California State University

What you'll study

The programme combines core public-health principles with specialised training in veterinary epidemiology and related animal-health topics. You will cover the biological basis of infectious and non-infectious diseases in animal populations, methods for disease surveillance and outbreak investigation, and approaches to risk assessment and control. The curriculum typically includes a mix of lectures, laboratory practicals, fieldwork and applied projects.

• Foundations in Biology and Public Health: microbiology, immunology, comparative anatomy, principles of public health and environmental health.
• Epidemiology and Biostatistics: introductory and intermediate epidemiology, study design, data analysis, statistical methods for population health, and use of statistical software for public-health datasets.
• Veterinary Epidemiology: disease ecology, herd health management, surveillance systems, outbreak investigation, zoonoses (diseases transmitted between animals and people), and One Health approaches linking human, animal and environmental health.
• Food Safety and Public Health Policy: foodborne disease prevention, inspection and regulation, risk communication, and public-health law and policy relevant to animal-source foods.
• Laboratory and Field Skills: diagnostic laboratory techniques, sample collection and handling, GIS and spatial analysis for disease mapping, and practicum experiences with partner agencies or clinics.
• Capstone/Applied Project: a final-year research project or practicum in epidemiology, surveillance evaluation or a public-health intervention, often undertaken in collaboration with state agencies, local health departments or industry partners.

Entry requirements

Admission requirements reflect California State University system-wide standards as well as campus-specific prerequisites. Typical entry expectations include a high-school diploma or equivalent, completed college-preparatory coursework in biology, chemistry and mathematics, and a competitive grade-point average. Applicants may also need to demonstrate proficiency in English and fulfil general education breadth requirements.

Recommended background for applicants includes:

• High-school coursework in biology and chemistry; completion of introductory college-level courses in biology, chemistry or statistics is advantageous.
• Strong performance in quantitative subjects and laboratory-based classes.
• Relevant extracurricular experience such as volunteering or work with animal shelters, veterinary clinics, public-health organisations or research labs.
• For transfer applicants, completion of transferable lower-division general-education and major preparatory courses as specified by the chosen CSU campus.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for careers that bridge animal and human health, working in governmental agencies, industry, non-governmental organisations and research settings. Typical roles include:

• Field epidemiologist or surveillance specialist in state or local public-health departments and departments of agriculture.
• Food safety inspector or quality assurance specialist in food processing, retail or regulatory agencies.
• Animal-health technician supporting herd health, biosecurity and disease control programmes.
• Research assistant or technician in university, government or commercial laboratories focusing on zoonotic diseases, vaccine studies or diagnostic development.
• Policy analyst or programme officer for organisations working on One Health initiatives, emergency preparedness or international disease control.

Graduates also commonly progress to postgraduate study, including veterinary medicine, public-health master's programmes (e.g. MPH), or specialised graduate training in epidemiology and infectious disease.

Why study at California State University

California State University campuses offer applied, career-oriented training with strong ties to local public-health departments, agricultural agencies and industry partners. The system emphasises hands-on learning, accessible faculty mentorship and opportunities for internships or practicum placements that connect classroom learning to real-world disease surveillance and control.

Students benefit from a diverse student body and regional networks across California that provide field placement opportunities in urban, rural and agricultural settings, preparing graduates to work in varied contexts where animal and human health intersect.