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Fundamentals of Implementation Science

A systematic, scientific approach to ask and answer questions about how to get 'what works' to people who need it with greater speed, fidelity, quality, efficiency, and relevant coverage.

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About this Course

Overview

In the United States, it’s estimated that it takes an average of 17 years from discovery of an intervention to its implementation at scale. This is called the know-do gap. For interventions outside of the US, this know-do gap is even larger. The goal of implementation science is to close the know-do gap.

In this course, you will learn how to use a systematic, scientific approach to find out what works and translate this information into on-the-ground policies and programs for those who need it. By the end, you will know how to apply high quality evaluation and assessment methods to your health interventions and identify and address the barriers to effective replication and scale-up of evidence-based interventions. The purpose of this course is to provide practical implementation science training for health professionals working in global health settings, particularly low and middle income country settings.

The course features lectures and case studies crafted by experts in implementation science from the University of Washington, a leader in this field. The Department of Global Health at UW is renowned for its expertise in implementation science, with a robust implementation science program that encompasses a wide range of research and educational activities across the department’s centers, programs, and initiatives. For more information about the Department’s work in implementation science, please visit the UW Global Health Implementation Science page and explore the Implementation Science Resource Hub.

Format

This online course has video lectures, case studies, readings, discussion forums, quizzes, and a final implementation science project.

You can participate in this course as an independent participant or as part of a site with 5 or more people. Participating as a site group provides a forum for discussing course concepts and applying them to local context and customs. If you are participating independently, the online discussion boards provide a forum for these types of discussion.

Eligibility

To be admitted to the course you must have a master’s degree in a health-related field or in the social sciences, or equivalent professional experience.

This course is intended for health professionals working in global health settings, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. It is ideal for those who are involved in or planning to be involved in implementing health interventions and policies. Participants should have a background in health or related fields, with a focus on those who are seeking to enhance their understanding of implementation science and its application in diverse settings. Experience in managing or evaluating health programs is advantageous, but not required.

Enrollment Fees

You can enroll in this course as part of a registered site group or you can apply as an independent participant.

If part of a site group, your site coordinator will manage your group’s enrollment fee. You may be asked to contribute towards this site fee.

If an independent participant, you will be invoiced based on details and preferences you note in your application. OECD*/LMIC** rates are based on your current location. Invoices are sent soon after the application period is over.

For site groups made up of participants from a high-income country (OECD*), the fee is determined by how many people are in your group. For groups of 16-50 people, the fee is $3500 USD. However, for smaller groups (OECD*), we offer a discounted rate of $300 USD per person.

For site groups made up of participants from a low-middle income country (LMIC**) we further discount the site rate down to $1750 USD for groups of at least 5 people (with a cap of 50 people for this course).

For site groups that may have a mix of both LMIC** and OECD* participants, the fee is based on the LMIC** rate (of $1750 USD) plus $300 USD per OECD* participant. However, if it is more economical, a flat rate of $3500 USD is also an option. Please inquire with us if you have questions about the fees at your site.

Site Group Enrollment Shipped Certificate (to site coordinator)
OECD* Site Groups 5-11 people: $300 USD per person
12-50 people: $3500 USD
LMIC** Site Groups 5-50 people: $1750 USD
Independent Enrollment Emailed Certificate (PDF) Shipped Certificate
Independent (OECD*) $300 $400
Independent (LMIC**) $200 $300

* OECD Member Countries

** LMIC Countries Listing

Payment is accepted via Flywire, a program that allows you to pay in your own currency or via wire transfer, Visa, or Mastercard credit cards. You will receive instructions to submit payment once you have been accepted into the course.

Course Dates

This course is typically offered in September each year.

September 2025

Course Offering Dates: Sept 22, 2025 to November 30, 2025
Site Registration Dates: 29-05-2025 to 29-06-2025
Participant Application Dates: 03-07-2025 to 11-08-2025

September 2026

Course Offering Dates: TBD
Site Registration Dates: TBD
Participant Application Dates: TBD

Course Topics

Please see the Syllabus page for the course topics.

Syllabus

Learning Pathways

More information soon.

Testimonials

Example Course Module

Find out if this course is right for you by checking out a sample!

View Example Course Module