Boise State University

What you'll study

The programme combines core public health training with specialised coursework in veterinary epidemiology, zoonoses and One Health principles. You will develop quantitative skills in biostatistics and epidemiologic methods alongside applied knowledge in animal disease ecology, diagnostic methods, biosecurity and environmental drivers of disease.

• Core public health foundations: introductory public health, health policy and systems, environmental health, global health perspectives and health promotion.
• Epidemiology and biostatistics: descriptive and inferential epidemiology, outbreak investigation, study design, data analysis and use of statistical software.
• Veterinary and One Health topics: zoonotic disease ecology, veterinary public health, animal population health, food safety and antimicrobial resistance.
• Laboratory and field methods: diagnostic testing principles, sample collection and handling, molecular and serological techniques (conceptual and practical components depending on available lab access).
• Environmental and ecological drivers: land use, wildlife-livestock interfaces, vector ecology and the role of climate and ecosystems in disease emergence.
• Applied experience: practicum or internship with public health agencies, veterinary practices, diagnostic laboratories or community organisations, plus a senior capstone or research project applying epidemiologic methods to a veterinary public health question.

The degree typically includes general education requirements, upper-division major courses, and elective options that let you tailor studies toward lab science, policy, or field surveillance. Teaching formats blend lectures, data labs, case studies and supervised field placements.

Entry requirements

• Successful completion of secondary education (high school diploma or equivalent) with competitive academic standing; specific GPA expectations vary by admission pathway.
• Prerequisite coursework commonly includes biology (with lab), chemistry (often general chemistry), and college-level mathematics or statistics. Applicants with coursework deficiencies may be asked to complete prerequisites.
• Standardised test requirements (SAT/ACT) depend on institutional policy and may be optional for some applicants; check Boise State admissions for current testing policies.
• Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts showing completion of general education and science prerequisites; articulation agreements may apply for students from community colleges in the region.
• International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements (such as TOEFL or IELTS) unless exempt; additional document and visa requirements apply.
• Competitive applicants often submit a personal statement describing interest in veterinary epidemiology, and relevant volunteer, work or research experience strengthens an application.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for entry-level roles that bridge animal and public health, or for further professional and graduate study. Career pathways include:

• Disease surveillance and outbreak response roles in local or state public health departments, agricultural agencies and animal health divisions.
• Laboratory technician positions in diagnostic and research laboratories supporting veterinary and zoonotic disease testing.
• Field epidemiology and surveillance technician roles with government agencies, non-governmental organisations or wildlife agencies conducting monitoring and control of zoonoses.
• Food safety and inspection positions within regulatory bodies or the food industry focused on preventing foodborne illnesses of animal origin.
• Research assistant roles in academic or applied research projects on infectious disease ecology, antimicrobial resistance or One Health initiatives.
• Further study options include Master of Public Health (MPH) with epidemiology concentration, veterinary medicine (DVM), or graduate research degrees leading to advanced epidemiologist, policy analyst or academic careers.

Why study at Boise State University

Boise State offers a hands-on, interdisciplinary learning environment with an emphasis on applied public health practice and community engagement. The university’s urban location provides access to state and local public health agencies, veterinary clinics and regional wildlife resources for practicum placements and collaborative projects.

Students benefit from small-class instruction in upper-division courses, opportunities to work alongside faculty on applied research, and connections to Idaho public health and agricultural stakeholders. The programme’s practical focus prepares graduates to enter the workforce with real-world experience in surveillance, lab protocols and interagency coordination within a One Health framework.