Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)

What you'll study

The programme combines core public health training with specialised coursework and applied experiences in veterinary epidemiology and zoonotic disease control. Core modules typically cover epidemiologic methods, biostatistics for public health, environmental and occupational health, health policy and ethics, and research methods.

• Epidemiologic Methods for Public Health — study of study designs, measures of disease frequency and association, bias and confounding, and outbreak investigation techniques.
• Biostatistics and Data Analysis — applied statistical methods, use of software for analysis, and interpretation of public health data.
• Zoonotic Diseases and One Health — ecology of zoonoses, transmission dynamics, and integrated approaches to animal and human health.
• Surveillance Systems and Informatics — principles of surveillance, case definitions, reporting systems, and use of geographic information systems (GIS) in disease mapping.
• Risk Assessment and Disease Control — quantitative and qualitative approaches to assessing and managing risk in animal and human populations.
• Field Epidemiology and Outbreak Response — practical skills for field investigations, sample collection, laboratory liaison, and emergency response protocols.
• Research Project or Thesis / Applied Practicum — options for a research thesis or a supervised practicum/capstone with a public health agency, veterinary diagnostic laboratory, or community partner.

The programme is typically delivered through a mix of lectures, laboratory sessions, case studies, fieldwork and a supervised practicum. Students may choose a thesis or non-thesis track depending on career goals; research-led students can work with faculty on projects related to zoonoses, food safety, or surveillance evaluation.

Entry requirements

• A recognised bachelor’s degree in veterinary science, animal science, biological sciences, public health, or a closely related discipline.
• A competitive undergraduate transcript demonstrating academic readiness for graduate study; some programmes consider a minimum GPA guideline rather than a strict cut-off.
• Relevant professional experience or coursework in biology, microbiology, or statistics is advantageous; applicants without direct animal-health background may be asked to complete prerequisite courses.
• Supporting documents such as a personal statement outlining interests in veterinary epidemiology or One Health, a current curriculum vitae or résumé, and letters of recommendation.
• Proof of immunisations and/or clearance for field and laboratory work may be required for practicum placements. Background checks or additional certifications can be needed for certain placements.
• Standardised tests (for example, GRE) may be considered optional or required depending on the applicant’s academic background and the programme’s admissions policy; international applicants should consult the programme for English language requirements and visa guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that bridge animal and human health, public health practice, policy and research. Typical career paths include:

• Field epidemiologist or disease investigator for state or local health departments and departments of agriculture.
• Analyst or scientist in veterinary diagnostic laboratories, public health laboratories or reference centres.
• Roles with federal agencies such as zoonotic disease programmes, food safety and inspection services, and animal health units.
• Positions in non-governmental organisations and international agencies working on One Health, outbreak response and capacity building.
• Industry roles in animal health companies, pharmaceutical and biotech firms, particularly in surveillance, pharmacovigilance and product safety.
• Academic or research careers pursuing continued study (PhD) or working as research staff on epidemiology and zoonoses projects.

Why study at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)

MTSU offers applied, career-focused public health training with opportunities for hands-on practicum placements and faculty mentorship. The university’s regional partnerships with state public health and agricultural agencies, veterinary diagnostic laboratories and local farming communities support practical field experiences and employment connections.

Students benefit from faculty expertise in epidemiology, infectious disease ecology and One Health approaches, and from access to teaching laboratories and data-analysis resources. The programme’s flexibility — with thesis and non-thesis options and a mix of classroom and practicum work — makes it suitable for recent graduates and mid-career professionals seeking to specialise in veterinary epidemiology and public health.