Florida State University

What you'll study

This programme provides foundational training in public health together with specialised coursework in infectious disease ecology, veterinary epidemiology and the One Health paradigm that links human, animal and environmental health. You will study quantitative and qualitative methods for surveillance and outbreak investigation, principles of disease transmission among animal and human populations, and the policy and regulatory contexts that shape veterinary public health interventions.

Core modules and topics

• Introduction to Public Health: population health concepts, determinants of health and public health systems.
• Fundamentals of Epidemiology: measures of disease frequency, study designs, bias and confounding.
• Biostatistics for Public Health: descriptive statistics, probability, hypothesis testing and introductory regression techniques used in public health research.
• Veterinary Epidemiology: disease dynamics in animal populations, surveillance methods for livestock and companion animals, herd health principles.
• Infectious Disease Ecology and Zoonoses: ecology of host–pathogen interactions, transmission pathways, and drivers of spillover events.
• One Health and Environmental Health: cross‑sectoral approaches to prevention, environmental determinants of disease, and ecosystem health considerations.
• Research Methods and Data Management: sampling, study protocol design, data collection, and basic use of statistical software common in epidemiology.
• Health Policy, Law and Ethics: regulatory frameworks affecting animal and human health, ethical dimensions of disease control and animal welfare.
• Capstone/Practicum: applied field experience or research project with public health agencies, veterinary services, or partner organisations.

Elective options and seminars often allow specialisation in areas such as wildlife epidemiology, food safety and inspection, laboratory methods for pathogen detection, GIS for health applications, or advanced quantitative modelling.

Entry requirements

Typical entry is from secondary school and applicants are expected to hold a high school diploma or equivalent with strong grades in science subjects. Successful applicants usually have prior study in biology and mathematics; chemistry is advantageous. English language proficiency is required for international applicants. Florida State University also admits transfer students from community colleges and other universities; transfer entry commonly requires a competitive college GPA and completion of key general education or introductory science courses.

Standardised tests (where used) and a personal statement outlining interest in public health, veterinary issues or One Health strengthen an application. Some candidates with relevant volunteer, laboratory or field experience in animal or public health settings are viewed favourably. Specific admission policies and prerequisite lists can be confirmed with the university's admissions office.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles in animal and human health sectors where an understanding of cross‑species disease dynamics is essential. Common entry‑level positions include:

• Epidemiology technician or surveillance analyst in federal, state or local health departments or animal health agencies.
• Field investigator or outbreak response team member focusing on zoonotic disease.
• Laboratory support roles in diagnostic, veterinary or public health labs (with appropriate additional training).
• Positions in food safety, inspection services and public‑sector biosecurity.
• Data‑focused roles such as public health data analyst or GIS specialist for disease mapping.
• Program officer or coordinator for NGOs and international organisations working on One Health, disease control or agricultural health programmes.

Many graduates go on to further study — for example a Master of Public Health (MPH), specialised MSc programmes in epidemiology, or professional degrees such as the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) — to expand clinical, research or leadership opportunities.

Why study at Florida State University

Florida State University offers a multidisciplinary environment with opportunities to work across public health, biological sciences and veterinary health disciplines. The university’s location in the state capital supports engagement with state public health agencies and policy makers, helping students access practicum placements and internships relevant to state and regional disease surveillance.

Students benefit from faculty with research and applied experience in infectious disease, environmental health and population health methods, and from facilities and partnerships that support hands‑on learning. The programme emphasises experiential learning through practicum placements and a capstone project, preparing graduates to translate epidemiological methods into practice in animal and public health settings.