Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Translational Research in Infectious Disease

Certificate Level: Graduate
Admissions Requirements: Bachelor's degree or higher
Certificate Type: Post-Baccalaureate
Number of Credits to Completion: 17.0
Instructional Delivery: Online
Calendar Type: Semester
Expected Time to Completion: 1.5-2 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 part-time, online certificate program provides an academic credential for individuals seeking to gain critical thinking and problem-solving skills to explore how foundational knowledge of human pathogens is applied to develop effective diagnostics, vaccines and therapeutics to treat human infectious diseases. The certificate is designed for working professionals who aim to advance their careers or transition into the field, as well as those who seek educational advancement, specifically those desiring credentials for entry into advanced degree programs, including MS, PhD or medical programs.

As an advanced certificate, this 17-credit program enables you to take an in-depth look into the infectious disease field. Notably, flexible electives allow the certificate to be tailored to fit your unique interests and goals, by either selecting elective courses in basic and translational science within the Master of Science of Infectious Disease program or in clinical research topics in the Master of Clinical Research Organization and Management program.

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) is required. 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 also 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 for the Master of Science in Infectious Disease. Acceptance into the certificate program does not automatically guarantee acceptance to the Master of Science in Infectious Disease program.

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

Program Requirements

Sample Plans of Study

Fall Entry

Summer Entry

Additional Information:

For questions about the curriculum and program goals, please contact the Program Director (Fred Krebs, PhD; 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.