Florida State University

What you'll study

The programme is delivered as an MPH with a veterinary epidemiology/public health concentration, combining core public health methods with specialised training in zoonotic and animal-origin disease dynamics. Teaching blends coursework, practical laboratories and field experience to develop quantitative and applied skills.

• Core public health modules — biostatistics, principles of epidemiology, public health systems and ethics, health policy and programme evaluation.
• Veterinary epidemiology and One Health — disease ecology, host–pathogen interactions, zoonoses, cross-species transmission and interdisciplinary One Health frameworks.
• Surveillance and outbreak investigation — disease surveillance design, case investigation, contact tracing, sampling strategies and real-world outbreak response exercises.
• Quantitative and laboratory methods — advanced biostatistics, spatial epidemiology/GIS, molecular diagnostics concepts and interpretation of laboratory data used in epidemiological inference.
• Risk assessment and modelling — risk analysis for animal and public health, transmission modelling and scenario planning for emerging threats.
• Practicum and capstone/thesis — an applied practicum with a public health or veterinary partner and a final capstone project or thesis that addresses a real-world problem in veterinary public health.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline such as biology, animal science, veterinary medicine, public health or a related field. Typical requirements include:

• A competitive undergraduate GPA from an accredited institution.
• Transcripts and a personal statement describing relevant academic and/or professional experience in animal or public health.
• Letters of recommendation (usually two or three) from academic or professional referees.
• A curriculum vitae or résumé outlining relevant laboratory, field or clinical experience.
• Some applicants will have prior experience in veterinary practice, laboratory research, wildlife management or public health agencies; this experience strengthens an application but is not always required.
• Standardised tests (such as the GRE) may be optional or required depending on the applicant’s background; check the programme’s admissions guidance for current policy. International applicants will need to demonstrate English proficiency where applicable and meet any visa-related requirements.
• Because the programme involves fieldwork and practicum placements, accepted students should be prepared to meet health and immunisation clearances as required for work with animals and humans.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for careers at the interface of animal and human health, working in roles that require both epidemiological expertise and an understanding of veterinary issues. Typical career paths include:

• State and federal public health agencies and departments of agriculture or animal health, working on surveillance, outbreak response and policy.
• International organisations and non-governmental organisations focusing on zoonotic disease control, emerging infectious diseases and One Health programmes.
• Diagnostic and research laboratories, including roles in surveillance data analysis, laboratory liaison and translational research.
• Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies involved in veterinary and zoonotic disease products, vaccines and diagnostics.
• Wildlife and conservation organisations addressing disease risks at the human–wildlife interface.
• Academic and research institutions pursuing doctoral study or research in epidemiology, infectious disease ecology or public health.

Why study at Florida State University

Florida State University offers an MPH environment with interdisciplinary strengths in epidemiology, infectious disease and public health practice. Students benefit from faculty with experience in applied epidemiological research, access to research facilities and collaborations across campus units.

• Proximity to state public health agencies and policy-making bodies provides opportunities for practicum placements and applied projects with real-world impact.
• Interdisciplinary training emphasises One Health approaches, enabling students to work across veterinary, human health and environmental disciplines.
• Small cohort sizes and faculty mentorship support hands-on learning, with opportunities for fieldwork, laboratory exposure and experience in surveillance and outbreak investigation.
• FSU’s research resources, professional development services and alumni network help graduates move into public sector, industry and research careers focused on veterinary public health.