Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Fundamental Concepts in Infectious Disease

Certificate Level: Graduate
Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree or higher
Certificate Type: Post-Baccalaureate
Number of Credits to Completion: 10.0
Instructional Delivery: Online
Calendar Type: Semester
Expected Time To Completion: 1.5 years
Financial Aid Eligibility: Not aid eligible
Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) Code: 26.0508
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Code: 19-1022, 19-1029

About the Program

This 10-credit, part-time, online certificate program provides an academic credential for individuals seeking to gain critical thinking and problem-solving skills to explore human pathogens and the molecular mechanisms they use to cause disease. The program is ideal for individuals seeking foundational coursework in aspects of basic, translational and clinical infectious disease research, but who do not have the time and/or need for more in-depth course offerings provided by the advanced certificate in Translational Research in Infectious Disease or the MS in Infectious Disease.

Those who successfully complete the certificate program and wish to broaden their infectious disease education may apply the certificate credits toward an online MS in Infectious Disease.

Admission Requirements

A completed four-year bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, cell biology, microbiology, immunology or a related field (no marine biology, botany or environmental science degrees). Previous coursework in the areas of cell biology and/or molecular biology or equivalent knowledge (as determined by the program director when students apply) is required.

Applicants must have strong academic writing and reading skills.

Required documents:

• Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate schools attended. A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 is strongly preferred.
• A one-page essay explaining past successes, why the certificate is being pursued, what the applicant will contribute to the program and how the skills gained will further their career goals. If the applicant’s GPA is below 3.0, an additional 500-word explanation should be added to the essay, describing any factors that resulted in the GPA.
• Two letters of support describing the applicant's competencies for graduate work; at least one academic letter of support is preferred. Professional references are accepted from supervisors but not colleagues or friends.
• A current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume.
• No GRE requirement. Although standardized test scores are not required for admission, official copies of scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) will be considered if submitted as part of the application.

International applicants (non-United States citizens) must meet the same requirements for admission as students from the United States. In addition, all applicants whose primary language is not English or whose undergraduate degree is from a college or university outside of the United States are required to submit official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores.

• TOEFL score needs to be at least 90 with at least a 27 in both the reading and writing sections.
• IELTS score should be 7.5 or higher.

An evaluation by World Education Services (WES) is required for transcripts from institutions outside the United States.

Certain visa types do not permit individuals to enroll in online programs. Foreign applicants should check with their visa sponsors for eligibility. Drexel University cannot sponsor F-1 or J-1 visas for individuals interested in online, hybrid or part-time programs.

The completed certificate may be used to fulfill degree requirements of the Master of Science in Infectious Disease. Acceptance into the certificate program does not automatically guarantee acceptance into the Master of Science in Infectious Disease program.

Online applications are accepted year-round for consideration for fall admission.

Program Requirements

Sample Plan of Study

Additional Information:

For questions about the curriculum and program goals, please contact the program director, Fred Krebs, PhD, at fck23@drexel.edu.

For questions about how to apply to the program, please contact an enrollment counselor at duonline@drexel.edu.

For information regarding financial aid, please visit Drexel Central.