatistics, research design and public health policy, while specialist units address zoonotic disease ecology, animal disease surveillance, food safety and veterinary public health practice.

• Principles of Epidemiology — study of outbreak investigation, measures of disease frequency and study designs used in infectious and non‑infectious disease research.
• Biostatistics for Public Health — statistical methods for analysing surveillance and research data, including regression and basic multivariable techniques.
• Zoonotic Diseases and One Health — transmission dynamics between humans, domestic animals and wildlife and interdisciplinary approaches to control.
• Animal Disease Surveillance and Diagnostics — surveillance system design, diagnostic test evaluation and interpretation for animal populations.
• Food Safety and Public Health — principles of foodborne pathogen control, HACCP concepts and risk assessment in food systems.
• Environmental and Occupational Health — environmental drivers of disease relevant to animal and human health, including water, waste and vector control.
• Research Methods and Ethics — applied study design, qualitative and quantitative data collection, and ethical issues in veterinary and human research.
• Field Practicum or Applied Capstone — supervised placement with a public health agency, veterinary service, laboratory or research group to apply skills to a real‑world problem.

The programme emphasises applied skills: designing surveillance systems, conducting outbreak investigations, performing risk assessments, and communicating results to scientific and lay audiences. Students typically complete a substantial applied project or practicum as a culmination of their studies.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline such as biology, animal science, veterinary medicine, public health or a closely related field. Admissions typically consider academic transcripts, a personal statement describing professional goals and research interests, and references from academic or professional referees. Relevant practical experience in animal health, veterinary practice, laboratory work or public health is an advantage.

International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests unless exempt. The programme may consider applicants with related professional experience who lack a directly relevant undergraduate degree on a case‑by‑case basis. Standard application elements such as a CV/resumé and interview may also be required.

Career prospects

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

• Veterinary epidemiologist or epidemiology technician in government agencies, veterinary services or public health departments.
• Surveillance officer or outbreak investigator working with animal health programmes or zoonotic disease units.
• Food safety specialist or inspector in regulatory bodies and the food production industry.
• Research associate in academic or commercial laboratories focusing on infectious disease, vaccines or diagnostic development.
• Positions in international organisations, NGOs or private consultancies dealing with One Health, disease control and emergency preparedness.

Graduates may also progress to doctoral study or professional training in veterinary medicine, public health leadership and policy roles.

Why study at Saginaw Valley State University

Saginaw Valley State University offers a student‑centred learning environment with relatively small class sizes and opportunities for close faculty mentoring. The university’s regional location provides strong links to state and local animal health services, laboratories and agricultural communities, facilitating practicum placements and applied projects.

The programme emphasises interdisciplinary One Health approaches and practical skill development, preparing students for immediate entry into applied roles. Students benefit from access to campus research resources, faculty with applied public health experience and career services that support placement in regional and national public health and veterinary organisations.