Evolutionary Medicine (Certificate)


At a Glance: program details

Certificate Map

  • Location: or
  • Additional Program Fee: No
  • Second Language Requirement: No
Do you have a curious mind and a passion for solving problems in new ways? You can make a powerful impact in the future of medicine and human health by using a holistic approach to ideas about evolution, disease and public health.

Program Description

In the evolutionary medicine certification program, students discover a burgeoning new field that is improving human health and transforming our understanding of disease by merging the fields of evolutionary biology, genetics, medicine, global health and public health.

Students will integrate perspectives from across these fields to investigate questions about health and disease in the context of human history. Using their mastery of these new approaches within the biological and social sciences, they will address emerging and anticipated public needs such as reemerging infectious disease, challenges facing vaccination, expanding chronic disease and other growing public health crises.


Program Requirements

The certificate in evolutionary medicine consists of 15 credit hours, at least 12 of which must be upper division. All 15 credit hours must be completed at ASU. A grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or higher is required for all courses used toward the certificate.
Required Courses -- 6 credit hours
Electives (choose three) -- 9 credit hours
A minimum of six credit hours of electives must be upper division.

Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.

Enrollment Requirements

A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded prior to the award of an undergraduate degree. A student already holding an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.


Learning Outcomes

  • Able to appropriately analyze data relevant to evolutionary medicine.
  • Demonstrate mastery of key evolutionary concepts related to human health and disease.

Career Outlook

The evolutionary medicine certificate program provides students with integrated and individualized skills in high demand to address a growing need for innovation in medicine and public health care. When combined with a major program of study, graduates will be well prepared for roles in a variety of fields, including biology, medicine, law and ethics.

Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.

Example Careers

Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.

Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary


  • Growth: 8.6%
  • Median Salary*: 81650
  Bright Outlook

Clinical Nurse Specialists


  • Growth: 5.6%
  • Median Salary*: 81220
  Bright Outlook

Epidemiologists


  • Growth: 26.7%
  • Median Salary*: 78520
  Bright Outlook

Geneticists


  • Growth: 3.9%
  • Median Salary*: 87300

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists


  • Growth: 9.8%
  • Median Salary*: 99930
  Bright Outlook

Naturopathic Physicians


  • Growth: 2%
  • Median Salary*: 106230

Nurse Practitioners


  • Growth: 44.5%
  • Median Salary*: 121610
  Bright Outlook

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians


  • Growth: 3%
  • Median Salary*: 223410

Preventive Medicine Physicians


  • Growth: 3%
  • Median Salary*: 223410

Registered Nurses


  • Growth: 5.6%
  • Median Salary*: 81220
  Bright Outlook

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).


Attend Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information here.



Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.