Online PBC in Fundamental Concepts in Infectious Disease Program

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

• A flexible alternative to a lengthy degree program or more extensive certificate program
• 10 semester credits
• Includes three required courses that provide graduate-level knowledge about immunology, infectious disease pathogens, and clinical aspects of infectious disease research
• 100% online
• Admission does not require completion of standardized test (such as the GRE)
• Equips you for a career in infectious disease in industry, government, clinical, and academic settings
• The credits from the Fundamental Concepts in Infectious Disease Certificate and Translational Research in Infectious Disease Certificate are eligible to be shared with the MS in Infectious Disease curriculum. This allows all credits from these certificates to be applied to the MS in Infectious Disease.
• Taught by esteemed faculty members from Drexel University College of Medicine Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease

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

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