Online Programs & Certificates
Online MPH with a Concentration in Infection Control
The Online MPH with a concentration in Infection Control provides an opportunity for interested students to receive specialized and individualized training in the field of infection control and prevention (IPC). This concentration allows current and future public health practitioners to expand their knowledge of IPC practices and procedures, particularly in healthcare settings.
This 42-credit program delivers all courses online with the exception of a required internship, which can be completed in the area where the student resides.
The concentration has modeled the coursework and competencies to encompass the Certification Board of Infection Control’s extensive 8-part content outline. The 8 areas are: 1) Identification of Infectious Disease Processes; 2) Surveillance and Epidemiologic Investigation; 3) Preventing/Controlling the Transmission of Infectious Agents; 4) Employee/Occupational Health; 5) Management and Communication; 6) Education and Research; 7) Environment of Care; and 8) Cleaning, Disinfection, Sterilization of Medical Devices and Equipment.
Preference for admission is given to licensed health care professionals or students with a background or demonstrated skills in the biological sciences.
There are unique benefits to both studying online and studying on campus. Whether you want more flexibility or value in-person learning, it’s important to choose the right option for you. Explore the differences between our Online and Classroom-Based MPH programs.
| Online Infection Control MPH | On Campus MPH (any concentration) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Resident | FL Resident | Non-Resident | |
| Tuition cost per credit hour | $525 x 42 credits | $431.43 x 42 credits | $877.17 x 42 credits |
| Total program tuition cost | $22,050 | $18,120.06 | $36,841.14 |
Total program tuition cost estimates do not include application fees, late fees, registration fees, educational resources (e.g., textbooks, etc.) or the one-time new graduate student fee. Costs also exclude the Distance Learning Fee, assessed at $30/credit hour for any online course, regardless of residency or delivery modality.
Please note: With the exception of the Department of Children and Family (DCF) waivers, all other waivers (including State of Florida and USF employee) are not accepted for Self-Funded/Self-Supporting or Market Rate Tuition program courses.
For additional information, visit: USF Tuition Waiver
To learn more about the classroom-based program tuition fees per credit hour, please visit: USF Tuition and Fee Information
*Some fees may vary per campus location.
For additional financial aid info, visit: https://www.usf.edu/financial-aid
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- Donna Haiduven (Concentration Lead)
- Jill Roberts
- Christine McGuire-Wolfe
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Students in this concentration complete a required internship in infection prevention and control in the area where the student resides. Opportunities exist for in-hospital internships with infection prevention and control programs, alternate healthcare facilities and settings, health departments, and other healthcare organizations.
As this is an online program, there are students enrolled from across the United States and in several other countries, resulting in a network of available facilities for students to conduct their internships.
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According to the World Health Organization, “infection prevention and control (IPC) effects all aspects of health care.” Professionals involved in IPC include but are not limited to: nurses, physicians, public health professionals, epidemiologists, microbiologists, and medical technologists. Infection control professionals may also fill roles such as educators, researchers, consultants, and clinical scientists.
Examples of opportunities for professionals with a Master of Public Health with infection control concentration include but are not limited to the following:
- Infection Preventionists (IPs) in the following types of healthcare facilities: acute care, behavioral health, long-term care, outpatient facilities, rehabilitation centers, home health, and dialysis centers
- Positions in alternate health care settings and settings requiring IPC application (e.g., correctional institutions, cruise ships, daycare centers, elementary schools, and universities, etc.)
- Consultants to healthcare facilities, governmental/military and non-governmental organizations, and industries
- Surveillance, epidemiology, case investigation, and related positions in public health departments
- Serving in research, educational, and clinical practice roles requiring IPC expertise
Many graduates of the program have successfully obtained positions in infection prevention and control as well as passed the national certification in infection control (CIC) exam.
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If you want to first consider a graduate certificate you can access the flyer by visiting the Graduate Certificates website and selecting Infection Control. Please contact Dr. Donna Haiduven (dhaiduve@usf.edu) for more information.
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To learn more, please contact a Pre-Admissions Advisor at (813) 974-6505 or preadmissions@usf.edu