Idaho State University

What you'll study

The MPH in Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health combines core public health training with specialised study of animal-associated disease systems. Core modules develop skills in epidemiologic methods, biostatistics, public health ethics and health systems, while concentration modules focus on surveillance, outbreak investigation, zoonotic disease ecology, disease modelling, food safety and risk analysis.

• Core public health courses — epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental and occupational health concepts, health policy and programme planning, and research methods.
• Veterinary epidemiology and One Health — principles of animal disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, transmission dynamics, and the One Health framework linking animal, human and environmental health.
• Zoonotic disease topics — bacterial, viral and parasitic zoonoses; wildlife and livestock disease ecology; antimicrobial resistance in veterinary contexts.
• Laboratory and field methods — diagnostic testing methods, sample collection, biosecurity and biosurveillance technologies typically used in animal health and public health settings.
• Applied practicum or research project — students complete either a supervised practicum with a public or animal health agency or an independent research thesis addressing an applied veterinary public health question.

The programme emphasises applied learning through case studies, outbreak simulation exercises and placements with state agencies, diagnostic laboratories or international health organisations. Students typically choose between a practicum pathway leading to an applied project or a research pathway culminating in a thesis.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to meet the general graduate admission requirements of Idaho State University and to hold a bachelor's degree from a recognised institution. Competitive candidates usually have undergraduate preparation in animal science, veterinary medicine, biological sciences, public health or a related field.

• Transcripts showing completion of a relevant bachelor’s degree.
• A personal statement outlining relevant experience, career goals and interest in veterinary epidemiology or One Health.
• Letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees who can speak to the applicant’s suitability for graduate-level public health training.
• Relevant professional or research experience is advantageous; applicants without an extensive background may be asked to take prerequisite coursework in biology, statistics or animal health.
• International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements and provide credential evaluations as required by the university.

Specific documentation or test score requirements can vary; applicants should consult the university’s graduate admissions office for guidance on prerequisites, potential waivers and whether additional materials such as GRE scores are needed in individual cases.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for careers that bridge animal and human health in government, industry and non-profit sectors. Typical roles include:

• State and federal animal health epidemiologist or public health veterinarian (working with agencies such as state departments of agriculture or public health, and national agencies).
• Disease surveillance officer or outbreak investigator for public health agencies, international organisations or NGOs engaged in zoonotic disease control.
• Food safety and animal product inspection specialist within regulatory bodies or food industry quality programmes.
• Laboratory specialist or diagnostic technologist in veterinary diagnostic labs, public health labs or research institutions.
• Researcher or programme manager in academic, veterinary, agricultural or One Health research programmes.

Alumni work in roles that contribute to policy development, emergency response, surveillance system design, and applied research on emerging zoonoses and antimicrobial resistance.

Why study at Idaho State University

Idaho State University offers proximity to diverse agricultural systems and wildlife environments, giving students practical exposure to livestock and wildlife disease issues common in the region. The university’s public health faculty bring expertise in field epidemiology, zoonotic diseases and community engagement, and the programme has established connections with state public health and agriculture agencies for practicum placements.

Students benefit from hands-on training opportunities in diagnostic labs and field surveillance projects, multidisciplinary collaboration across health and veterinary-related departments, and a curriculum designed to prepare graduates for applied One Health work. The programme’s delivery options and emphasis on practicum or thesis pathways allow students to tailor their studies toward professional practice or research.