free phd microbiology

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Offered By: Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology

Onsite | Full-Time | 5 years

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About the PhD in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Program

Through a departmental core curriculum as well as research area-specific courses, laboratory rotations, qualifying examinations, mentored research, and professional development, all MMI PhD students are prepared to engage in cutting edge research and scholarship that advances knowledge. MMI PhD students hone their scholarship, research and professional skills. Course and laboratory work can address problems in microbial pathogenesis, immunology, disease transmission, and diseases related to malaria, mosquito and arboviral biology.

Students can choose to complete the traditional MMI PhD program or the MMI PhD program concentration in Rigorous, Reproducible, and Responsible Research Investigation in Immunology & Microbiology (R 3 IM). The concentration in Rigorous, Reproducible, and Responsible Research Investigation in Immunology & Microbiology (R 3 IM) conveys a broad background in immunology and infectious diseases research, with a special emphasis on critical thinking, logic, ethics, and written and oral skills to help graduates become communicators of complex scientific concepts and agents of change in their workplaces and communities.

What Can You Do With a Graduate Degree In Molecular Microbiology And Immunology?

Visit the  Graduate Employment Outcomes Dashboard to learn about Bloomberg School graduates' employment status, sector, and salaries.

Sample Careers

• Postdoctoral Fellow, Research Associate
• Science Communicator or Writer
• Scientist (academia, industry)
• Specialist in Science Regulatory Affairs
• Faculty, Professor
• Science Advocate (nonprofit agencies)
• Public Health Service (NIH, CDC, FDA)
• Science Policy Fellow

Curriculum for the PhD in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology

Browse an overview of the requirements for this PhD program in the JHU  Academic Catalogue  and explore all course offerings in the Bloomberg School  Course Directory .

Current students can view the MMI student handbook on the MMI portal site.

Topic Areas

MMI faculty are recognized experts in a wide variety of infectious diseases research areas, allowing our PhD students to study the biology of disease based on their research interests and career goals. Our PhD students gain a comprehensive understanding of infectious diseases that provides a foundation to launch careers that directly tackle critical public health challenges.  

Topic Areas include: 

• Bacterial pathogenesis
• Cell biology 
• Fungal pathogenesis 
• Medical entomology/Disease ecology
• Parasite pathogenesis 
• Rigor, Reproducibility, and Responsibility in Scientific Practice
• Tick-borne diseases
• Vaccine development 
• Vector biology
• Viral pathogenesis

Admissions Requirements

For general admissions requirements, please visit the How to Apply page.

Standardized Test Scores

Standardized test scores (GRE) are  optional  for this program. The admissions committee will make no assumptions if a standardized test score is omitted from an application, but will require evidence of quantitative/analytical ability through other application components such as academic transcripts and/or supplemental questions.  Applications will be reviewed holistically based on all application components.

Vivien Thomas PhD Scholars

The  Vivien Thomas Scholars Initiative (VTSI)  is an endowed fellowship program at Johns Hopkins for PhD students in STEM fields. It provides full tuition, stipend, and benefits while also providing targeted mentoring, networking, community, and professional development opportunities. Students who have attended a historically Black college and university (HBCU) or other minority serving institution (MSI) for undergraduate study are eligible to apply. To be considered for the VTSI, you will need to submit a SOPHAS application, VTSI supplementary materials, and all supporting documents (letters, transcripts, and test scores) by December 1, 2023. VTSI applicants are eligible for an  application fee waiver , but the fee waiver must be requested by November 15, 2023 and prior to submission of the SOPHAS application.

All full-time PhD students will receive the following support for all years of the program: stipend, full tuition, individual health insurance, University Health Services clinic fee, vision insurance, and dental insurance.

Need-Based Relocation Grants Students who  are admitted to PhD programs at JHU  starting in Fall 2023 or beyond can apply to receive a $1500 need-based grant to offset the costs of relocating to be able to attend JHU.   These grants provide funding to a portion of incoming students who, without this money, may otherwise not be able to afford to relocate to JHU for their PhD program. This is not a merit-based grant. Applications will be evaluated solely based on financial need.  View more information about the need-based relocation grants for PhD students .

Questions about the program? We're happy to help.

Ashley Choi , Senior Academic Coordinator

Alex Kim , Senior Academic Program Coordinator  Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health 615 North Wolfe Street, Room E5014 Baltimore, Maryland 21205 Fax: (410) 955-0105

Microbiology, PHD

On this page:, at a glance: program details.

• Location: Tempe campus
• Second Language Requirement: No

Program Description

Degree Awarded: PHD Microbiology

The PhD program in microbiology offers a dynamic research environment; a broad range of basic, translational and use-inspired research areas; advanced transdisciplinary training; and opportunities to work with world-class faculty and collaborative research partners committed to training scientific leaders with skills necessary for addressing significant global microbiological problems and challenges.

This program focuses on the smallest of living things and immunology. Students can tailor the program around their interests and gain skills in contemporary approaches used in microbiology, biomedicine and biotechnology. They train in a broad array of fields, including microbial ecology and evolution, geomicrobiology, bacterial physiology and genetics, bacterial pathogenesis, metabolic engineering, immunology and vaccine development, and cancer biology.

Faculty members are associated with the School of Life Sciences, The Biodesign Institute, The Translational Genomics Institute, Barrow Neurological Institute, and other area hospitals and research centers.

Interdisciplinary partners within ASU

Participating faculty members and researchers come from many departments, colleges, centers and institutes across the university.

• ASU School of Life Sciences
• ASU Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering
• ASU The Biodesign Institute
• ASU School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment
• ASU School for Energy, Material and Transport Engineering

Interdisciplinary parters outside ASU

• St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center/Barrow Neurological Institute
• Carl T. Hayden Veteran's Administration Medical Center
• Mayo Clinic in Arizona
• Translational Genomics Research Institute
• University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix
• Phoenix Children’s Hospital

Program Faculty   PhD Students

Courses and electives

Elective courses (6 - 24 credit hours).

• MIC 791 Seminar: Virology Journal Club
• MIC 598  Special Topics: Immun: Molecular and Cell Foundations
• MIC 598 Special Topics: Advanced Immunology
• MCB 791  Seminar: Molecular Virology Journal Club 
• BIO 611 Topics Resp Conduct Research: Emerging Technologies Life Science
• MIC 598: Immunology: Molecular & Cellular Foundations
• MIC 598: General Virology
• MIC 598: Advanced Immunology
• MIC 598: Bacterial Diversity and Systematics
• MIC 598: Novel Models for Host-Microbe Interactions
• MIC 598: Bioinformatic Analysis of High-throughput DNA Data
• MIC 598: Bacterial Pathogenesis
• MIC 598: Geomicrobiology
• MIC 598: Microbial Ecology and Evolution
• MIC 598: Viromics 

Application and admission information

How to apply.

Applications open September 1 for admission in Fall of the following year. The application deadline is December 1. We accept applications for Fall semesters only. We cannot guarantee that applications received after the December 1 deadline will be considered for admission.

All applicants must apply by filling out ASU's Graduate Admissions application. All application materials must be submitted through the application or to Graduate Admissions directly. Please do not mail or email any documents to the School of Life Sciences. 

• Required materials and information include the following:
• 1-2 page personal statement
• An up to date CV or resume
• The names of relevant SOLS faculty you have been in touch with who you might be interested in being supervised by
• Unofficial transcripts and English proficiency test scores (if applicable)
• The names and emails of at least 3 recommenders to write you letters of recommendation

Application review process and timeline

Following the December 1 deadline, faculty will begin reviewing applications. Applicants should monitor their My ASU priority tasks to ensure there are no missing materials in their application.

Faculty will decide which applicants they would like to invite to our Graduate Recruitment Weekends (GRWs), typically held in February. Applicants will hear from the School of Life Sciences in January if they are invited to participate in the GRWs.

Admission decisions will begin after the GRWs, and applicants typically receive final decisions by April 1.

Requirements

Minimum requirements for admission include the following:

• Cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• There are other ways to demonstrate English proficiency beyond the tests, so please refer to ASU's English proficiency webpage to review how you might satisfy requirements

Desired qualifications typically seen in competitive candidates:

• Research experience and a letter of recommendation from a faculty research supervisor
• English proficiency scores that meet these teaching assistant language proficiency requirements

Please note that the GRE is not required.

Students offered admission to a PhD program in the School of Life Sciences will typically receive a funding offer as well. While individual funding offers may differ to some degree, they typically include teaching assistant and/or research assistant positions each semester (summer optional) for 5 years. These positions provide financial coverage through the following:

• A standard salary stipend paid biweekly
• Tuition remission covering enrollment in 6-18 credit hours for fall and spring semesters and 1-14 credit hours for summer semesters
• Health insurance coverage

To discover more, check out the ASU Graduate College's funding opportunities !

Degree Requirements

84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

Required Core (4 credit hours) BIO 610 Introduction to Responsible Conduct of Research in Life Sciences (1) MIC 501 Foundations in Microbiology (3)

Electives or Research (68 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) MIC 799 Dissertation (12)

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in the biological sciences, biochemistry or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

Applicants must submit the following:

• graduate admission application and application fee
• official transcripts
• academic record form
• personal statement
• curriculum vitae or resume
• three letters of recommendation
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

Prior research experience is a desired qualification for admission.

Next Steps to attend ASU

Learn about our programs, apply to a program, visit our campus, learning outcomes.

• Able to review the scholarly literature associated with research questions in microbiology.
• Able to design and execute a research plan in an area of microbiology under advisement of their mentors.
• Able to communicate science effectively, both orally and in writing.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program's intense and interactive educational and research training are prepared for advanced careers in research and education, specifically in bacteriology, virology, mycology, immunology and oncology.

Career possibilities are diverse, with opportunities in academic organizations, research and development industries, government service and other professional organizations. Examples include:

• instructors in universities and colleges
• principal investigators in government labs and nonprofit organizations
• professors in universities and colleges
• research associates in universities
• research scientists in industry

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

• [email protected]
• 480/965-1768

• Microbiology

The Graduate Program in Microbiology is a multidepartmental, interdisciplinary Ph.D. program in training and research in the study of microorganisms and their effects on their hosts. The faculty of the program share the view that understanding the biology of microorganisms requires a multidisciplinary approach; therefore, the Microbiology graduate program emphasizes the need for strong multidisciplinary training. The program is designed to provide individualized education in modern microbiology and to prepare students for independent careers in research and teaching. Students can specialize in various areas, including bacteriology, virology, microbe-host interactions, microbial pathogenesis, cell biology and immunobiology of microbial infections, microbial genetics and physiology, structural biology, parasitology, microbiome, and microbial ecology and evolution.

• Programs of Study
• PhD - Doctor of Philosophy
• Department of Microbial Pathogenesis

Director of Graduate Studies

• [email protected]

Jennifer Atchley

Departmental Registrar (on leave February - August 2024)

• [email protected]
• 203-737-1087

Marneshia Bullock

Departmental Registrar (Temporary, February - August 2024)

• [email protected]

Admission Requirements

Standardized testing requirements.

GRE is not accepted.

English Language Requirement

TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic is required of most applicants whose native language is not English. BBS requires a score of at least 600 on the paper version, 250 on the computer-based exam, and 100 on the internet-based exam. Please take the test no later than November and no earlier than 24 months prior to submitting your application. Use institution code 3987 when reporting your scores; you may enter any department code.

You may be exempt from this requirement if you have received (or will receive) an undergraduate degree from a college or university where English is the primary language of instruction, and if you have studied in residence at that institution for at least three years.

Admission Information

Microbiology participates in the Combined Program in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS) , and applicants interested in pursuing a degree in cell biology should apply to the Microbiology Track within BBS.

Academic Information

Program Advising Guidelines

GSAS Advising Guidelines

Academic Resources

Academic calendar.

The Graduate School's academic calendar lists important dates and deadlines related to coursework, registration, financial processes, and milestone events such as graduation.

Featured Resource

Registration Information and Dates

https://registration.yale.edu/

Students must register every term in which they are enrolled in the Graduate School. Registration for a given term takes place the semester prior, and so it's important to stay on top of your academic plan. The University Registrar's Office oversees the systems that students use to register. Instructions about how to use those systems and the dates during which registration occurs can be found on their registration website.

Financial Information

Phd stipend & funding.

PhD students at Yale are normally full-funded for a minimum of five years. During that time, our students receive a twelve-month stipend to cover living expenses and a fellowship that covers the full cost of tuition and student healthcare.

• PhD Student Funding Overview
• Graduate Financial Aid Office
• PhD Stipends
• Health Award
• Tuition and Fees

Alumni Insights

Below you will find alumni placement data for our departments and programs.

• Distinguished Lectureships
• Degree Programs

Ph.D. in Microbiology

• M.S. in Microbiology
• Master’s of Microbiology (M.M.)
• Master of Microbial Biotechnology (M.M.B.)
• Graduate Minor in Microbiology
• Research Areas
• Research Facilities
• Research Awards
• Microbiomes and Complex Microbial Cluster
• BeeMORE Program

Student Resources

• Microbiology Graduate Student Association
• Adjunct Faculty
• Give Now 

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is the highest degree offered by the Microbiology Graduate Program (MGP). The goal of our doctoral program is to provide students with the foundation necessary to pursue a career in a university, industry or research institute setting.

Students in our doctoral program are trained to recognize significant biological problems, design experimental approaches for solving these problems and communicate their results to the scientific community and the public.

Join the Pack

Review Our Admission Requirements and Apply Now! 

The requirements listed below are the minimum requirements to be met by all students in our Ph.D. program. A student’s advisory committee may recommend additional requirements as deemed appropriate, based on a student’s background and research plans.

Curriculum and Courses

The Microbiology Graduate Programs at NC State are interdisciplinary. Our Ph.D. students take many courses taught by MGP faculty, as well as elective courses offered in numerous disciplines and departments across campus, including Biochemistry , Biotechnology , Animal Science , Food Science and Genetics . Our Ph.D. curriculum allows for flexibility Doctoral students will have completed at least 72 credits by the end of their fourth year in the program.

All microbiology graduate students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. The Graduate Student Support Plan (GSSP; tuition and health benefits) also requires continuous enrollment, meaning all graduate students must enroll for a minimum of nine credits in each Fall and Spring semester to qualify. After the first year, most of these are Research credits.

Required Course Credits for a Ph.D. in Microbiology

Required courses.

As listed above, students are required to register for the following:

MB 500s-700s – Microbiology Courses

Students are required to take 12 graduate-level, letter-graded microbiology (MB) credits. Courses are 3 credits each.

MGP students are able to take courses that focus on the various specialized disciplines of microbiology, including bacterial physiology, environmental microbiology, immunology, molecular genetics and virology. Prior experience can impact which courses a student can enroll in.

Prerequisites in biochemistry are required for many of these courses, so we recommend that all microbiology graduate students have the equivalent of introductory biochemistry ( BCH 553 ) at NC State early in the curriculum.

An example of courses that fit into two of many different microbiology “tracks” or concentrations:

Mb 870 – laboratory research rotations.

Doctoral students supported by a teaching or research assistantship are required to participate in a minimum of two research rotations , allowing them to experience the types of research performed in MGP faculty member’s laboratories and choose a research area of high interest to them. An additional rotation is possible, with approval from the Director of Graduate Programs (DGP) and the respective faculty.

Research rotations take place each year from July through the end of the Fall semester. Students earn 1 credit (MB 870) for both laboratory rotations, and their performance is formally evaluated by the principal investigator of the laboratory. Students must also provide a written or oral report about their rotation experience. Following their last research rotation, students may choose a laboratory for their dissertation research.

Although doctoral students supported by a stipend funded from a faculty grant or other source are not required to participate in the research rotations, they may choose to do so with approval from the principal investigators. We encourage all students to review MGP  faculty pages and meet with faculty before deciding upon a specific lab for their rotation.

MB 886 – Teaching Experience

A minimum teaching responsibility is part of the requirements for a Ph.D. degree in Microbiology from NC State. Students must serve as a laboratory teaching assistant for at least one semester in an NCSU on-campus course. Prior teaching experience in an M.S. program will be considered to fulfill this requirement. One credit of MB 886 is provided for each semester the student teaches.

The teaching requirement should be fulfilled at the earliest possible time in the graduate program. Example courses approved for fulfilling the teaching requirement are: MB 352, MB 412, MB 452 and BIO 181. Specific tools for enhancing teaching effectiveness are provided for teaching assistants, including workshops and constructive evaluation by the instructor and the students.

MB 801 – Seminar in Microbiology

The MGP requires all graduate students to attend Microbiology seminars throughout their degree program. All Ph.D. students must register for at least two semesters (two credits) of seminar.

MB 893/895 – Microbiology Research

MB 893 and MB 895 provide credit for research students perform in our Ph.D. program.  Students register for MB 893 prior to passing their Preliminary Exam , after which they may sign-up for a variable number of MB 895 credits each semester. A minimum of six credits is required for the Ph.D. degree. However, this is a research-intensive degree, so many credits will end up being for research (MB 895 Microbiology Research).

Other Professional Development

All our graduate students are required to attend either the Microbiology course in Professional Development and Responsible Conduct of Research, or a similar module offered in related programs (BIT, GN, etc.). One credit hour is required.

Elective Graduate Courses

Doctoral students can choose to take other courses offered by departments and programs throughout NC State (Biochemistry, Genetics, Statistics, etc.). Selection of elective courses is done by the student, in consultation with and approval by the advisory committee. Letter graded or satisfactory/unsatisfactory course formats can be used.

Below are examples of elective courses available. The graduate catalog  should be consulted for the current comprehensive listing.

• BAE 525 – Industrial Microbiology & Bioprocessing
• BCH 553 – Biochemistry of Gene Expression
• BCH 701 – Macromolecular Structure
• BCH 703 – Macromolecular Synthesis and Regulation
• BCH 705 – Molecular Biology of the Cell
• BIT 510 – Core Technologies in Biotechnology
• BIT 595X  – Advanced Modules in Biotechnology
• GN 513 – Advanced Genetics
• GN 701 – Molecular Genetics
• GN 735 – Functional Genomics
• GN 850  – Professionalism and Ethics
• MB(PP) 730  – Fungal Genetics and Physiology
• MB 610  – Special Topics in Microbiology
• MB 620  – Special Problems
• MB 801  – Seminar in Microbiology
• MB 705  – Biological Scanning Electron Microscopy
• MB(IMM) 783 – Advanced Immunology
• MB 790I  – Practical Digital Imaging

Advisory Committees

Doctoral students are required to select a dissertation advisor before the end of their second semester (until then, the Director of Graduate Programs (DGP) serves as a temporary advisor). By the end of their first year, each student must also have selected a graduate advisory committee with the help of their dissertation advisor. Advisory committee’s will consist of a student’s dissertation advisor, at least two additional faculty members from the MGP and one faculty member who holds a graduate faculty appointment in another program.

All required committee members must hold appointments within the Graduate School at NC State. Students may select scientists who are not members of the Graduate School faculty (e.g., adjunct faculty, industry scientists) for their committee, but it is in addition to the required members. Graduate advisory committees must meet no less than once a year.

Graduate Plan of Work (PoW)

A Graduate Plan of Work (PoW) will include all courses, a tentative dissertation title and an anticipated timetable for taking each course. Students and their dissertation advisors will informally outline the PoW as soon as possible. The plan will be submitted for approval to and/or amendment by the student’s advisory committee. Then the PoW will be formally submitted to the graduate school by the end of the student’s third semester at NC State.

Visit the Graduate School website for more information about the graduate PoW .

Annual Research Progress Reports

The MGP will facilitate scheduling an annual meeting of the student’s advisory committee, at which the student will make an oral presentation and submit a written report on their laboratory research. A Graduate Student Progress Evaluation Form will be completed by the advisory committee. A satisfactory evaluation will be necessary for the student to receive assistantship support and/or be able to register for the next semester.

Dissertation and Defense

All Ph.D. students must write a dissertation on their research and this must conform to the regulations laid down in the NCSU “Thesis and Dissertation Guide.” The content and structure of the dissertation must be approved by the advisory committee, and all degree candidates are expected to prepare their research results for publication prior to completing their program. Doctoral candidates who have completed their research and other degree requirements (72 credit hours) may enroll in MB 899 (Dissertation Preparation) while they are writing their dissertation. All Ph.D. candidates must also present a seminar hosted by the MGP prior to defending their dissertation. Subject to the satisfactory defense of the Ph.D. dissertation, the advisory committee will approve it for transmittal to the Graduate School.

Course Catalog

Explore our course offerings and microbiology course descriptions 

Review our admission requirements and apply now! 

Discover some of the helpful resources available to MGP students 

Fill out our interest form and we will be in touch! 

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Integrated Biomedical Sciences (IBS)

Microbiology & immunology phd program.

The PhD in Microbiology and Immunology prepares graduates to become independent scientists in areas of GW faculty expertise, which include the study of host-pathogen relationships, inflammation, vaccine development, T lymphocyte activation, cancer immunology, molecular parasitology, molecular retrovirology (HIV/AIDS), and microbial genomics and proteomics.

GW is a proud partner in the  DC Center for AIDS Research  (DC CFAR) aimed at ending the HIV epidemic, and PhD students can pursue training and symposia from a number of experts in HIV research. Outstanding research programs also include the  Research Center for Neglected Diseases of Poverty , which aims to mitigate the burden of human disease in developing nations. Students have access to the  Cell Enhancement and Technologies for Immunotherapy  (CETI) lab, a state-of-the-art  GW Biorepository  resource to facilitate research on HIV/AIDS and cancer, as well as cutting-edge university core facilities for flow cytometry, imaging, and computational biology.

The GW Training Program in HIV Persistence, Co-Morbidities and Therapeutics (supported by NIH T32 AI 158105) is a prestigious program to prepare doctoral students with the knowledge, analytic and leadership skills to become successful future HIV research investigators. Research is focused on 1) cure research including T cell therapy and reversal of viral latency, 2) co-morbidities including malignances and CNS disease and 3) prevention research including vaccines and novel therapeutics. Students apply for this program at the end of their first year, with their mentor and HIV related research.

The PhD in Microbiology and Immunology begins with the interdisciplinary coursework in molecular, cellular, and systems biology and research rotations offered through  GW’s Integrated Biomedical Sciences curriculum . In the second and third semester students add a comprehensive introduction to the conceptual and experimental underpinnings of microbiology and immunology. Further electives, career development coursework in scientific writing, oral communication, and research ethics and laboratory rotations are provided. Following required laboratory rotations, students complete a. grant-style qualifier and then work with their research advisor and the Graduate Program Directors to complete remaining Microbiology and Immunology degree requirements, including the research dissertation.

Microbiology and Immunology Courses:

MICR 8210: Infection and Immunity MICR 8230: Molecular and Cellular Immunology MICR 8270: Advanced Topics in Immunology MICR 8271: Basics of HIV Persistence, Comorbidities and Treatment MICR 8998: Advanced Reading and Research Seminar Course MICR 8999: Dissertation Research

Some Suggested Electives:

PUBH 6276: Public Health Microbiology MICR 6292: Tropical Infectious Disease ANAT 6182: Fundamentals of Regenerative Biology and Systems Physiology

Courses in genomics, cancer biology, neuroscience, and pharmacology are also available.

Seminars/Journal Clubs:

MITM Seminar series is once a month on Thursday at noon.  CFAR seminars and events are posted .

Examples of Recent Microbiology & Immunology PhD Dissertations:

Indra Sarabia, PhD 2021 “In vitro tools to study the establishment of HIV-1 latency and evaluate latency revising agents for HIV-1 cure strategies” Mentor: Alberto Bosque. F31 awardee. (Now Scientist-Biosassay at BioLegend, San Diego, CA)

Allison Powell, PhD 2021 “Genetically modified immune cells secreting broadly neutralizing antibodies against HIV: restoration of systemic immunity” Mentors: Russell Cruz, David Leitenberg. (Now Scientist at TCR2 Therapeutics, Washington DC)

Graduate Program Directors:

Alberto Bosque, PhD, MBA Associate Professor of Microbiology, Immunology, & Tropical Medicine Ross Hall 617 [email protected]

David Leitenberg, MD, PhD Associate Professor of Microbiology, Immunology & Tropical Medicine; Pediatrics and Pathology Ross Hall 621 [email protected]

How to apply  to the IBS and Microbiology and Immunology PhD program

For IBS Application Questions contact  Colleen Kennedy, IBS Program Manager  at [email protected]

The MIT Microbiology Graduate PhD Program is an interdepartmental and interdisciplinary program representing all aspects of microbiological research. There are over 50 faculty from various MIT departments and divisions who study or use microbes in significant ways in their research.

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Upcoming Events

MIT Integrative Microbiology Initiative Seminar May 06, 2024 Monday May 6, 2024 Room 68-181 4:00-5:00 PM

Please join us for the MIT Integrative Microbiology Initiative Seminar! Friday May 06, 2024, 4:00 - 5:00 Pm 68-181 Pizza and drinks provided Professor Sunny Shin University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine

Microbiology Ph.D. Thesis Defense- Veda Khadka (Lieberman Lab) Monday April 22, 2024 11:00AM Room E25-119/121

PhD Candidate: Veda Khadka Advisor: Prof. Tami Lieberman (CEE/IMES) Monday April 22, 2024 Time: 11:00 AM Room: E25-119/121 Title: Staphylococci of the skin: consequences for host health

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Microbiology at MIT Learn more about the microbiology program, research areas, and our impact on life sciences, energy, and more!

Graduate Program The Microbiology Graduate PhD Program is an MIT-wide program that is designed to provide students with broad exposure to modern areas of microbiology and depth in the chosen area of thesis work.

Faculty & Research There are more than 50 participating faculty in the MIT Microbiology graduate program, from several different science and engineering departments and divisions.

Microbiology PhD

The Graduate Group in Microbiology is composed of faculty from diverse departments, colleges, and schools (Plant and Microbial Biology; Molecular and Cell Biology; Public Health; Civil and Environmental Engineering; Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering; Environmental Science, Policy, and Management; Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology; Optometry; Integrative Biology). It is administered by the Department of Plant and Microbial Biology. The group awards the PhD degree in Microbiology. Students in the group have access to diverse disciplines through an integrated program of study that allows each student to pursue specialized interests. Students gain a breadth of understanding of microbiology from the molecular to the cellular levels of organization, as well as the interactions of microbes - beneficial and pathogenic - with other organisms.

Faculty in the Graduate Group in Microbiology have research interests in four broad areas: ecology and evolution, genetics and development, physiology and biochemistry, and host-microbe interactions. The research of many faculty spans more than one of these categories. In addition, the research goals vary from addressing fundamental questions in biology to applied studies in the control or use of microbes. Some faculty conduct research on both fundamental and applied topics.

Contact Info

[email protected]

111 Koshland Hall

Berkeley, CA 94720

At a Glance

Department(s)

Microbiology Graduate Group

Admit Term(s)

Application Deadline

December 1, 2023

Degree Type(s)

Doctoral / PhD

Degree Awarded

GRE Requirements

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Microbiologists are often active in research institutions and universities after earning a graduate degree, and may also find employment in pharmaceutical companies and genetic engineering firms. These are the best science schools for microbiology. Read the methodology »

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Microbiology (PhD)

Ohio State offers training in virtually every aspect of modern microbiology. Our PhD program in microbiology offers an individualized approach to graduate study in one of the nation's largest teaching and research institutions. You will actively participate in planning your graduate program while working with colleagues from around the world.

Microbiology, PhD

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• At a glance
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• Admission requirements
• Tuition information
• Program learning outcomes
• Career opportunities
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Science, Scientist, approved for STEM-OPT extension, molecular, plant, sols

Join us to learn how microbes impact human health and the environment, gain theoretical and practical training in your chosen area of interest, and become an expert ready to contribute to the greater good.

The PhD program in microbiology offers a dynamic research environment; a broad range of basic, translational and use-inspired research areas; advanced transdisciplinary training; and opportunities to work with world-class faculty and collaborative research partners committed to training scientific leaders with skills necessary for addressing significant global microbiological problems and challenges.

This program focuses on the smallest of living things and immunology. Students can tailor the program around their interests and gain skills in contemporary approaches used in microbiology, biomedicine and biotechnology. They train in a broad array of fields, including microbial ecology and evolution, geomicrobiology, bacterial physiology and genetics, bacterial pathogenesis, metabolic engineering, immunology and vaccine development, and cancer biology.

Faculty members are associated with the School of Life Sciences, The Biodesign Institute, The Translational Genomics Institute, Barrow Neurological Institute, and other area hospitals and research centers.

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 36 months. This OPT work authorization term may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.

The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing the degree through ASU Online.

• College/school: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Location: Tempe

84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

Required Core (4 credit hours) BIO 610 Introduction to Responsible Conduct of Research in Life Sciences (1) MIC 501 Foundations in Microbiology (3)

Electives or Research (68 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) MIC 799 Dissertation (12)

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in the biological sciences, biochemistry or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

Applicants must submit the following:

• graduate admission application and application fee
• official transcripts
• academic record form
• personal statement
• curriculum vitae or resume
• three letters of recommendation
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

Prior research experience is a desired qualification for admission.

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:

• Able to review the scholarly literature associated with research questions in microbiology.
• Able to design and execute a research plan in an area of microbiology under advisement of their mentors.
• Able to communicate science effectively, both orally and in writing.

Graduates of this program's intense and interactive educational and research training are prepared for advanced careers in research and education, specifically in bacteriology, virology, mycology, immunology and oncology.

Career possibilities are diverse, with opportunities in academic organizations, research and development industries, government service and other professional organizations. Examples include:

• instructors in universities and colleges
• principal investigators in government labs and nonprofit organizations
• professors in universities and colleges
• research associates in universities
• research scientists in industry

School of Life Sciences | LSA 181 [email protected] 480-965-1768

Georgetown University Medical Center

Admissions | PhD in Microbiology & Immunology

Application requirements, tuition & stipend, training grants, gu-nih graduate program.

Apply to the PhD in Microbiology & Immunology program by submitting an online application through the Georgetown Graduate School of Arts & Sciences portal.

Admission to our program is highly competitive. To learn more about us, please visit our  contact page .

We would love to meet you at our upcoming Virtual Information Session : register for Friday, November 10th, 2023.

Final Deadline to Apply for Summer Admission

International applicants are encouraged to apply early to allow sufficient time to submit all application materials and  apply for a U.S. visa if admitted.

The program starts July 1.

Applicants are to submit all required credentials and supporting documentation no later than the application deadline.

Applicants do not need to arrange a position in a laboratory prior to admission. Any prospective students who currently have positions in departmental laboratories must apply to the program through the same procedure as all other applicants.

    Bachelor’s degree

A 4-year bachelor’s degree or equivalent with a GPA of 3.0 or higher  (across all undergraduate coursework and/or institutions attended).

    Transcript(s)

List your postsecondary institutions in your application, and upload a transcript for each institution. Applicants are required to list/upload copies of official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions where more than 15 credits of coursework were completed and/or where program prerequisites were completed (any number of credits). This gives the admissions committee a more complete picture of your academic preparation for graduate study.

WES (new window)  or  NACES (new window)  credential evaluation services are highly recommended for international transcripts.

Follow the  transcript instructions in Admissions FAQ (new window)  to ensure you upload proper documentation.

    Three letters of recommendation

Recommendation letters may be from previous professors, research mentors, or employers in a position to appraise your potential for graduate study.

    Academic Statement of Purpose

The Academic Statement of Purpose should be at least one page, but not more than two pages long, and should cover:

• Factors (such as personal background, professional past experiences, or academic interest regarding department faculty or faculty research) that motivated you to apply for to our program
• Research background/experience, if applicable
• Long-term goals you wish to achieve during or after your PhD studies

    Full CV/resume

Your CV/resume should include relevant professional (such as research, volunteer and intern experiences) and academic experiences with dates and descriptions/responsibilities. When applicable, items in each section should be in reverse chronological order, with the most recent experiences listed first. For experiences involving research, please note clearly the name of the principal investigator of the lab. Include citations for your publications, abstracts and presentations (if applicable). Use 11pt font size or larger; allow your CV/resume to span multiple pages if necessary.

    Application fee

The application fee is nonrefundable but limited application fee waivers may be available.  View information about the application fee (new window) .

    Optional: Statement on Diversity, Personal Background, and Contributions

Applicants to any Georgetown program may choose to submit an Optional Statement that addresses diversity, personal background and contributions to community. A detailed prompt for the statement can be found in the application.

    Optional: GRE/MCAT score

GRE and MCAT scores are not required, but we invite applicants to report these scores if they are available.  View instructions for submitting official test results (new window) .

    If Applicable: TOEFL/IELTS score

All applicants are required to demonstrate a level of proficiency in the English language sufficient to meet the admission requirement of the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. Follow the  TOEFL/IELTS instructions in Admissions FAQ (new window)  to determine whether you need to send us test scores to prove your English language proficiency.

Biomedical Graduate Education PhD students can receive merit-based fellowship awards that cover tuition, stipend, student health insurance, dental insurance and mandatory fees. Visit BGE PhD Tuition & Stipend for more information.

Applicants with external (third-party) funding guaranteed for the entirety of their PhD program (e.g., scholarships, sponsorships or fellowships through governments, employers or any organization) should include a copy of their award/sponsorship letter with their application. If the sponsorship is awarded after you submitted your application, please send a PDF copy of the letter to [email protected]  to be added to your application file.

Students may apply to participate in Georgetown’s NIH-funded, externally peer-reviewed institutional training programs. Visit BGE T32 Training Grants to learn more about our programs.

Students who wish to conduct dissertation research at the National Institutes of Health should submit an application through the NIH’s partnership with Georgetown University Biomedical Graduate Education. Visit the  BGE Partner Institutions page  for details and application instructions.

Career Readiness

Our students benefit from the services of the Biomedical Graduate Education career office, including one-on-one advising, skills workshops, leadership programs and more.

Graduate Studies

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology is one of 14 Stanford “home programs” that cooperatively recruit and train graduate students in the Biosciences .  Students apply to up to three such programs and then enter through one.  As the name implies, the “home” program serves as the student’s home from which to explore all that Stanford has to offer. Research rotations lasting three months (one quarter) can be done in any bioscience lab in the University (a total of over 280!) but at least one must be done in a lab that is part of the home program; in our case, that means over 25 faculty. The final thesis lab is chosen based on these research rotations and while most student ends up staying in the original home program, ones who discover a new passion during their rotations can transfer to a different home program or simply stay within the M&I home and do their thesis work outside the Department (assuming their thesis work will bear at least some connection to our discipline). In the autumn of their second year, students take their qualifying exam, an on-topic oral defense based on research that a student will be working on at Stanford. In the spring of this same year, each student presents a research proposal that will form the basis of the PhD thesis. All students are required to obtain some teaching experience, usually by serving as a teaching assistant in at least one department course. The normal time for completion of the PhD is about 5 to 5.5 years.

Graduate Advising Expectations The Department of Microbiology and Immunology is committed to providing academic advising in support of graduate student scholarly and professional development. When most effective, this advising relationship entails collaborative and sustained engagement by both the adviser and the advisee. As a best practice, advising expectations should be periodically discussed and reviewed to ensure mutual understanding. Both the adviser and the advisee are expected to maintain professionalism and integrity.

Faculty advisors guide students in key areas such as selecting courses, designing and conducting research, developing of teaching pedagogy, navigating policies and degree requirements, and exploring academic opportunities and professional pathways.

Graduate students are active contributors to the advising relationship, proactively seeking academic and professional guidance and taking responsibility for informing themselves of policies and degree requirements for their graduate program.

Expectations of faculty advisors in Microbiology and Immunology:

• actively promote a diverse and inclusive work environment
• serve as intellectual and professional mentors to their graduate students including regular meetings/interactions that focus on the student and student's project.
• provide knowledgeable support concerning the academic and non-academic policies that pertain to graduate students 
• help to prepare students to be competitive for employment
• maintain a high level of professionalism and open dialogue in the relationship
• establish and collaboratively maintain expectations of the advisor/advisee relationship consistent with departmental standard

Additional details and resources can be found in the  Guidelines for Advising Relationship Between Faculty and Graduate Students .

General Responsibilities of Faculty Advisors The University requires that within each department or program minimum advising expectations be set for both advisor and advisee.  Such minimum expectations must differentiate between master’s and doctoral programs, and between different types of advisors (academic/program vs. research.)  These department or program expectations must be distributed to faculty and graduate students on an annual basis at the start of each academic year and must be easily accessible on the web. Faculty are expected to affirm that they have received the advising expectations.  Each faculty member has the prerogative to augment the departmental advising expectations with their specific additional expectations, while remaining consistent with the departmental advising policies.

Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS)

Course Requirements (pdf)

Course Catalog

2023-24 Graduate Student Handbook (pdf)

• Admissions FAQs
• PMI Retreat Day
• MSTP Information
• Microbiology and Immunology Student Association
• Core Facilities
• MID Scholars Program

Funding Opportunities

Graduate students enrolled in the Program of Microbiology and Immunology will receive a stipend, full tuition remission, and individual health insurance (with an option to purchase additional family coverage). The  stipend is competitive ($40,000 for the 2023-2024 academic year) and given Pittsburgh's affordable cost of living, allows students to live comfortably. In addition, a  $2,000 educational enrichment account  is provided to each first-year PhD student for the purchase of books, computers, and other education-related expenses.

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Graduate Program in Microbiology and Immunology also has six current T32 training grants for pre- and post-doctoral trainees.

Cancer Immunology Training Program

Funding Agency: National Cancer Institute MPI: Dr. Dario Vignali and Dr. Robert Binder [email protected]     [email protected]

Immunology of Infectious Disease 

Funding Agency: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases PI: Dr. JoAnne Flynn [email protected]

Molecular Microbial Persistence and Pathogenesis 

Funding Agency: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases PI: Dr. Neal Deluca [email protected]

Autoimmunity and Immunopathology Training Program

Funding Agency: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases PI: Dr. Penelope Morel [email protected]

Interdisciplinary Training in Transplantation Biology

Funding Agency: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases PI: Dr. Angus Thomson [email protected]