Curriculum
This non-thesis program includes four semesters (two academic years) of required and elective graduate courses, as well as a comprehensive research internship to be completed during the course of the training program.
Elective courses available to students in the program provide knowledge and expertise in areas relevant to infectious disease research, such as emerging infectious diseases, vaccines and vaccine development, biotechniques and laboratory research, and principles of biocontainment.
THE INFECTIOUS DISEASE PROGRAM IS ALSO ONLINE
If you prefer an online learning experience, you can still earn a Drexel master’s degree in the field of infectious disease. The online Master of Science in Infectious Disease program features the same curriculum, flexibility, course content, and instructors as the traditional, face-to-face degree program.
Learn more about the online Master of Science in Infectious Disease program!
The successful completion of the degree will be determined by grades obtained in the graduate courses, participation in seminars and journal clubs, and performance in the research component. A minimum of 36.0 credits is required to graduate, with at least 6.0 of those earned as research credits.
Program Level Outcomes
Graduates of the Infectious Disease program will achieve six program level outcomes that describe the skills, competencies, and knowledge gained through completion of the program curriculum
- Develop broad core knowledge in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, immunology and microbiology.
- Develop a working knowledge of clinically relevant pathogens that cause infectious disease in humans including how these pathogens are transmitted, how they replicate, and the mechanisms by which they cause disease in humans.
- Develop skills in analytical and critical thinking in the preparation of presentations and analysis of published literature.
- Develop professional ethics necessary for the responsible conduct of research.
- Develop oral and written communication skills and demonsrate the ability to interact and work effectively with others in work settings involving cultural and demographic diversity.
- Develop other soft skills (e.g. collaboration, problem solving, career planning, networking) that facilitate career advancement and promotion.
Plans of Study
Most students enroll as full-time students and complete the program in two academic years (approximately 21 months). However, students who prefer a slower pace of learning or who must balance coursework with part-time or full-time employment can enroll on a part-time basis, taking up to four years to complete the degree program. Example plans of study for full-time and part-time students illustrate the two different options:
Please visit the Drexel University Catalog for more information.
Student Computer Recommendations
Students and staff are advised to purchase computers listed under "Small Business" or "Business" categories rather than from "Consumer" product lines. Please refer to the specifications listed in the Computer Buying Guide to gain the most longevity from your computer.
View Computer Buying Guide
Curriculum
Courses with an MIIM or IDPT designation are offered by Drexel University College of Medicine and are taught on a semester-based schedule (fall and spring). These courses are available in traditional (face-to-face), hybrid and/or online formats. Some of these traditional courses and hybrid courses are offered as evening classes at either the Center City Campus or the Queen Lane Campus.
For detailed course descriptions, visit the Drexel course catalog.
Internship
An important component of the program is a research internship. Learn more about the research requirement for this program.