What is Infectious Disease?
Infectious Disease is the study of human and animal diseases caused by microorganisms.
Students studying infectious disease at 91制片厂 Dornsife School of Public Health take courses in areas such as microbiology, epidemiology, health surveillance and patient safety.
What is a Master of Science in Infection Prevention & Control?
The Master of Science (MS) in Infection Prevention & Control degree trains students to work as professionals in the field of infection prevention.
The degree is offered entirely online to provide qualified students and working professionals with an opportunity to acquire these credentials regardless of restrictions in time and physical location.
This MS program is geared to prepare students for frontline and leadership positions in infection prevention and control.
Why Pursue an Infection Prevention & Control Master’s Degree at Drexel Dornsife?
Unique benefits of the MS Degree in Infection Prevention & Control program at Drexel Dornsife include:
- Taught by well-known infectious disease specialists who are currently practicing in the Philadelphia area
- Infection control masters degree is a STEM designated degree program
- Renowned school ranked as the #1 graduate school of public health in Philadelphia and accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
- Credits from the online Certificate in Infectious Disease Prevention and Control can transfer into the MS in Infection Prevention and Control.
- Special reduced rates on tuition for employees and association members at Drexel's partner organizations such as Penn Medicine, the American Nurses Association, Geisinger Health System, UPMC, and many more.
- Great online program for nurses, nurse practitioners, and other health professionals looking for career opportunities beyond bedside care.
MS in Infection Prevention and Control Competencies & Learning Objectives
Upon completion of the MS in Infection Prevention & Control program, students will be able to:
- Describe infectious pathogens that are associated with disease syndromes of clinical and public health importance
- Explain public health reporting requirements for community and healthcare associated infections
- Identify infection prevention and control strategies in healthcare and community settings
- Formulate prevention practices related to maintaining a safe and clean healthcare environment
- Describe the effects of safety climate, organizational culture, or clinical knowledge on patient or healthcare worker safety
Drexel Dornsife's curriculum prepares graduates to succeed in healthcare and public health settings. "I’ve been able to deepen my expertise and apply new strategies in real-time,” said Kwang-Seok Kang.
Read more about the on the 91制片厂 Online website.
The Dornsife School of Public Health seeks students with intellectual and interpersonal competencies who have the potential to serve as leaders in infection prevention and control.
The School has set a high priority on establishing a student body that is representative of the nation's population.
Admissions Requirements and Prerequisites for the MS in Infection Prevention & Control Program
To be considered for the MS in Infection Prevention & Control program, applicants must meet these admissions criteria:
- Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university, or an equivalent international institution
- Course work in biology and/or health sciences such as (cell biology, immunology, microbiology)
- Competitive applicants will possess a undergraduate GPA of 3.30 or higher.
Those with a lower GPA are encouraged to apply, and should highlight the following in their personal statement: relevant work experience, professional certifications, and/or continuing education that demonstrates academic excellence.
Application Requirements for the Infection Control Master's Program
To have your application reviewed, applicants must submit the following documents:
- A completed online application
- Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions (including trade schools) attended
- Two letters of recommendation (can be academic or professional)
- Resume
- Essay of approximately 500 words鈥痙iscussing your interest in public health, current career goals, and why you are interested in 91制片厂.
- Additional requirements for
Applications for the Masters of Infection Prevention & Control program do not require the GRE. However, you may choose to submit scores to strengthen your application.
To learn more about Drexel Dornsife's application and admission requirements, please visit the page below:
Read more about the on the 91制片厂 Online website.
Did you know?
Credits from online may be transferred into the MS in Infection Prevention and Control.
Special tuition rates are available for 91制片厂 alumni, military members, and members of our partner organizations. .
Master’s in Infection Prevention & Control Curriculum
The MS in Infection Prevention & Control curriculum is a part-time, online program.
Students develop a course of study in the following areas:
- Infectious disease processes
- Epidemiological concepts
- Surveillance in the healthcare setting
- Prevention and control of infectious agents in the healthcare setting
- Principles related to safe environment of care
- Patient and healthcare professional safety
Some of the core courses in the MS in Infection Prevention & Control include:
- EPI 570 Introduction to Epidemiology - 3 credits
- BST 571 Introduction to Biostatistics - 3 credits
- EOH 650 Microbes in Public Health Practice I: Overview of Bacterial Pathogens - 3 credits
- EOH 651 Microbes in Public Health Practice II: Overview of Viral and Other Pathogens - 3 credits
- EOH 655 Infection Prevention and Control in the Healthcare Environment - 3 credits
- EOH 656 Surveillance of Healthcare Associated Infections - 3 credits
- EOH 564 Safety in Healthcare - 3 credits
Students have flexibility to select 12 credits of electives that align with their research interests and professional goals.
In order to receive a Master’s in Infection Prevention and Control, students complete a capstone course (EOH 698 and EOH 699).
Infection Prevention Degree Requirements
Completion of the MS in Infection Prevention & Control requires:
- A minimum of 45 credit hours of course work
Learn more about the on the Drexel Online website.
Career Options with an MS in Infection Prevention & Control
A Master’s in Infection Prevention & Control Curriculum prepares individuals for career opportunities that include:
- Infection and control prevention specialist
- Infection preventionist
- Infection control nurse
- Infection prevention project manager
- Epidemiologist
A career in Infectious Disease means "you’re always learning. You never know everything there is to know in this field. And just when you think you do, there’s a new pathogen to learn about," Sarah Smathers, MPH, CIC, FAPIC, affiliate faculty, told about her work as a system director at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
Dornsife Alumni Career Outcomes
Job titles and companies that Dornsife alumni work for include:
- Infection Preventionist at the Children's Hospital of Pennsylvania
- Director of Infection Prevention and Control at Temple Health
- Epidemiologist at Colorado Department of Public Health
- Statistician at U.S. Department of Agriculture
- Infection Preventionist at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Today's critical need to understand infectious disease is translating into career opportunities for public health professionals.
“I plan to use this [degree's] foundation to transition into infection control, where I can contribute to surveillance strategies and policy development,” said medical technologist and new program alum Patrice Pryce-McCalpin.
Learn more about the future of careers in infectious disease from Drexel Dornsife alumni and faculty.
Master’s in Infection Prevention & Control Salary Scale
According to the , the job outlook for epidemiologists is much faster than average, and is expected to grow at 19% between 2023 and 2033.
While salary can range across industries, the median pay for epidemiologists in 2024 was $83,980, and the typical entry level education is a masters degree.
Further develop your skills and propel your career forward with a Master’s degree in Infection Prevention and Control.