<iframe src="//www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-MVGWBW" height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe> Certificate in Infectious Disease Fundamentals | Drexel Online
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Online PBC in Fundamental Concepts in Infectious Disease Program

Classes Begin: August 17, 2026

18 months

Average Duration

Fully Online

Format

10

Semester Credits $1384 per credit

No GRE required

Drexel University’s online post-baccalaureate certificate (PBC) in Fundamental Concepts in Infectious Disease (CSID) is designed to provide you with graduate-level knowledge about infectious diseases and the pathogens that cause them. This 10-credit, online certificate program offers an online curriculum that focuses on human pathogens, the mechanisms they use to cause disease, and immunological responses designed to prevent, control, or eliminate infection in the human host.

This program is ideal for those seeking foundational coursework focused on basic, translational, and clinical aspects of infectious disease, but who may not have the time commitment 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 program.

Online PBC in Fundamental Concepts in Infectious Disease Program Features

What Can I Do with A PBC in Fundamental Concepts in Infectious Disease Program?

The online Certificate in Fundamental Concepts in Infectious Disease is ideally suited for:

  • Early career scientists and clinicians who want to enhance their knowledge in the area of infectious disease and immunology
  • Professionals in industry seeking to enhance their academic credentials for career advancement or promotion
  • Researchers, clinicians, and industry scientists pivoting into a career that requires in-depth knowledge of infectious disease pathogens
  • College graduates who need to demonstrate graduate-level proficiency for admission to MS, PhD, or medical programs
  • Research and clinical laboratory technicians who want to complement their technical skills with highly relevant fundamental knowledge about infectious pathogens and associated diseases

Program FAQs

What will I learn in Drexel University’s Online PBC in Fundamental Concepts in Infectious Disease Program?
During this program, you will learn how to:

  • Demonstrate foundational knowledge of infectious disease pathogens and the diseases they cause in humans for the development of infectious disease therapeutics, diagnostics, and vaccines.
  • Identify, understand, evaluate, and critically analyze basic, translational, and clinical infectious disease literature and publications.
  • Demonstrate oral and written communication skills to critically, clearly, and logically present basic, translational, and clinical infectious disease research information.
  • Demonstrate collaboration, teamwork, and problem-solving skills that facilitate career advancement and promotion.

Will I have to come to campus during the program?
No, you will not be required to come to campus during this program. However, we would love to see you, so please stop by to say hi if you decide to visit Drexel’s campus!

How long will it take to earn my certificate?
To complete the three-course certificate plan of study, you will take one course per semester. Finishing the three semesters will require 17 calendar months (starting the fall semester in August).

Can I complete the certificate at an accelerated rate?
To build your knowledge of immunology and infectious disease, the three courses must be taken consecutively and in the scheduled order. It is not possible at this time to shorten the plan of study.

Can I add elective courses to my plan of study?
The Fundamental Concepts in Infectious Disease Certificate does not include an option to take elective courses. If you are interested in taking elective courses in addition to the courses required for this certificate, you should consider enrollment in the Translational Research in Infectious Disease Certificate Program, which follows a 17-credit plan of study that includes elective courses focused on topics of biomedical and clinical relevance.

Can I apply the credits I earn through this certificate program to other degree programs?
Yes! As mentioned above, the 10 graduate credits earned in this program can be applied to the requirements for the more extensive Translational Research in Infectious Disease Certificate. In addition, all 10 credits are transferable to our Master of Science in Infectious Disease Program.

Questions? We're Here to Help!

Dr. Fred Krebs
Program Director
fck23@drexel.edu

Related Programs


State restrictions may apply to some programs.

Curriculum

Required Courses  
MIIM 527S Immunology, Immunopathology, and Infectious Diseases 3.0
MIIM 545S Introduction to Infectious Diseases 4.0
MIIM 653S Clinical Correlations in Infectious Disease 3.0
Total Credits 10.0

View Course Descriptions

Admissions Criteria

  • Four-year bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, cell biology, microbiology, immunology, or a related field
    • A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 is strongly preferred
    • Previous coursework in the areas of cell biology and/or molecular biology (or equivalent topics) is preferred
    • Those with degrees in marine biology, botany, or environmental science will not be considered without offsetting qualifications
  • Strong academic writing and reading skills

    Required Documents

    With multiple ways to submit documents, Drexel makes it easy to complete your application. Learn more by visiting our Completing Your Application Guide.

    • A completed application
    • Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions (including trade schools) attended
    • Two letters of recommendation describing your competencies for graduate work:
      • At least one academic reference is preferred, especially if your degree was earned in the last 5 years
      • Professional references are accepted from supervisors but not colleagues or friends
    • Resume
    • Essay (one page) detailing:
      • Your past successes
      • Why you're pursuing this certificate
      • What you'll contribute to the program
      • How the skills you gain will further your career goals
      • If your cumulative GPA from your degree-granting institution is below 3.0, please add an additional 500-words describing any factors that adversely impacted your academic performance
    • Additional requirements for International Students

    Although standardized test scores are not required for admission, official copies of scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), Law School Admission Test (LSAT), or Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) will be considered if submitted as part of the application.

    Tuition

    The tuition rate for the academic year 2025-2026 is $1384 per credit.

    For the academic year 2025-2026, students enrolled in an online graduate academic program will be charged a graduate online program fee of $125 per year.

    • This program is not eligible for Financial Aid.
    • Special tuition rates are available for Drexel University AlumniMilitary members, and members of our Partner Organizations.
      • These rates apply only to new online students and students being readmitted.
      • These rates apply only to fully online courses. Hybrid or on-campus courses may have different rates.
      • Tuition rates are subject to increase with the start of each academic year in the fall term.
      • All students must contact applyDUonline@drexel.edu within the first two weeks of the term to request tuition savings for which they qualify.
      • Special rates cannot be combined. If you qualify for more than one special rate, you'll be given the one with the largest savings.
      • When receiving special tuition plans , you may not be able to combine them with other tuition benefits that may be available from Drexel University.

    Academic Calendar

    2025-2026 Academic Year

    Term

    Classes Begin

    Classes End

    Fall 2025

    August 18, 2025

    December 12, 2025

    Spring 2026

    January 5, 2026

    May 1, 2026

    Summer 2026

    May 11, 2026

    August 7, 2026

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