One Health Studies Degree

Explore the One Health Studies degree

Do you care about health, have broad academic interests, and a passion for learning? Do you like thinking outside the box to solve complex problems, value respectful collaboration with diverse societal sectors, and hope to make a difference for a healthier world? One Health Studies is a rigorous major combining an intentionally interdisciplinary core of diverse health, environmental, and social science foundations. A choice of four concentrations prepares students for a variety of professions or post-graduate/professional studies, while gaining a holistic understanding of the synergistic components determining health, skills for fostering health and well-being, and the ability to work collaboratively while addressing complex threats to health, ecosystems, and sustainable development locally and globally. Visit www.onehealthcommission.org to learn more about the field of One Health.

The One Health Studies major at Wayne State is made up of core courses, plus a concentration. There are four concentrations you may choose from:

Ecological Health: The Ecological Health concentration will prepare you for work in a variety of agricultural, environmental, wildlife, conservation, zoo, or domestic animal, and public health professions, as well as graduate programs in environmental, public, and animal health sciences.
Health Analysis: The Health Analysis concentration will prepare you for work with public health departments and governmental and non-governmental agencies. Or, you could pursue graduate studies in epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental analysis, and health mapping. Minors in math and/or chemistry are recommended if you are considering graduate, medical, or veterinary schools.
Health Behavior and Promotion: The Health Behavior and Promotion concentration will prepare you to work in public health promotion, health-fitness and community wellness professions or pursue graduate degrees in public health, health behavior, or health promotion.
Social Health and Wellbeing: The Social Health and Wellbeing concentration will prepare you for work in public health, social services, public policy, law, and governmental and non-governmental agencies.

View program courses Download program fact sheet (PDF)

Fast facts

Program options:

B.A. or B.S. in One Health Studies / Ecological Health
B.A. or B.S. in One Health Studies / Health Analysis
B.A. or B.S. in One Health Studies / Health Behavior and Promotion
B.A. or B.S. in One Health Studies / Social Health and Wellbeing

Delivery format: On campus (Wayne)

Program credit hours: 55-57

One Health Studies core (37 credit hours)
Concentration requirements (18-20 credit hours)

Note: Students must also take 30 credit hours of General Studies courses. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to graduate from WSC. Additional majors or minors can be added to help meet graduation requirements.

School: Science, Health, and Criminal Justice

Department: Health, Human Performance, and Sport Department

Prepare for your future

Opportunities and outcomes

One health studies topics covered

Principles of biology in the animal kingdom
Interrelationships of organisms and their environment
Communication processes, beliefs, practices, and policies of health topics
Meteorological concepts, especially atmospheric and oceanic processes
Climate change of the past and future
Nutritional needs and recommendations throughout the life cycle
Social, economic, and political activities of human cultures
Human anatomy and physiological processes related to activity and training
Principles of personal health and wellness, along with public health disciplines
Social influences on human behavior

Student learning outcomes

Explain the interdisciplinary foundations of the One Health perspective
Apply diverse academic perspectives to understand complex health issue
Design collaborative interdisciplinary solutions for addressing complex health problems
Critique benefits and challenges of interdisciplinary collaborations for human, animal, and environmental health

Rural Health Opportunities Program (RHOP)

One Health Studies is the recommended major for the Public Health track in RHOP. RHOP is a special partnership between Wayne State College and the University of Nebraska-Medical Center (UNMC) that recruits and educates students from rural Nebraska to become health care professionals who will provide services in rural Nebraska communities. The program offers a full-tuition scholarship at WSC, guaranteed admission to UNMC, job shadowing and internship experiences, one-on-one advising, and early registration privileges.

Learn more about RHOP

One health studies practicums and internships

Our outstanding Career Services Office is available to help you find internships and career opportunities in One Health Studies. Students have completed practicums and internships at the following locations:

Northeast Nebraska Public Health Department
Winnebago Comprehensive Health Services

Career services and internships

Wayne State College graduates work in their chosen field using the skills they learned while at Wayne State College. Each year, eager employers welcome WSC graduates into their organizations.

Note: Due to the recent addition of the One Health Studies program, career outcomes will be available for reporting beginning in Summer 2029 with the 2027-28 Graduate Outcomes Survey.

Career possibilities:

Epidemiologist
Biostatistician
Health promoter/advocate
Health security officer
Emergency preparedness officer
Medical, allied, and veterinary health science professions, including doctors, assistants, and researchers
Zookeeper

job or grad school placement rate
within six months of graduation
Data based on most recent
employment outcomes survey

Cost of attendance

Most Affordable College in Nebraska

- College Affordability Guide, 2024

Wayne State is considered the most affordable four-year college or university in Nebraska. With same rates for in- and out-of-state students, our tuition guarantee, and our generous scholarship packages, it is clear to see how WSC earned the title. In fact, the average remaining annual cost of attendance for 2024-25 is $2,268 for undergraduate students after financial aid and scholarships.

One Health Studies degree program courses

Students must complete the One Health Studies core courses plus concentration courses. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to graduate from WSC. Additional majors or minors can be added to help meet graduation requirements.

Note: Students should take CNA 100 Principles of Human Communication for General Studies CAT 2, MAT 180 Applied Probability and Statistics for CAT 3 (recommended), PSY 101 General Psychology for CAT 5, and BIO 110 Biology Concepts for CAT 7.

One Health Studies
core credits

18-20

Concentration
credits

55-57

Total program
credits

One Health Studies core courses (37 credit hours)

Credits: 4
Description: A study of the principles of biology as they apply to the uniformity, diversity, and organization of the animal kingdom. Class fee of $30 required.
Prerequisite: C- or better in BIO 110
Credits: 4
Description: An evolution-based study of the interrelationships of organisms and their environment. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab. Class fee of $30 required.
Prerequisite: 8 hours of biology
Credits: 3
Description: Explores theories, research, and applications of the symbolic processes by which people, both individually and collectively, understand and share ideas about health and illness. The course focuses on the communicative implications of health beliefs, practices, and policies with special emphasis on the core communication competencies of a health citizen, as well as the communication challenges for the health care practitioner.
Credits: 4
Description: An introduction to the Earth as planet with special emphasis being placed upon atmospheric and oceanic processes. High school mathematics is used extensively in this course. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab. Class fee of $30 required.
Credits: 3
Description: A study of how and why Earth’s climate has changed and how the climate is likely to change in the future. Environmental, economic, social, and political issues associated with climate change will also be explored. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab.
Prerequisite: A grade of C- or better in either EAS 110 Introduction to Meteorology or EAS 120 Introduction to Geology, or instructor approval
Credits: 3
Description: Knowledge and understanding of nutritional needs and recommendations throughout the life cycle from prenatal nutrition through adulthood and special needs of the elderly. Special emphasis on maternal health and the development of a healthy child.
Credits: 3
Description: Application of geographic principles to examine the social, economic, and political activities of human cultures. Emphasis is on the concepts of culture, culture areas, migration, diffusion, social space, territoriality, environmental perception, and cultural landscape.
Credits: 3
Description: An introduction to the physiological processes and anatomical features of the body which are related to and affected by physical activity and training. Systems include the integumentary, skeletal, and muscular.
Credits: 3
Description: A continuation of the study of the physiological processes and anatomical features of the body which are related to and affected by physical activity and training. Systems include the nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, and respiratory. The study of metabolic and renal physiology will be addressed in the context of these systems.
Prerequisite: PED 105 Anatomy and Physiology I
Credits: 3
Description: This introductory course will explore the biological and social determinants of health and health disparities, with attention to personal, public, and global health rights and responsibilities. The course is designed to introduce students to principles of personal health and wellness as well as public health disciplines in community, national and global contexts.
Credits: 1
Description: Students will collaborate with classmates from different concentration areas to analyze and propose solutions to a simulated One Health scenario.
Prerequisite: Senior standing or instructor approval
Credits: 3
Description: The scientific discipline that investigates social influences that appear to produce similarities and differences in human behavior.
Prerequisite: PSY 101 General Psychology or SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology

- BIO 345 Conservation Biology (3 credit hours) – A study of the science and practical strategies involved in the conservation of biodiversity and the natural environment. Students will gain an understanding of the challenges and opportunities in today’s conservation landscape. Prerequisite: Junior standing or instructor approval.
- BIO 451 Advanced Ecology (3 credit hours) – The study of interrelationships of organisms to their environment in terrestrial and freshwater habitats. 3 hours lecture and lab combined. Class fee of $30 required. Prerequisite: BIO 325 Ecology.
- GEO 410 Hazards and Disasters (3 credit hours) – This course involves the study of catastrophic natural phenomena such as volcanic activity, earthquakes, floods, landslides, hurricanes, and tornadoes. We will examine these events on a world scale, always trying to understand where they occur and why they occur in those places. Emphasis is given to understanding the physical processes involved along with means of predicting, preventing, and minimizing the impact on humans.
Select 9-11 credit hours from the following electives:
- BIO 145 Environmental Studies Seminar (1)
- BIO 210 Experimental Plant Science (4)
- BIO 400 Advanced Zoology (3)
- BIO 406 Great Plains Flora (3)
- BIO 415 Wildlife Management (4)
- BIO 425 Evolution (3)
- BIO 430 Parasitology (3)
- EAS 410 Historical Geology (4)
- EAS 430 Oceanography (3)
- PGH 250 One Health Special Topics (1-3)
- PGH 450 One Health Special Topics (1-3)
- PGH 490 One Health Practicum (1-6)
- CSC 365 Scripting Languages (3 credit hours) – This course is a study of modern scripting languages and their role in traditional and emerging information systems. Focus is in the ability of these server-side languages to extend the capabilities of HTML by providing greater control over content, style, and functionality. In addition, special emphasis will be placed on the integration of these languages with a popular database engine and/or other information systems technologies. Prerequisite: CSC 150 Programming Fundamentals I or instructor approval.
- GEO 430 Geographic Information Systems (3 credit hours) – This course provides a basic introduction to the theory behind and hands-on usage of a Geographic Information System. An ability to manipulate and visualize data graphically is becoming ever more important in today’s technological workplace. A Geographic Information System is a computing tool that allows the user to visualize information in ways that reveal relationships, patterns, and trends not visible using other presentation methods.
- GEO 435 Computer Mapping (3 credit hours) – An introduction to basic concepts and techniques for creating maps via computers. Emphasis will be on interpretation of physical and cultural information from maps and understanding map layout and design. Hands-on use of computer mapping programs will allow students to create their own maps in lab.
Select 9-11 credit hours from the following electives:
- BUS 485 Introduction to Predictive Analytics (3)
- CSC 150 Programming Fundamentals I (3)
- CSC 160 Programming Fundamentals II (3)
- CSC 310 Data Structures (3)
- CIS 130 Introduction to Computer/Information Technology (3)
- CIS 132 Principles of Computing and Information Systems (3)
- CIS 366 Introduction to Database (3)
- CIS 477 Project Management (3)
- EAS 310 Excel for the Physical Sciences (1)
- EAS 440 Field Hydrology (3)
- GEO 425 Urban Geographic Information Systems (3)
- GEO 435 Computer Mapping (3)
- GEO 440 Remote Sensing (3)
- MAT 140 Calculus I (5)
- MAT 305 Discrete Mathematics (3)
- MAT 335 Applied Mathematics and Modeling (3)
- PGH 250 One Health Special Topics (1-3)
- PGH 450 One Health Special Topics (1-3)
- PGH 490 One Health Practicum (1-6)
- SSC 300 Social Sciences Research Methods (3)
- SSC 319 Statistics for the Social Sciences (3)
- CNA 374 Public Relations (3 credit hours) – A study of the principles and practices of effective public relations with exercises and projects emphasizing application of media skills for business, educational, and political communication.
- PED 305 Exercise Physiology (3 credit hours) – A study of the major physiological systems and their response to exercise for Physical Education K-12, K-6, 7-12, and Wellness majors and students in these areas also taking Coaching minor or Endorsement. This includes the application of physiological concepts to physical training. Prerequisites: PED 105 Anatomy and Physiology I or BIO 220 Human Anatomy; and PED 205 Anatomy and Physiology II or BIO 340 Human Physiology.
- PSY 345 Health Psychology (3 credit hours) – Health Psychology emphasizes the role of psychological factors in the maintenance of good health; the prevention of illness; and the treatment of, recovery from, and adjustment to existing and ongoing illness.
Select 9-11 credit hours from the following electives:
- CNA 150 Introduction to Agricultural Communication (3)
- CNA 201 Small Group Communication (3)
- CNA 210 Interpersonal Communication (3)
- CNA 377 Public Relations Writing (3)
- FCS 110 Family and Personal Relationships (3)
- FCS 115 Human Development and the Family (3)
- FCS 207 Nutrition (3)
- FCS 315 Consumer Economics (3)
- FCS 322 International Foods and Cultures (3)
- FCS 325 Health, Safety, and Nutrition for the Young Child (3)
- FCS 340 Community Nutrition (3)
- FCS 407 Nutritional Counseling and Assessment (3)
- PSY 402 Learning (3)
- PED 130 Introduction to Exercise and Allied Health Professions (3)
- PED 330 Research and Current Trends in Exercise Science (3)
- PED 400 Exercise and Clinical Populations (3)
- PED 470 Fitness Evaluation and Assessment (3)
- PGH 250 One Health Special Topics (1-3)
- PGH 450 One Health Special Topics (1-3)
- PGH 490 One Health Practicum (1-6)
- POS 430 Public Policy (3 credit hours) – The study of domestic policy-making processes and institutions at all levels, taught from an intergovernmental relations perspective.
- SOC 355 Health and Populations (3 credit hours) – A study of the major qualitative and quantitative problems and trends in health and populations and consideration of those social factors that influence their composition. This course addresses the interrelationships between demographic variables and health and how these apply to a variety of disciplines. Prerequisite: SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology or SOC 220 Social Problems, or instructor approval.
- SOC 460 Social Inequalities (3 credit hours) – This course explores the development and maintenance of systems social stratification historically and in contemporary global society. It focuses on the effects of social class inequality and relationship to social change. In doing so, it also includes the intersection of inequalities based on race/ethnicity, gender, and age. Prerequisite: SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology or SOC 220 Social Problems, or instructor approval.
Select 9-11 credit hours from the following electives:
- ENG 150 Topics in Literature (3)
- ENG 200 Expository Writing (3)
- ENG 206 Workplace Writing (3)
- ENG 383 Film and Literature (3)
- ENG 384 World Literature (3)
- GEO 305 Political Geography (3)
- GEO 315 World Economic Geography (3)
- GEO 325 Geography of Recreation, Tourism, and Sport (3)
- GEO 340 Geography of the US and Canada (3)
- GEO 350 Geography of Europe (3)
- GEO 360 Geography of Russia (3)
- GEO 370 Geography of Latin America (3)
- GEO 380 Geography of Asia (3)
- GEO 444 Topics in Geography (3)
- HIS 170 World Civilizations I (3)
- HIS 171 World Civilizations II (3)
- HIS 280 America, 15000 BC to 1845 (3)
- HIS 300 The Ancient World (3)
- HIS 405 Mind-Altering Substances in World History (3)
- POS 110 Introduction to World Politics (3)
- POS 425 Rights and Liberties (3)
- PGH 250 One Health Special Topics (1-3)
- PGH 450 One Health Special Topics (1-3)
- PGH 490 One Health Practicum (1-6)
- PSY 230 Life Span Development (3)
- PSY 345 Health Psychology (3)
- PSY 406 Death and Dying (3)
- PSY 415 Human Sexuality (3)
- PSY 430 Positive Psychology (3)
- PSY 440 Psychopharmacology (3)
- PSY 450 Abnormal Psychology (3)
- SOC 220 Social Problems (3)
- SOC 320 Social Welfare (3)
- SOC 355 Health and Populations (3)
- SOC 408 Sociology of Mental Health (3)
- SOC 420 Environmental Sociology (3)

Popular pairings

Many students at Wayne State will add a second major or a minor to complement their program of study, or to focus their studies on a specific topic. Recommended pairings for the One Health Studies major include: