Kent State University

What you'll study

The programme combines core public health training with specialised study in veterinary epidemiology, zoonoses and One Health principles. You will build foundational knowledge in epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health and health policy before progressing to courses centred on animal disease surveillance, pathogen transmission between species, and control strategies.

• Core public health modules: Introduction to Public Health, Principles of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Environmental Health, Health Systems and Policy.
• Veterinary and One Health modules: Veterinary Public Health, Zoonotic Diseases, Animal Disease Surveillance, Comparative Pathobiology, Ecology of Infectious Diseases.
• Technical and analytical skills: Laboratory methods for infectious disease, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for disease mapping, quantitative research methods, data analysis for surveillance.
• Applied learning: Field epidemiology, practicum/internship with public health or animal health agencies, and a capstone or research project focused on a real-world veterinary public health problem.
• Electives and complementary study: courses in microbiology, immunology, animal science, environmental toxicology, and risk communication to broaden interdisciplinary competence.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary-school qualification. Typical entrants will have studied biology and chemistry; mathematics or statistics is strongly recommended. Admissions consider academic record, personal statement and relevant experience such as volunteer work, lab experience or internships.

• Successful completion of secondary education with competitive grades in relevant science subjects (biology, chemistry, mathematics).
• A personal statement that demonstrates interest in public health, animal health or One Health themes; any relevant work, volunteer or research experience strengthens an application.
• References or recommendation letters may be requested; some applicants present supplementary materials such as a CV or evidence of laboratory or field experience.
• International applicants will need to meet English language proficiency requirements and provide equivalent academic documentation as specified by the university.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that address disease risks at the human–animal–environment interface and for further professional training. Entry-level positions are available in public health departments, animal health agencies, research laboratories, non-governmental organisations and private sector firms.

• Career roles include disease surveillance technician, public health analyst, outbreak investigator, zoonotic disease specialist, laboratory technologist, and One Health coordinator.
• Graduates often progress to postgraduate study—such as a Master of Public Health (MPH), Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or research-focused Masters/PhD—to qualify for specialist epidemiologist, veterinary epidemiologist or academic research positions.
• Skills developed—epidemiologic methods, data analysis, laboratory familiarity, risk assessment and communication—are also valued by international health organisations, food safety agencies and environmental health consultancies.

Why study at Kent State University

Kent State University offers an interdisciplinary public health curriculum that emphasises experiential learning and applied research. The programme integrates faculty expertise across public health, biological sciences and environmental studies to deliver a One Health perspective on contemporary disease challenges.

• Access to practicum placements and partnerships with regional public health and animal health organisations provides practical experience in surveillance and outbreak response.
• Opportunities to undertake supervised research projects and collaborate with faculty engaged in infectious disease and environmental health research.
• Training emphasises transferable analytical and communication skills, preparing graduates for a range of roles in the public, private and non-profit sectors or for advanced professional study.