Online PBC in Translational Research in Infectious Disease Program

The demand for skilled scientists to contribute to infectious disease research and development is steadily increasing. The COVID-19 pandemic, along with advancements in new therapeutics and mRNA vaccines, has further intensified the need for knowledgeable professionals in the fields of immunology, microbiology, and infectious disease.

Drexel University’s part-time online post-baccalaureate certificate (PBC) provides you the opportunity 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. It is also designed for those seeking educational advancement through future entry into advanced degree programs, including MS, PhD, or medical programs.

As an advanced curriculum, this 17-credit online certificate program offers an in-depth look into the infectious disease field through a flexible plan of study that can be tailored to fit your unique interests and goals. This can be accomplished by either selecting elective courses in basic and translational science that are part of the Master of Science of Infectious Disease program or in clinical research elective courses that are part of the Master of Clinical Research Organization and Management program.

Online PBC in Translational Research in Infectious Disease Program Features

• A flexible alternative to a longer degree program
• 17 semester credits
• Flexibility to customize your certificate to align with your specific interests and goals through the inclusion of flexible elective courses in your plan of study. Tailor your studies by choosing elective courses from either the Master of Science in Infectious Disease curriculum, focusing on basic and translational science, or from the Master of Clinical Research Organization and Management curriculum, which offers courses on clinical research topics.
• 100% online
• No GRE required
• For professionals seeking enhanced academic credentials for career advancement, a career pivot, or preparation for entry into an MS, PhD, or medical program
• Customize your certificate to align with your specific interests and goals through the inclusion of flexible electives. Tailor your studies by choosing elective courses from either the Master of Science in Infectious Disease curriculum, focusing on basic and translational science, or from the Master of Clinical Research Organization and Management curriculum, which offers clinical research topics.
• Equips you for a career in infectious disease translational and clinical research in industry, government, clinical, and academic settings
• The credits from the Fundamental Concepts in Infectious Disease Certificate and Translational Research in Infectious Disease Certificates 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 the Drexel University College of Medicine's Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease

What Can I Do With an Online PBC in Translational Research in Infectious Disease?

This online certificate program is ideal for those seeking in-depth coursework in basic and translational science of viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, vaccinology, epidemiology, and clinical trials but without the commitment of pursuing an MS degree, including:

• Early career scientists and clinicians who want to expand their knowledge of the basic science, translational, and clinical aspects of infectious disease research
• Professionals in industry seeking greater knowledge of infectious disease to pursue promotion and career advancement
• Researchers, clinicians, and industry scientists who require a greater depth of knowledge in the area of infectious disease to support a career pivot into that field
• Recent college graduates who want to use advanced academic credentials to strengthen future applications to MS, PhD, or medical programs

Online PBC in Translational Research in Infectious Disease Program FAQs

What will I learn in Drexel University’s Online PBC in Translational Research in Infectious Disease?
Upon completion of this online certificate program, you will have the ability 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
• Describe and assess the application of infectious disease knowledge and research to the development of vaccines used to prevent and treat infectious diseases
• 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, if you decide to visit the Drexel University campus, please stop by to say hello!

How long will it take to earn my certificate?
You can complete the 17-credit plan of study in as few as 17 calendar months.

Can I complete the certificate at an accelerated rate?
To build your knowledge of immunology and infectious disease, three of the four required courses must be taken consecutively and in order over three semesters. It is not possible to complete the program in under 17 months.

Can I apply the credits I earn through this certificate program to other degree programs?
Yes! As mentioned above, the 17 graduate credits earned in this program can be applied to the requirements for 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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