Graduate Embedded Certificate in Communicable Diseases

 

Recent news reports about the Zika virus point to the devastating effects of communicable diseases. Outbreaks of diseases such as influenza, malaria, tuberculosis and others remind us that prevention and control of communicable diseases is crucial if we are to protect the health of populations around the globe.

This Graduate Embedded Certificate in Communicable Diseases aims to complement and build on the training of graduate students who enrolled in a public health degree or have an interest in communicable diseases. It is ideal for students who want to gain broad expertise related to the incidence and distribution of communicable diseases, and how to monitor, study and control them.

Graduates who hold a master of science (MSc) degree in public health or a related discipline and this GEC will be prepared for careers in communicable disease research. They will also be prepared to apply to PhD programs in communicable disease research.

The knowledge and skills acquired in the GEC program could be useful in all levels of government and government agencies, as well as in non-governmental organizations in local and international settings. Graduates may apply their knowledge and skills to communicable disease surveillance (such as sexually transmitted diseases or tuberculosis) or to communicable disease control programs (such as waterborne disease monitoring, restaurant inspections or travel clinic information).

Core courses

A minimum* of nine credits (*9) are required to complete the certificate program.

SPH 697 - Epidemiology and Control of Infectious Diseases (*3)

and one of

SPH 596 Epidemiology Methods I (*3)
MDCH 646 - Introduction of Public Health Surveillance (*3) (available through the University of Calgary)

Another graduate level (*3) methods course relevant to communicable disease and approved by the student's supervisory committee.

and

Any three 1-credit courses relevant to communicable diseases approved by the student's supervisory committee or academic advisor.

*Some students may need to complete more than the minimum degree requirements to qualify for both the degree and the certificate.

Entrance requirements

The Graduate Embedded Certificate is open to students enrolled in any graduate degree program in the University of Alberta with particular interest in communicable diseases.

Application process and deadline

If you are interested in applying to the Graduate Embedded Certificate in Communicable Diseases program, please complete the application form no later than September 30 of your second year. If you are studying part time, your application must be submitted at completion of (*12) of study.