Edinburg,
TX,
United States
Type
Public
Degrees offered
Bachelor's Degree
Graduate Certificate in Vector and Vector-Borne Disease Biology in Edinburg United States | University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
|
Edinburg United States
Visit institution website
for more information
Qualification
Graduate Certificate
Languages
English
Delivery Mode
On-Campus
Tuition (2025)
USD
8,025
Attendance
Full-time
Full-time Duration
6 months
The Vector and Vector-Borne Disease Biology graduate certificate offers specialized coursework concentrating on arthropod vectors that transmit pathogens, covering diseases affecting humans, plants, and animals. Administered by the Department of Biology within the College of Science, this program equips students with competitive skills for careers or advanced studies where expertise in vector-borne disease outbreaks is valuable.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified a persistent shortage of professionals trained to address the challenges of vector-borne illnesses, which are vital for local, state, and national public health responses. Diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, ticks, and other arthropods—such as Zika, Dengue, Chikungunya, West Nile Virus, Chagas, and Lyme Disease—affect humans, pets, livestock, and wildlife. Increasing global trade, climate shifts, and travel heighten the risk of introducing invasive vectors and pathogens. This graduate certificate prepares students to detect, forecast, and control vector-borne disease outbreaks as future experts.
According to the Department of Labor Statistics, job growth in fields related to vector-borne diseases is projected to increase by 5-11% through 2024. Career paths include roles in public health agencies, mosquito control programs, the CDC, the Department of Defense, Homeland Security, the World Health Organization, and the Pan American Health Organization. Graduates of this program will gain the ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders in addressing vector-borne disease emergencies.
Destination of Study
Subjects of Study
Language Requirements
English
IELTS 6.5
Qualification Requirements
Admission to the Biology MS Program is competitive, and multiple factors are considered in the decision to admit new graduate students. Meeting minimum entry requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program. The Biology Graduate Program Committee conducts a holistic review of all applicants, which considers, but is not limited to, admission qualifications, academic ability and achievement, skills and experience, and ability to contribute to the research of the Biology Department.
To be considered for admission to the graduate program in biology, prospective candidates must first meet all requirements for graduate admission to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, as well as the other admission requirements listed below:
Bachelor's degree in biology or related field from an accredited institution in the United States or recognized international equivalent. Either (A) an undergraduate degree with major in biology or (B) 30 hours of undergraduate courses in biological sciences or closely related disciplines.
Preferred undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 in upper-level biology or related field coursework.
Two letters of recommendation from professional or academic people who are familiar with the applicant's undergraduate or higher scholastic record.
Personal statement explaining a) academic and professional goal(s) and objectives, b) preparation for graduate studies, c) research or other professional experience, and d) area of interest in biology. The letter must state whether you are pursuing the thesis or non-thesis option, and if thesis option, who your graduate faculty supervisor will be.
Applicants pursuing the thesis option must have a commitment from a faculty member to supervise the master's thesis to be admitted to the MS Biology program with thesis. Students pursing the thesis option and seeking a faculty supervisor should contact the Department of Biology for guidance. Students who do not have a commitment from a faculty memeber to supervise the master's thesis will be considered for the non-thesis option.
A Curriculum Vitae or Resume
GRE General Test. GRE test scores are valid for 5 years. A waiver of the GRE requirement will be granted to applicants who show proof of completing a previous graduate degree (master's or doctoral
IELTS 6.5
TOFEL ibt 79
TOFEL pbt 550
To be considered for admission to the graduate program in biology, prospective candidates must first meet all requirements for graduate admission to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, as well as the other admission requirements listed below:
Bachelor's degree in biology or related field from an accredited institution in the United States or recognized international equivalent. Either (A) an undergraduate degree with major in biology or (B) 30 hours of undergraduate courses in biological sciences or closely related disciplines.
Preferred undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 in upper-level biology or related field coursework.
Two letters of recommendation from professional or academic people who are familiar with the applicant's undergraduate or higher scholastic record.
Personal statement explaining a) academic and professional goal(s) and objectives, b) preparation for graduate studies, c) research or other professional experience, and d) area of interest in biology. The letter must state whether you are pursuing the thesis or non-thesis option, and if thesis option, who your graduate faculty supervisor will be.
Applicants pursuing the thesis option must have a commitment from a faculty member to supervise the master's thesis to be admitted to the MS Biology program with thesis. Students pursing the thesis option and seeking a faculty supervisor should contact the Department of Biology for guidance. Students who do not have a commitment from a faculty memeber to supervise the master's thesis will be considered for the non-thesis option.
A Curriculum Vitae or Resume
GRE General Test. GRE test scores are valid for 5 years. A waiver of the GRE requirement will be granted to applicants who show proof of completing a previous graduate degree (master's or doctoral
IELTS 6.5
TOFEL ibt 79
TOFEL pbt 550
Tuition
USD
8,025