Roger Williams University

What you'll study

The programme combines core public health subjects with specialised coursework in veterinary epidemiology and zoonotic disease. You study foundational topics such as epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, public health policy and health communication alongside modules that address animal health, infectious disease ecology, laboratory methods and disease surveillance.

• Core public health modules: introduction to epidemiology, biostatistics for public health, environmental and occupational health, health behaviour and health promotion, public health ethics and policy.
• Veterinary and One Health modules: principles of animal health, zoonoses and emerging infectious diseases, comparative pathology, wildlife disease ecology and One Health frameworks.
• Practical and technical skills: diagnostic laboratory techniques, field investigation methods, geographic information systems (GIS) for disease mapping, data management and outbreak investigation drills.
• Research and applied practice: a senior capstone or research project in veterinary epidemiology, and an experiential practicum with public health agencies, animal health services, wildlife organisations or research laboratories.

Throughout the degree students develop quantitative and qualitative skills for surveillance and risk assessment, learn to design and interpret field and laboratory studies, and gain experience communicating risk to diverse audiences.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school qualification. Successful candidates typically present a strong science background with coursework in biology and chemistry; mathematics or statistics is also highly recommended. Typical application materials include a personal statement demonstrating interest in public and animal health, academic transcripts and at least one academic or professional reference. Standardised test requirements and minimum grades vary by applicant profile and country of origin; the university considers a range of international credentials and may request a preparatory or bridge course for applicants with limited science preparation.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that bridge public health and animal health sectors. Common entry-level positions include epidemiology technician, disease surveillance officer, animal health technician, laboratory assistant, public health educator and environmental health aide. The degree also provides a strong foundation for graduate study leading to careers as public health practitioners, epidemiologists, veterinarians (with further professional training), researchers or policy analysts.

Alumni find employment in local and state public health departments, national agencies concerned with animal and human health, non-governmental organisations, wildlife and conservation bodies, diagnostic and research laboratories, and private sector companies involved in food safety, pharmaceuticals and veterinary services.

Why study at Roger Williams University

Roger Williams University offers a personalised undergraduate experience with small class sizes and close faculty mentorship, which is valuable for lab-based and field training in veterinary epidemiology. The university emphasises experiential learning — students gain hands-on experience through practicums, internships and capstone projects with regional public health and animal health partners.

Its coastal New England location provides proximity to a diverse set of field sites, research institutions and federal and state agencies, facilitating placement opportunities and collaborative research. Roger Williams also encourages interdisciplinary study, enabling students to combine public health training with complementary subjects such as biology, environmental science, GIS or policy to prepare for One Health careers.