Twenty-seven places, seven hundred applications

The CDC Museum runs two free, application-based programmes that teach students
about public health, current topics connected to the CDC's work, and careers
in the field. Both are staffed by museum educators and student counsellors,
with subject matter experts from across the CDC.

They are described as siblings — similar, but different — and the difference
that matters most is arithmetic.

Disease Detective Camp

In person, at CDC headquarters in Atlanta, over five days. Participants
experience lectures and hands-on activities that mimic the work of CDC staff.

It suits students who like a challenging, active and social learning
environment. Each day is busy: 8:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

**Two sessions each summer, 27 places in each — against 650 to 750
applications.** That is roughly a 1 in 13 chance, and it is why the camp is
described as more competitive than the online course.

Online Summer Course

Students work independently through lessons and assignments each day, then
join a live web-based class with lectures, discussions, team building,
social time and informal conversation with the museum educators.

The requirements are stricter than "online" suggests:

• Assignments are due every day, so participants need the whole week
  free
• To earn the certificate and the course shirt, participants must complete
  all assignments satisfactorily and on time and be **present for the
  entire live lesson each day**

Which to apply for

If you want Atlanta and the hands-on work, apply for the camp — and apply
knowing the odds. If you want the material, the teaching and the certificate,
the online course delivers those with a far better chance of a place, and it
is not the easier option.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.