Clarkson University

What you'll study

The programme integrates foundational public health topics with veterinary epidemiology and One Health principles. Early modules cover epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, and the social determinants of health, while specialised units focus on infectious disease ecology, zoonoses, disease surveillance, diagnostic methods, and risk assessment.

• Core public health: introduction to public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, health behaviour and communication, environmental and occupational health.
• Veterinary epidemiology and animal health: comparative pathology, principles of veterinary epidemiology, zoonotic disease biology, host–pathogen interactions, and animal population health management.
• Laboratory and field methods: microbiology and infectious disease laboratory techniques, molecular diagnostics, data collection for surveillance, geographic information systems (GIS) for disease mapping.
• Policy, ethics and management: public health law and policy, emergency preparedness and outbreak response, risk communication, and leadership in multi‑sectoral teams.
• Applied learning: practicum or internship with public health departments, veterinary diagnostic laboratories, agricultural agencies, or non‑governmental organisations; a capstone project or research thesis applying epidemiological methods to a real‑world problem.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a secondary school qualification equivalent to a high school diploma. Typical academic preparation includes strong grades in biology and chemistry, and competence in mathematics. Evidence of laboratory experience or volunteer work with animals, public health initiatives, or community health organisations is advantageous.

• Academic qualifications: satisfactory secondary school completion with emphasis on science subjects (biology, chemistry, mathematics); applicants from different systems should meet the university's standard admission thresholds.
• Testing and documentation: standardised tests may be optional depending on the applicant's background; all applicants submit a personal statement and academic references that demonstrate interest in public health and animal health.
• Other requirements: some students may be required to complete a screening interview or submit a portfolio of practical experience; proof of immunisations or ability to meet health requirements may be necessary for clinical or field placements.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles where animal and human health intersect, and for further professional or graduate study. Career paths include positions in government agencies, non‑profits, industry and research institutions.

• Public health surveillance officer or epidemiology technician with local, state/provincial, or national public health agencies.
• Veterinary public health specialist or animal health inspector working with agriculture departments, veterinary diagnostic labs, or food safety agencies.
• Laboratory technician or research assistant in microbiology, zoonotic disease research, or diagnostics.
• Emergency preparedness and outbreak response coordinator for NGOs, humanitarian organisations, or public health agencies.
• Pathway to graduate study: Master of Public Health (MPH), Master of Science in epidemiology, or professional veterinary programmes (DVM) and related clinical or research training.

Why study at Clarkson University

Clarkson offers an applied, interdisciplinary approach that aligns engineering, life sciences and public health to address complex, real‑world problems. Students benefit from small class sizes, hands‑on laboratory training and opportunities for fieldwork and internships with regional partners in public and animal health.

• Emphasis on experiential learning: lab courses, field surveillance projects and practicum opportunities build practical skills sought by employers.
• Cross‑disciplinary resources: access to science and engineering facilities supports quantitative training in modelling, diagnostics and GIS applications for disease tracking.
• Faculty mentorship and industry links: close faculty supervision and connections with public health departments, veterinary diagnostic services and regional organisations help students secure applied placements and research experiences.
• Preparation for advanced study and professional careers: the programme provides the academic foundation and practical experience that support progression to graduate public health programmes, veterinary medicine or careers in government and industry.