What is Implementation Science?
Implementation Science is the scientific study of methods to promote the use of evidence-based practices in real-world settings to improve healthcare quality, patient outcomes, and population health.
Program Overview
The 4-course unit (CU) Implementation Science Certificate Program equips researchers and practitioners with practical skills and tools to design and conduct high-quality implementation science research.
The application cycle is currently closed. Please check back in December 2026 for Summer 2027 enrollment. If you are interested in starting in-person for Spring 2027, please reach out to the program by November 1, 2026 by emailing citani@upenn.edu.
For other Implementation Science offerings, be sure to check out resources through PISCE, the Penn Implementation Science Center!
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Flexible Structure
Our part-time program is ideal for working professionals. Students have the option to complete the certificate with hybrid or virtual learning pathways with one course per semester.
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Apply Here
Applications open in December 2026 for Summer 2027.
Ensure you have availability to attend classes on Thursdays during the day before you apply.
Alumni Spotlight
Alix Seif, MD, MPH '25 Attending Physician, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)
"I still reference lectures from the Implementation Science Institute (ISI), have used frameworks and worldview-shifting knowledge from the Equity course, used study designs and techniques I learned in the Mixed Methods course. While I'm not planning to shift gears to become an ImpSci methodologist, this program has given me a solid baseline understanding of the general principles, as well as specific tools, frameworks, and necessary skills to design and conduct implementation science research with consultations and advice from methodologists along the way...
I developed a pilot implementation that was highly successful using the tools, principles, and mentorship I got from the program. I will use these tools and the connections I made with ImpSci faculty to develop a national implementation project for a toolkit we developed and refined here at CHOP. All of the courses were outstanding."
Our alumni continue to make meaningful contributions to the field of implementation science, advancing clinical and translational research, leading initiatives across industry and healthcare organizations, and securing grant funding to bring evidence-based innovations into practice.