University of Southern Mississippi

What you'll study

The programme combines core public health training with specialised coursework in animal disease epidemiology and the One Health framework. You will study how infectious and non-infectious hazards move between animal and human populations, methods for surveillance and outbreak investigation, and strategies for disease prevention and control across domestic, wildlife and agricultural systems.

• Core public health modules: principles of epidemiology, biostatistics for public health, environmental health and health policy and management.
• Veterinary epidemiology and One Health: infectious disease ecology, zoonoses, food safety and veterinary public health principles.
• Surveillance and informatics: design and evaluation of surveillance systems, disease modelling, geographic information systems (GIS) and data management for animal and public health.
• Laboratory and diagnostic literacy: basics of veterinary diagnostic methods, laboratory biosafety and interpretation of laboratory data in epidemiologic investigations.
• Applied practicum and capstone or thesis: field placement with public health agencies, animal health services or research groups, plus a culminating project that applies epidemiologic methods to a practical problem.

Teaching typically combines lectures, case-based learning, laboratory demonstrations, field exercises and a supervised placement. Students develop quantitative skills, outbreak investigation experience and interdisciplinary communication suited to One Health teams.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, preferably in a biological, veterinary, agricultural, environmental or health-related discipline. Relevant professional experience in animal health, public health, laboratory work or research can strengthen an application.

• Academic record: a completed undergraduate degree with evidence of strong performance in coursework relevant to the programme (biology, microbiology, public health, statistics or related subjects).
• Supporting documents: personal statement describing interests and goals, curriculum vitae, and academic references or professional letters of recommendation.
• Additional requirements: some applicants may be asked to provide evidence of quantitative preparation (statistics/biostatistics) or to undertake prerequisite coursework. For placements involving animal contact or laboratory activities, routine immunisation and background checks may be required.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that bridge animal and human health. Typical career paths include positions in public health agencies, state and federal animal health services, veterinary diagnostic laboratories, agricultural extension and biosecurity units, non-governmental organisations and international health bodies.

• Epidemiologist or surveillance officer: designing and implementing disease monitoring systems for animals and zoonoses.
• Veterinary public health specialist: advising on food safety, zoonotic disease control and animal health policy.
• Outbreak investigation and response: working with multidisciplinary teams during disease incidents affecting livestock, wildlife or companion animals.
• Research and academia: conducting applied research in infectious disease ecology, modelling or One Health interventions.
• Laboratory or diagnostic services: roles that combine epidemiologic analysis with laboratory data interpretation.

Why study at University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi offers students a supportive environment with access to faculty experienced in epidemiology, infectious disease and public health practice. The programme emphasises applied, interdisciplinary training that connects public health principles to real-world animal health challenges through practicum placements and collaborative projects.

• Applied learning: opportunities for field placements and partnerships with regional public health and animal health agencies provide practical experience in surveillance and outbreak response.
• Interdisciplinary approach: curriculum reflects One Health thinking, preparing graduates to work across veterinary, environmental and human health sectors.
• Research and collaboration: students can benefit from faculty-led research projects and collaborations with regional laboratories, health departments and agricultural stakeholders.