Infectious Disease, Immunology Are Focus of New UArizona Health Sciences Graduate Certificate

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Microbiology and Immunity, a new online graduate certificate at the University of Arizona Health Sciences, is equipping students and professionals around the world with medically relevant knowledge in virology, infectious disease and immunology ­– areas fundamental to the understanding and development of antibody therapies and vaccines.

"Emerging infectious diseases and the need for protection through vaccination mean this area of study is more important than ever,” said Nafees Ahmad, PhD, professor of immunobiology and BIO5 Institute member.

Dr. Ahmad helped develop the 12-credit graduate certificate program that is housed in the UArizona College of Medicine – Tucson.

“The online curriculum makes this program accessible to busy students and working professionals, domestically and globally, who have the desire to advance their careers but would be otherwise unable to attend an on-campus program,” Dr. Ahmad said.

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The online coursework builds core skills in students including scientific literature evaluation, research design and analysis, data interpretation and problem solving. Upon completion of the certificate, students will be prepared to seek admissions to medical school or pursue careers in research, public health and infection control.

“In a post-COVID world, with more and more people understanding the importance of studying immunology, we are seeing increased global demand for education in this field,” said Carol Gregorio, PhD, assistant vice provost of Global Health Sciences, interim director of the UArizona Health Sciences Global and Online and a BIO5 Institute member. “Offering this critical content online is part of our overarching mission to expand access to health sciences education and, ultimately, contribute to global health equity.”

For more information or to apply, visit the Microbiology and Immunity Graduate Certificate website.