Ohio Wesleyan University

What you'll study

The programme blends foundational public health courses with focused modules on veterinary epidemiology, zoonoses and One Health. You will study principles of epidemiology, biostatistics and research methods alongside courses in microbiology, animal biology and environmental health. Typical modules and learning experiences include:

• Introductory Public Health — population health concepts, determinants of health and health systems.
• Epidemiology — study design, outbreak investigation, measures of disease frequency and association, and applied surveillance methods.
• Biostatistics — descriptive statistics, basic inferential statistics, and use of statistical software for public-health data.
• Veterinary Public Health / Zoonoses — ecology and transmission of zoonotic pathogens, food‑borne and vector‑borne disease control, and risk assessment.
• Microbiology and Immunology — microbial pathogens of humans and animals, laboratory identification and biosafety principles.
• Environmental & Ecosystem Health — environmental drivers of disease, water and food safety, and land‑use influences on pathogen emergence.
• Field Methods and Laboratory Techniques — specimen collection, diagnostic testing basics, GIS applications and sampling strategies for animal and human populations.
• Research Methods & Capstone / Senior Project — independent or faculty‑mentored research project that may involve data analysis, community partner work or an applied outbreak simulation.
• Internship / Practicum — placement with public‑health departments, veterinary diagnostic labs, NGOs or agricultural extension services to gain practical experience.

The curriculum is delivered with small class sizes typical of a liberal‑arts college, and students are encouraged to take electives across biology, environmental studies, statistics and policy to support interdisciplinary understanding.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a high‑school diploma or equivalent with a strong academic record. Recommended preparatory subjects include biology and chemistry, and competence in mathematics is important because of the programme’s quantitative components. Typical application materials are:

• Official secondary‑school transcripts demonstrating solid achievement in science and maths.
• Personal statement outlining interest in public health, animal health or One Health.
• Letters of recommendation (academic and/or from relevant supervisors).
• Evidence of extracurricular involvement or volunteer work in health, animal care, research or community service is advantageous.

Standardised test policies vary; applicants should consult the university admissions pages for current guidance. Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts and a description of completed coursework.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of roles in public health and animal‑health sectors. Immediate entry‑level positions include public‑health technician, surveillance assistant, laboratory technician in veterinary diagnostic labs, environmental health aide, and programme assistant with NGOs or agricultural agencies. Many graduates also pursue graduate training — for example in epidemiology, veterinary medicine, public‑health practice, or related research programmes — to qualify as professional epidemiologists, veterinary public‑health officers or policy specialists.

Other common career destinations include:

• State and local public‑health departments and disease surveillance units.
• Federal agencies concerned with animal and public health.
• Veterinary diagnostic laboratories and research institutes.
• Non‑governmental organisations focused on global health, wildlife health or food safety.
• One Health coordination roles that bridge human, animal and environmental health sectors.

Why study at Ohio Wesleyan University

Ohio Wesleyan offers a liberal‑arts environment that emphasises close faculty mentoring, experiential learning and interdisciplinary study—advantages for students tackling complex One Health problems. Small class sizes allow direct supervision on laboratory techniques and research projects, and faculty in biology, environmental studies and health sciences collaborate on cross‑disciplinary teaching and mentorship.

Students benefit from opportunities for on‑campus research, internships with regional public‑health and veterinary organisations, and access to community partnerships in Delaware and the broader Columbus area. The university’s advising structure supports preparation for graduate and professional programmes, and the broad liberal‑arts curriculum strengthens communication, critical thinking and ethical reasoning—skills valued in public‑health and animal‑health careers.