Ithaca College

What you'll study

This interdisciplinary bachelor's programme combines core public health training with specialised topics in veterinary epidemiology and zoonoses. Students study population health concepts, disease ecology and methods for surveillance and outbreak response across species.

• Core public health modules: introduction to public health, biostatistics, environmental health, health policy and health promotion.
• Epidemiology and research methods: principles of epidemiology, study design, data analysis, GIS for public health, and research ethics.
• Veterinary and zoonotic disease topics: One Health principles, comparative pathology, zoonoses and foodborne disease, animal population health, and wildlife disease ecology.
• Laboratory and field skills: infectious disease diagnostics, laboratory safety, sampling techniques, molecular detection basics and field investigation methods for outbreak response.
• Applied learning: practicum/internship in public health or veterinary public health settings, and a capstone research or applied project addressing a real-world public health question.

Throughout the programme students gain quantitative skills, experience using surveillance data, and training in risk communication for diverse audiences.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a high-school diploma or recognised secondary qualification with a strong academic record. Typical preparation includes biology and mathematics; chemistry is recommended. Admissions normally consider a combination of grades, personal statement and references. Standardised tests may be optional depending on admissions policies; international applicants should demonstrate English language proficiency.

Successful applicants often show evidence of interest in animal or public health through volunteering, internships, or relevant coursework. Transfer applicants are evaluated on college-level transcripts and the compatibility of prior coursework with the programme.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for entry-level roles across public health and animal health sectors and for further postgraduate study. Common career paths include:

• public health analyst or technician in local, state or national health departments
• veterinary public health officer or zoonotic disease surveillance specialist
• field epidemiology technician for outbreak investigation and disease control
• laboratory technician in diagnostic or research laboratories
• environmental health practitioner, food safety inspector or risk assessor
• positions with NGOs, international agencies or wildlife conservation organisations focusing on disease management

Many graduates also move on to postgraduate degrees (MPH, MSc) or professional training in veterinary medicine or epidemiology to advance into specialist roles.

Why study at Ithaca College

Ithaca College offers a hands-on, student-centred learning environment with small class sizes and close faculty mentorship. The college emphasises experiential learning, so students benefit from practicum placements, field projects and opportunities to work with community partners.

Located in Tompkins County, the programme can draw on a regional network of public health agencies, farms, wildlife organisations and nearby academic institutions for internships and collaborative research. Faculty combine applied public health experience with research interests in infectious disease, One Health and community health practice, helping students develop practical skills and professional networks.

Support services such as career counselling, internship offices and research mentorship help graduates transition into the workforce or continue their studies in public health and veterinary-related fields.