Colorado State University

What you'll study

This programme integrates foundational public health coursework with specialised veterinary epidemiology and animal health modules. Core subjects cover population health, epidemiologic methods and biostatistics, alongside microbiology and immunology to understand infectious agents that affect animals and people.

• Foundations of Public Health – principles of population health, health systems and ethics.
• Epidemiology – study design, surveillance systems, outbreak investigation and applied field methods.
• Biostatistics and Data Analysis – statistical reasoning, data management, and introductory modelling for disease dynamics.
• Microbiology and Immunology – laboratory fundamentals relevant to zoonotic pathogens and diagnostics.
• Disease Ecology and One Health – interactions among humans, animals and environments that drive disease emergence.
• Food Safety and Production Animal Health – principles of foodborne disease prevention, biosecurity and herd health management.
• Geospatial Methods and Informatics – GIS applications for surveillance, risk mapping and spatial epidemiology.
• Laboratory and Field Methods – hands-on training in specimen handling, diagnostic techniques and biosafety.
• Practicum/Capstone – applied experience with public health agencies, veterinary diagnostic labs or research groups culminating in a project or placement.

Students typically follow a four-year programme structure with a mix of lectures, lab practicals, field exercises and an applied practicum or undergraduate research project. Opportunities exist to take elective modules in wildlife health, policy, food systems, or advanced quantitative methods.

Entry requirements

Admission is normally based on secondary school completion or equivalent. Competitive applicants will have a strong academic record and coursework in biology, chemistry and mathematics. Typical preparations include:

• High school diploma or equivalent with solid grades in science and maths subjects.
• Prerequisite coursework in biology and chemistry; introductory statistics or calculus is recommended.
• A personal statement that outlines interest in veterinary public health, One Health or epidemiology.
• Letters of recommendation, extracurricular experience such as volunteering, work with animals, laboratory exposure or public health activities strengthen applications.
• For international applicants, proof of English language proficiency is required.

Colorado State University considers the whole applicant; specific admission thresholds and processes vary by applicant pool and residency. Prospective students should consult the university admissions pages for current application procedures and any additional requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that bridge animal and human health across government, industry and research sectors. Common career paths include:

• Veterinary epidemiologist or surveillance specialist in public or animal health agencies.
• Outbreak investigator and disease surveillance analyst for state or national public health departments.
• Laboratory technician or diagnostic specialist in veterinary diagnostic laboratories.
• One Health or zoonotic disease programme coordinator for non-governmental organisations and international agencies.
• Food safety and public health inspector roles in the agricultural and food production sectors.
• Research assistant or technician in university or government research programmes, with pathways to graduate study (MPH, DVM, PhD) for advanced careers in research, academia or leadership.

The programme emphasises practical skills and professional experience through internships, practicum placements and collaborations with local and state public health and veterinary institutions, improving employability in both domestic and international contexts.

Why study at Colorado State University

Colorado State University has long-standing strengths in veterinary medicine, infectious disease research and One Health collaboration. The university’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and its affiliated Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory provide direct access to faculty expertise, diagnostic facilities and applied research projects.

• Strong One Health emphasis linking animal, human and environmental health across teaching and research.
• Hands-on learning through laboratories, field exercises and practicum placements with public health and veterinary partners.
• Opportunities to participate in undergraduate research alongside faculty working on zoonotic disease, wildlife health and agricultural biosecurity.
• Location advantage for field studies in diverse ecosystems and close connections with state public health and agricultural agencies.

Students benefit from an interdisciplinary environment that prepares them for practical, research and policy roles in veterinary epidemiology and public health.