University of Mississippi

What you'll study

The programme combines core public-health training with specialised courses in veterinary epidemiology, zoonoses and disease ecology. You will build a foundation in epidemiologic methods, biostatistics and environmental health, then apply these skills to animal-associated health risks and surveillance systems.

• Core public health modules – introductory epidemiology, biostatistics, health promotion and environmental health.
• Veterinary epidemiology and disease modules – principles of veterinary epidemiology, infectious disease dynamics, zoonotic diseases and comparative pathology.
• Laboratory and field methods – diagnostic techniques, sample collection, basic microbiology and molecular methods relevant to animal pathogens.
• One Health and ecology – ecosystem drivers of disease, wildlife health, agricultural biosecurity and risk assessment.
• Data skills – applied biostatistics, geographic information systems (GIS) for disease mapping and surveillance data management.
• Professional practice – practicum or internship placements with public-health agencies, diagnostic laboratories, animal-health organisations or community projects, plus a capstone or senior research project focused on a veterinary public-health problem.

Entry requirements

Entry is at bachelor level for students with a high-school qualification equivalent to a US secondary school diploma. Typical academic preparation includes strong grades in biology and chemistry. The university considers applicants on the basis of overall academic record, coursework, and extracurricular or work experience relevant to health or animal care.

• A completed secondary-school diploma with emphasis on sciences (biology and chemistry recommended).
• Competitive GPA in secondary-school courses; specific cut-offs vary by year and applicant pool.
• Standardised tests (such as ACT/SAT) may be optional or considered where submitted—check the university’s admissions guidance for current policy.
• For transfer applicants: college transcripts showing successful completion of introductory science and general-education requirements.
• International applicants: equivalent academic qualifications and proof of English proficiency where required.
• Relevant volunteer, work or laboratory experience strengthens an application, particularly for the veterinary/public-health focus.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that bridge animal and human health. Common career paths include positions in public-health departments, diagnostic and veterinary laboratories, animal-health companies, biosecurity and surveillance units, wildlife and conservation organisations, and non-governmental organisations addressing zoonotic disease.

• Outbreak investigation and surveillance technician roles in state or local health departments and agricultural agencies.
• Laboratory technologist positions in veterinary diagnostic laboratories and research institutes.
• Biosecurity, disease control and risk assessment roles in the agricultural and livestock industries.
• Wildlife health and conservation-focused roles with government or non-profit organisations.
• Further study pathways including Master of Public Health (MPH), epidemiology graduate programmes, or professional veterinary degrees (DVM), often pursued by graduates seeking clinical or advanced research careers.

Why study at University of Mississippi

The University of Mississippi offers a supportive campus environment with faculty expertise across ecology, biology and public health disciplines that underpins the veterinary epidemiology focus. Students benefit from practical training opportunities in laboratory and field settings, links to state health and agricultural agencies, and a curriculum designed around applied skills such as surveillance, laboratory techniques and GIS mapping.

On-campus resources include research-active faculty, laboratory facilities suited to microbiology and applied ecology, and established internship pathways that place students in public-health and animal-health organisations across Mississippi. Small-group teaching and dedicated academic advising help students tailor their studies toward specific careers or graduate study in veterinary medicine and public health.