Infection Prevention and Control MS

Major: Infection Prevention and Control
Degree Awarded: Master of Science (MS)
Calendar Type: Quarter
Minimum Required Credits: 45.0
Co-op Option: None
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 26.0502
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 19-1022

About the Program

The Master of Science in Infection Prevention and Control trains students to work as professionals in the field of infection prevention in healthcare and public health settings. Coursework addresses infectious disease processes, epidemiological concepts, surveillance for multi-drug resistant organisms and healthcare associated infections, prevention and control of infectious agents, principles related to maintaining a safe environment of care, and patient and healthcare professional safety. The program includes a capstone experience in which students apply concepts and knowledge they’ve learned through coursework to address infection prevention challenges.

The degree is offered entirely online to provide qualified students and working professionals with an opportunity to acquire these credentials regardless of restrictions in time and physical location. The program is geared to prepare students for frontline and leadership positions in infection prevention and control.

Additional Information

For more information about this program, please contact:

DSPH Academic Advising Team
Office of Education
dsphadvising@drexel.edu

Additional information can be found on the Drexel University Online website, including admissions criteria and how to apply.

Degree Requirements

Required Courses
BST 571Introduction to Biostatistics3.0
EOH 564Safety in Healthcare3.0
EOH 580Fundamentals of Industrial Hygiene3.0
EOH 650Microbes in Public Health Practice I: Overview of Bacterial Pathogens3.0
EOH 651Microbes in Public Health Practice II: Overview of Viral and Other Pathogens3.0
EOH 653Environment of Care3.0
EOH 655Infection Prevention and Control in the Healthcare Environment3.0
EOH 656Surveillance of Healthcare Associated Infections 3.0
EPI 569Disease Outbreak Investigations3.0
EPI 570Introduction to Epidemiology3.0
PBHL 501Introduction to Public Health *0.0
Capstone Courses
EOH 698Infection Prevention and Control Capstone I 1.5
EOH 699Infection Prevention and Control Capstone II 1.5
Electives **
Select from the list below:12.0
Any (BST) Biostatistics 500-999 level course
Any (CHP) Community Health and Prevention 500-999 level course
Any (EOH) Environmental and Occupational Health 500-999 level course
Any (EPI) Epidemiology 500-999 level course
Any (HMP) Health Management and Policy 500-999 level course
Any (HSAD) Health Services Administration 500-999 level course
Any (IPS) Inter Professional Studies 500-999 level course
Any (PBHL) Public Health 500-999 level course
Any (RSCH) Research 500-999 level course
Healthcare Informatics
Total Credits45.0
*

Foundational Public Health Learning Objectives: PBHL 501 is only required for students who do not have a degree from a CEPH accredited school.

**

Students may be able to use elective credits to further focus their academic work by completing a graduate minor or by coupling a DSPH graduate certificate. Students must have enough applicable elective credits to complete the certificate program without going beyond the required credits for the program. Students can contact their academic advisor for more information.

Sample Plan of Study

Summer Start

Plan of Study Grid
SummerCredits
BST 571 Introduction to Biostatistics 3.0
Electives 3.0
 Credits6
First Year (Part-Time)
Fall
EOH 564 Safety in Healthcare 3.0
EOH 650 Microbes in Public Health Practice I: Overview of Bacterial Pathogens 3.0
 Credits6
Winter
EOH 651 Microbes in Public Health Practice II: Overview of Viral and Other Pathogens 3.0
EPI 570 Introduction to Epidemiology 3.0
 Credits6
Spring
EOH 655 Infection Prevention and Control in the Healthcare Environment 3.0
EPI 569 Disease Outbreak Investigations 3.0
 Credits6
Summer
VACATION  
 Credits0
Second Year (Part-Time)
Fall
EOH 653 Environment of Care 3.0
EOH 656 Surveillance of Healthcare Associated Infections 3.0
PBHL 501 Introduction to Public Health * 0.0
 Credits6
Winter
EOH 580 Fundamentals of Industrial Hygiene 3.0
EOH 698 Infection Prevention and Control Capstone I 1.5
Electives 3.0
 Credits7.5
Spring
EOH 699 Infection Prevention and Control Capstone II 1.5
Electives 6.0
 Credits7.5
 Total Credits45
*

PBHL 501 is only required for students who do not have a degree from a CEPH accredited school.

Fall Start

Plan of Study Grid
First Year (Part-Time)
FallCredits
EOH 564 Safety in Healthcare 3.0
EOH 650 Microbes in Public Health Practice I: Overview of Bacterial Pathogens 3.0
 Credits6
Winter
EOH 651 Microbes in Public Health Practice II: Overview of Viral and Other Pathogens 3.0
EPI 570 Introduction to Epidemiology 3.0
 Credits6
Spring
EOH 655 Infection Prevention and Control in the Healthcare Environment 3.0
EPI 569 Disease Outbreak Investigations 3.0
 Credits6
Summer
BST 571 Introduction to Biostatistics 3.0
Electives 3.0
 Credits6
Second Year (Part-Time)
Fall
EOH 653 Environment of Care 3.0
EOH 656 Surveillance of Healthcare Associated Infections 3.0
PBHL 501 Introduction to Public Health * 0.0
 Credits6
Winter
EOH 580 Fundamentals of Industrial Hygiene 3.0
EOH 698 Infection Prevention and Control Capstone I 1.5
Electives 3.0
 Credits7.5
Spring
EOH 699 Infection Prevention and Control Capstone II 1.5
Electives 6.0
 Credits7.5
 Total Credits45
*

PBHL 501 is only required for students who do not have a degree from a CEPH accredited school.

Program Level Outcomes

Major Competencies

  • Describe infectious pathogens that are associated with disease syndromes of clinical and public health importance
  • Explain public health reporting requirements for community and healthcare associated infections
  • Identify infection prevention and control strategies in healthcare and community settings
  • Formulate prevention practices related to maintaining a safe and clean healthcare environment
  • Describe the effects of safety climate, organizational culture, or clinical knowledge on patient or healthcare worker safety