Indiana University Bloomington

What you'll study

The programme combines core public‑health training with specialised topics in veterinary epidemiology and One Health. Core modules cover principles of public health, introductory and applied epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health and health policy. Veterinary‑focused modules explore zoonoses, disease transmission between species, animal population health, foodborne disease epidemiology and surveillance systems.

• Core public‑health studies: population health concepts, health systems, ethics in public health.
• Epidemiology and statistics: study design, outbreak investigation, data analysis and interpretation using standard software.
• Veterinary and One Health topics: zoonotic disease ecology, animal population health, wildlife and domestic animal disease dynamics, food safety and biosecurity.
• Laboratory and field methods: diagnostic principles, sample collection, surveillance methodology and spatial analysis for disease mapping.
• Applied learning: a practicum or internship with public‑health agencies, veterinary public‑health units, laboratories or NGOs, plus a capstone project or senior seminar integrating applied epidemiology with policy or management recommendations.

Students may also choose elective modules in related areas such as environmental science, microbiology, health informatics and public policy to tailor their degree to research or practice pathways.

Entry requirements

Successful applicants typically hold a secondary school qualification equivalent to a U.S. high‑school diploma with strong performance in science and mathematics. Typical preparation includes biology and chemistry, and demonstrable competence in algebra or statistics. Admissions assess academic record, recommendations and any relevant extracurricular experience such as volunteering, laboratory work or public‑health outreach.

Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts; international applicants must meet the university's English language requirements. Applicants intending to focus on veterinary epidemiology benefit from prior exposure to animal biology or ecology, but formal veterinary training is not required at entry.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles at the intersection of animal and human health. Common career paths include disease surveillance and outbreak response, veterinary public‑health technician roles, food safety and inspection services, field epidemiology with state or national public‑health agencies, laboratory support roles, and positions with non‑governmental or international organisations focused on zoonoses and One Health.

The degree also provides a foundation for further study. Many graduates progress to professional programmes such as veterinary medicine (DVM), public‑health postgraduate degrees (MPH, MSc) or research degrees (MSc, PhD) in epidemiology, ecology or infectious disease.

Why study at Indiana University Bloomington

Indiana University Bloomington offers public‑health education within a research‑active environment that supports interdisciplinary work across biological sciences, environmental studies and policy. Students benefit from access to campus laboratories, field‑based learning opportunities across the state and established links with public‑health agencies, veterinary services and community organisations for internships and practicum placements.

The campus emphasises experiential learning and research mentorship, enabling students to complete applied projects with faculty working on infectious disease, surveillance and One Health topics. This combination of hands‑on experience, technical training in epidemiology and statistical methods, and institutional partnerships prepares graduates to enter the workforce or continue into professional and research training.