The University of Providence’s Masters of Science in Infection Prevention and Epidemiology program prepares students to serve as dynamic infection prevention and control specialists focused on applying leading strategies in infection prevention, disease control, healthcare data management, and infection prevention and control policy to healthcare operations.
Graduates of the program will be well-versed in infection prevention and control practices through a combination of online didactic courses and a cumulative, interactive capstone experience.
Explore questions about the Master of Science in Infection Prevention & Epidemiology Program.
How long will it take to complete the MSI Program?
The infection prevention and epidemiology program is designed for completion in 23 months.
Are there any in-person courses required?
No. Didactic coursework, excluding capstone and internships, is completed online.
What jobs are available to me upon graduating from the program?
There are many jobs available to infection prevention and epidemiology program graduates. Some common positions include infection preventionist, epidemiologist, or infection control specialist.
Can I work full-time while completing this program?
The infection prevention and epidemiology program is designed to meet the needs of working professionals. Many students enrolled work either full or part-time while completing all required coursework. When considering enrollment into the MSI program, it is important to consider the impact courses, exams, capstones, and internships will have on student schedules.
Do I need a specific type of computer/technology to complete this degree program?
Since coursework is completed online, students are encouraged to have access to a personal computer or laptop with high-speed internet and a webcam for applicable courses.
Is certification required post-graduation?
Combining a master’s degree and a certificate can help set graduates apart from those who have one or the other. However, post-graduate certification is not required in the MSI program.
Will I be required to take any pre-requisite courses during the program?
Pre-requisite courses are required for admission into the program. An updated list of all pre-requisite courses can be found on the MSI program webpage or the graduate admissions webpage.
How many classes are in the program and how are they structured?
Students will complete a total of fourteen (14) courses distributed over six (6) semesters.
What does the MSI Internship and capstone offer?
The capstone and internship are completed together as a single 24-week course. During the internship/capstone project, students plan, propose, construct, and apply a dynamic real-world project that combines many of the skills learned throughout the program. Students use real-world data and applications for the project, utilizing an approved location regional to them.
Does the capstone/internship project have to focus on a healthcare facility?
No. While many students choose a healthcare facility for the project, it is not required. All locations for the internship/capstone project must be approved by the capstone facilitator.
What support services are available for students?
UP offers a variety of services available to online students. Support services include accessibility and disability services, the academic success center, the writing and math center, the library, and more. A detailed list of services can be found on the Academic Support page.
Are there financial aid options or scholarships available for this program?
The University of Providence’s financial services department can guide students interested in pursuing financial aid opportunities. The financial services webpage can provide additional information on eligibility, applications and requirements for scholarship programs, payment plans, federal aid options, and benefits for military and veteran students.
What financial aid options are available to Caregivers?
Caregivers and their dependents who enroll at the University of Providence may receive discounted tuition rates and preferred admission as part of their education benefits. Caregivers should navigate to the Providence HN Service Portal to learn more about education benefits.
Healthcare workers who are employed at any healthcare institution can take advantage of the Healthcare Professionals Tuition Incentive when enrolling in the MSI program.
What pre-requisite degrees are required for admission into the program?
There are no specific degree requirements for admission into the infection prevention and epidemiology program. However, undergraduate degrees in biology, microbiology, nursing, healthcare administration, or similar fields can elevate a student’s subject comprehension.
Is the program cohort style and if so, what does that mean?
The infection prevention and epidemiology program is a cohort-style program. Cohort-style programs offer a collaborative learning model where students in the program progress through each course together. As part of this model, students share the same curriculum, complete the same assignments along set due dates, and engage in discussions as a cohesive unit throughout the program’s duration. Learn more: What is Cohort-Style Learning?
What is the difference between infection prevention & epidemiology and public health?
While infection preventionists and epidemiologists have similarities in their focuses, skillsets, and core competencies – it is essential to understand what differentiates them. Epidemiologists focus on identifying and mitigating diseases through a broader lens, while infection preventionists concentrate on identifying and mitigating diseases from an industry perspective.
Learn more: Infection Preventionist Vs. Epidemiologist
Will I be able to find jobs outside a hospital with this degree?
Yes. Infection prevention and epidemiology graduates can find work both inside and outside of the healthcare continuum. Some common places graduates can find work are:
- Hospitals/clinics
- Ambulatory care
- Home care
- Long-term care facilities
- Public health
Can non-healthcare workers pursue this program?
Yes. While a previous degree in healthcare can elevate the experience, there is no restriction on non-healthcare graduates from pursuing the program.
What are some emerging fields in infection prevention and epidemiology?
Infection prevention and epidemiology graduates may be able to find jobs in places like schools, colleges, or universities, professional sporting teams, venues and arenas, entertainment centers, and various governmental positions. Learn More: Three Emerging Fields in Infection Prevention.
What Does the University of Providence’s MSI Program Teach?
UP’s MSI program teaches various skills that infection prevention will apply throughout their careers. With expert faculty, industry-leading courses, and partnerships, the program will provide a guided education addressing many of the core competencies in the field:
- Evaluate the application of epidemiologic methods to answer public health questions
- Synthesize epidemiologic literature
- Understand and apply principles of ethical conduct
- Analyze quantitative and qualitative data
- Interpret results of data analysis for public health research
