Division of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics

Overview

Graduate programs in microbiology and molecular genetics lead to the Doctor of Philosophy or Master of Science degree. These programs are designed for graduate students with an interest in molecular biology, microbiology and infectious diseases, immunology, or biotechnology. In this program, all entering PhD students will take a common core curriculum during their first year. One element of this curriculum will be a content course that is designed to cover a wide spectrum of the biomedical sciences, from the biomolecules that carry out life’s functions, through the functioning of individual cells and the ways in which tissues and organs work, to the ways in which all of these elements function in an individual to lead to health or disease. During the second year, the student will take additional courses from the microbiology and molecular genetics curriculum and will continue working on their dissertation project. Near the end of the second year, each student will take his or her comprehensive written and oral examinations, and upon passing these exams, be admitted to candidacy. The student will continue his or her work on the selected dissertation project as guided and advised by both the research mentor and his or her Graduate Guidance Committee. Upon completion of this work, the student will write and orally defend his or her doctoral dissertation. The degree is offered through the School of Medicine and the Faculty of Graduate School.

The Doctor of Philosophy degree is designed to prepare students for a career of independent research and teaching in a university, clinical, or biotechnology environment. Students are expected to develop creativity and independence in addition to technical skills.

Master of science
The MS programs train: 1) technicians for biomedical research in universities or in the biotechnology industry; 2) medical technologists seeking specialist certification; and 3) teachers seeking advanced training in areas such as molecular biology, immunology, or microbiology. There are thesis and non-thesis options for the master of science degree. The Master of Science can usually be completed in two years.

Combined-degrees options—DDS/MS, DDS/PhD, MD/MS, MD/PhD, and Medical Scientist Program (MD/PhD)—are offered. The combination of an MS degree with a professional degree provides additional content and research experience as a background for postgraduate medical or dental education. The combination of a PhD degree with a professional degree prepares the student for a future in academic medicine or dentistry—combining research, teaching, and clinical practice (See sections on Combined-Degrees Program and on the Medical Scientist Program).

Graduate courses

Financial information

How to apply