Evolutionary Medicine (Certificate)


At a Glance: program details

Certificate Map

We must frame questions about health and illness in new and innovative ways to improve human health. Begin here. Learn how to holistically approach ideas about evolution, human vulnerability and the future of medicine.

Program Description

With rising need for health science-related skills and an aging population in the United States, innovations in health and medicine are in demand. Evolutionary medicine is a new and burgeoning field situated between the life and social sciences that seeks to integrate the fields of evolutionary biology, genetics, medicine, global health and public health to transform our understanding of disease and improve human health.

In this certificate program, students learn how to integrate perspectives from across fields to answer questions about health and disease in the context of human life history. They are introduced to integrated approaches within the biological and social sciences that are capable of addressing an emerging, anticipated public need such as reemerging infectious disease, challenges with vaccines, the expansion of 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
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.


Career Outlook

Graduates who have combined the certificate in evolutionary medicine with their major program of study may become more marketable to employers. They often decide to pursue employment in evolutionary biology, genetics, medicine, global health or public health.

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.