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. Examine 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. 

Core Course:
MIP 462/BSPM 462/BZ 462Parasitology and Vector Biology5
Select a minimum of 4 credits from the following:4
AB 303
General Entomology Laboratory
AB 340
Insect Biotechnology
AB 410
Understanding Pesticides
AB 523
Advanced Evolution/Classification of Insects
BSPM 302
Applied and General Entomology
MIP 298
Introductory Research 1
MIP 420
Medical and Molecular Virology
BSPM 495
Independent Study 1
MIP 495
Independent Study 1
MIP 533/VS 533
Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases/Zoonoses
MIP 535
Vector Collection and Identification Methods
MIP 540
Fundamentals of Biosafety and Biosecurity
MIP 567
Introduction to Biology of Disease Vectors 2
MIP 568
Biology of Arbovirus Vectors/Genetics 2
MIP 569
Biology of Parasite/Bacteria Vectors 2
Program Total Credits:9
1

A maximum of 3 total credits may be taken from these courses. 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.

2

MIP 567, MIP 568, and MIP 569 are offered in modular format (three 1-credit modules). Students may take MIP 567 alone and stop there, if they choose. If students choose to take MIP 568 and MIP 569, they must also take MIP 567, which can be taken concurrently.