Vector-borne and zoonotic diseases continue to emerge and re-emerge, threatening human and animal health. This comprehensive certificate program in Vector-Borne Diseases (VBD) aims to provide CSU undergraduate students with a solid foundation in vector-borne diseases, equipping them with the knowledge and skills in this disciplinary area for careers in fields such as public health, vector control, and epidemiology. 

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion, students will be able to:

  1. Articulate the role of arthropods in the spread of emerging vector-borne pathogens, including the transmission cycles of prominent vector-borne diseases, and how vector physiology and host-pathogen interaction contribute to pathogen transmission.
  2. Apply vector control and epidemiologic principles in the context of managing emerging vector-borne diseases.

Effective Spring 2025

Additional coursework may be required due to prerequisites. 

Students entering the program should have a background in biology or a related field. Admission into 500-level courses will require a minimum grade of “C” on 400-level course pre-requisites. 

Select one course from the following:3-5
MIP 462/BSPM 462/BZ 462
Parasitology and Vector Biology 1
MIP 533/VS 533
Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases/Zoonoses 2
Biology of Disease Vectors Module: 1,21-3
MIP 567
Introduction to Biology of Disease Vectors
MIP 568
Biology of Arbovirus Vectors/Genetics
MIP 569
Biology of Parasite/Bacteria Vectors
Select a minimum of 6 credits from the following:6
AB 340
Insect Biotechnology
AB 410
Understanding Pesticides
BSPM 302
Applied and General Entomology
BSPM 303A
Entomology Laboratory: General
BSPM 495
Independent Study 3
MIP 420
Medical and Molecular Virology
MIP 495
Independent Study 3
MIP 535
Vector Collection and Identification Methods
Program Total Credits:12
1

If MIP 462/BSPM 462/BZ 462 is selected, students must complete one course from the Biology of Disease Module: MIP 567, MIP 568, or MIP 569.

2

If MIP 533/VS 533 is selected, students must complete all three courses from the Biology of Disease Vectors module: MIP 567, MIP 568, and MIP 569.

3

Variable credit can be obtained towards the certificate by conducting research in a vector-biology lab, or participating in the internship program at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for independent study credit.