Eastern Washington University

What you'll study

This programme combines core public health disciplines with specialised training in animal population health and zoonotic disease. Typical modules cover:

• Principles of Epidemiology – study design, measures of disease frequency and association, and causal inference in animal and human populations.
• Biostatistics and Data Analysis – applied statistical methods for public health research, including regression, survival analysis and statistical software.
• Zoonoses and One Health – ecology of zoonotic pathogens, interfaces between humans, animals and the environment, and integrated prevention strategies.
• Disease Surveillance and Outbreak Investigation – design and evaluation of surveillance systems, field investigation methods and reporting for animal and public health events.
• Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety – foodborne disease risks, inspection systems, risk assessment and control measures across food production chains.
• Risk Analysis and Biosecurity – quantitative and qualitative approaches to risk assessment, emergency preparedness and farm-level biosecurity.
• Spatial Epidemiology and GIS – mapping disease distribution, spatial cluster detection and applications of geographic information systems.
• Research Methods and Ethics – study planning, sample size considerations, data management and ethical issues in animal and human research.
• Practicum or Capstone Project – an applied placement with a public health agency, veterinary diagnostic laboratory, or an independent research project supervised by faculty.

Coursework emphasises applied skills: outbreak investigation exercises, data analysis projects, lab methods familiarisation and interdisciplinary collaboration consistent with a One Health approach.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant bachelor’s degree such as veterinary medicine, animal science, biological sciences, public health or a closely related discipline. Admissions typically consider academic performance, relevant practical or research experience and fit with the programme.

• Academic transcripts demonstrating preparation in biological and quantitative subjects; prerequisite coursework such as introductory statistics, microbiology or anatomy may be required if not already completed.
• A personal statement or statement of purpose outlining academic interests, professional goals and reasons for pursuing the veterinary epidemiology specialisation.
• Letters of recommendation, usually two or three, from academic or professional referees who can speak to research potential and relevant experience.
• A current CV or résumé showing work, research or clinical experience related to animal health or public health.
• Standardised tests (for example GRE) are not typically mandatory but may be requested in some cases; international applicants will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency.

Part-time study and professional-education routes are often available to accommodate working practitioners; prospective students should consult the programme admissions office for guidance on prerequisites and portfolio requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates move into roles that bridge animal health and public health, including:

• Veterinary epidemiologist or disease surveillance officer in government agencies (state departments of agriculture or health, national veterinary services).
• Outbreak investigator and emergency response specialist for zoonotic disease events.
• Public health analyst or risk assessor in food safety, pharmaceutical or agricultural industries.
• Research scientist in academic institutions, diagnostic laboratories or non-governmental organisations working on infectious disease, One Health or wildlife health.
• Policy advisor or programme manager for international organisations, NGOs or public-sector One Health initiatives.
• Further academic pathways, including doctoral study in epidemiology, veterinary public health or related fields.

The programme emphasises practical competencies and placement experience to enhance employability in regulatory, research and applied public health settings.

Why study at Eastern Washington University

Eastern Washington University offers a student-centred learning environment with relatively small class sizes and close access to faculty who work on applied public health and animal health issues. The university’s location provides practical advantages: proximity to agricultural communities, state veterinary diagnostic laboratories and regional public health agencies supports placement and collaborative research opportunities.

Students benefit from an interdisciplinary approach that integrates veterinary science, ecology and public health under the One Health framework, hands-on practicum options, and mentorship that prepares graduates for applied careers in surveillance, outbreak response and policy across local, national and international settings.