Program Overview

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Online PBC in Fundamental Concepts in Infectious Disease Program

The online post-baccalaureate certificate (PBC) in Fundamental Concepts in Infectious Disease is designed to provide 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.

Program Overview

• The program is ideal for those seeking foundational coursework focused on basic, translational, and clinical aspects of infectious disease.
• It is a flexible alternative to a lengthy degree program or more extensive certificate program.
• The program includes three required courses that provide graduate-level knowledge about immunology, infectious disease pathogens, and clinical aspects of infectious disease research.
• The program is 100% online.
• Admission does not require completion of standardized tests (such as the GRE).
• The program equips students 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.

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

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, students 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, students will not be required to come to campus during this program.

How long will it take to earn my certificate?

To complete the three-course certificate plan of study, students 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 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 students are interested in taking elective courses in addition to the courses required for this certificate, they 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, 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 the Master of Science in Infectious Disease Program.

Curriculum

Required Courses

Course	Title	Credits
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

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

• 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 competencies for graduate work:
  • At least one academic reference is preferred, especially if the degree was earned in the last 5 years.
  • Professional references are accepted from supervisors but not colleagues or friends.
• Resume.
• Essay (one page) detailing:
  • Past successes.
  • Why pursuing this certificate.
  • What will be contributed to the program.
  • How the skills gained will further career goals.
  • If the cumulative GPA from the degree-granting institution is below 3.0, please add an additional 500-words describing any factors that adversely impacted academic performance.
• Additional requirements for International Students.

Tuition

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

• This program is not eligible for Financial Aid.
• Special tuition rates are available for Drexel University Alumni, Military members, and members of 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 the university within the first two weeks of the term to request tuition savings for which they qualify.
  • Special rates cannot be combined. If students qualify for more than one special rate, they'll be given the one with the largest savings.
  • When receiving special tuition plans, students may not be able to combine them with other tuition benefits that may be available from Drexel University.

Academic Calendar

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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