Slippery Rock University

What you'll study

The programme combines core public health training with specialised coursework in veterinary epidemiology, zoonoses and food safety. You will study disease ecology, biostatistics, infectious disease surveillance, and risk assessment alongside applied modules in outbreak investigation, diagnostic methods and laboratory biosafety. Coursework emphasises practical skills: case-control and cohort study design, spatial analysis and GIS for animal disease mapping, molecular epidemiology basics, and laboratory methods relevant to veterinary pathogens.

Typical modules and learning activities include:

• Foundations of Public Health – population health concepts, health systems and policy.
• Biostatistics for Epidemiology – statistical methods, data interpretation and software applications.
• Veterinary Epidemiology – study design, surveillance systems and interpretation of animal health data.
• Zoonoses and One Health – transmission dynamics, prevention and control across species.
• Food Safety and Public Health – hazard analysis, outbreak response and regulatory frameworks.
• Laboratory Methods and Biosafety – sample handling, diagnostic tests and safety protocols.
• GIS and Spatial Epidemiology – mapping, cluster detection and spatial risk modelling.
• Capstone Project or Thesis – an independent applied research project, often in partnership with public health agencies, veterinary services or industry partners.

Teaching methods include seminars, hands-on laboratory and field exercises, practicum placements with health or animal health agencies, and a research-led capstone. The programme is designed to build competency in outbreak response, surveillance program design and cross-sectoral communication.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised undergraduate degree in a related discipline such as biology, animal science, veterinary technology, public health or a closely related field. Applicants with significant professional experience in animal health, public health, food safety or laboratory work may be considered.

Typical application materials include a statement of purpose outlining research or career goals, a current CV, academic transcripts and two professional or academic references. Some applicants may be asked to demonstrate quantitative readiness through prior coursework in statistics or epidemiology. Standardised tests are not universally required; consult the programme for current testing policies. International applicants should demonstrate proficiency in English through recognised qualifications if their prior education was not in English.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles across animal and public health sectors where expertise in veterinary epidemiology is needed. Common career destinations include:

• Veterinary epidemiologist or disease surveillance officer in national or regional animal health services.
• Outbreak investigator or field epidemiologist working with public health agencies or international organisations.
• Food safety specialist in government inspection services, industry quality assurance or regulatory bodies.
• Research or data analyst roles in universities, research institutes or non-governmental organisations focused on zoonotic diseases and One Health.
• Positions in pharmaceutical or diagnostic companies conducting surveillance, risk assessment or product safety studies.

The programme’s practicum and capstone project help build employer-relevant experience and professional networks, supporting transitions into both applied practice and further research or doctoral study.

Why study at Slippery Rock University

Slippery Rock University offers a focused, applied learning environment with small class sizes and accessible faculty who have experience in public health and related fields. The university’s regional location provides strong opportunities for placements with state and local public health departments, agricultural stakeholders and veterinary services, enabling hands-on experience in field epidemiology and food safety investigations.

Students benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration across health, biological and environmental science areas, practical laboratory and GIS facilities, and a curriculum that emphasises One Health approaches. The programme is suitable for those seeking a career addressing real-world challenges at the intersection of animal and human health.