Master's in Microbiology and Immunology

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Microbiology and Immunology provides students with a breadth of education and training in bacteriology, immunology, virology, parasitology, and cancer research. Our mission is to prepare the next generation of researchers and scientific professionals to combat the threats of emerging infectious diseases, multidrug resistance, comprehend vaccine production, as well as understand the molecular basis of the host-pathogen interactions.

Possible Areas for Thesis Research

We offer M.S. degrees in Microbiology and Immunology with concentrations and laboratory-based training opportunities in:

• Clinical and medical microbiology
• Microbial genomics
• Vaccine development
• Infectious diseases
• Cancer immunology
• Immune basis of disease
• Allergy and holistic therapeutic strategies

“In the Microbiology and Immunology program, we’re committed to your education, training, and guiding you toward your future career goals. The Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology offers a vibrant learning atmosphere with nationally and internationally recognized faculty, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, clinical fellows and physicians-in-training.”

- Chandra Shekhar Bakshi DVM, Ph.D., Program Director

Microbiology and Immunology Careers

The field of microbiology and immunology assumes great significance due to the recent infectious disease pandemics, the growing problems of multidrug-resistant bacteria, as well as poorly understood mechanisms and ineffective treatment options for several cancers. An M.S. in Microbiology and Immunology provides you with the edge you need to launch into a rewarding science-related career in microbiology and immunology. The program equips you to contribute technically and intellectually to conduct team-based research in academic, industrial, or government laboratories.  Additionally, students pursuing this degree are trained in scientific communication, which is important to become teachers, scientific administrators and develop careers in science-based regulatory agencies.

Microbiology and Immunology Master's Program Curriculum

The M.S. in Microbiology and Immunology curriculum starts with general courses in bacteriology, immunology, virology, cancer biology, biochemistry and physiology. The course curriculum also offers several specialized courses for the overall in-depth understanding of selected topics. The vibrant academic environment is supported by a low student-to-faculty ratio, meaning students have ready access to faculty. Students also can learn laboratory-based techniques early in the curriculum to facilitate their transition into their M.S. thesis research. The thesis research is supervised by faculty of national and international repute, having established research programs funded by several agencies.

For our M.S. programs, you'll have the option to choose an academic track tailored to your goals. Students enrolled in Track A are required to submit a literature review thesis, whereas students in Track B are required to complete a research thesis based on their independent research. Students in Track C are trained for a professional career in scientific research and management and require a capstone project report on the internship experience. Required courses vary between each track. Visit the microbiology curriculum page for detailed track information and course descriptions.

Microbiology Department Labs and Equipment

Our labs are well equipped for cutting-edge microbiology and immunology research and include a CDC-Certified Biosafety level-3 laboratory. Core equipment within the department includes a Nikon Tie inverted fluorescence microscope with motorized XY and Z stage equipped for deconvolution and extended live cell imaging, a Miltenyi Biotec MACSQuant cell analyzer and Applied Biosystems 7900 HT Real-time PCR system (Taqman).

Admissions

We welcome applicants from different academic and professional backgrounds. To be considered for the M.S. program, prior coursework should show above-average academic achievement at the undergraduate level and in any previous work at the graduate level. Strong performance in math and science courses is important, but we do not require specific prerequisites to apply. Apply online after carefully reviewing our application requirements on the M.S. Admissions page.

Prerequisites

The Microbiology and Immunology program does not specify prerequisite undergraduate courses. However, a background in biology, microbiology, chemistry (qualitative and quantitative analysis, physical and organic), and physics is recommended.

Microbiology & Immunology Faculty

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology is home to 13 faculty members in addition to research and support staff and graduate/medical students. All of our faculty members hold either a Ph.D., M.D., or both. Our faculty experts have a strong research focus in areas like host-pathogen interactions, emerging vector-borne diseases, molecular pathogenesis in cancer, vaccine development and COVID-19. Graduate faculty mentors provide guidance for your original laboratory research, and our student-faculty ratio allows for plenty of individual attention. Learn more about our knowledgeable and experienced faculty.