PhD - Doctor of Philosophy in Microbiology and Immunology

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology offers students the MS and PhD degrees. The programs are designed to promote understanding of the molecular mechanisms of infectious diseases. The department has research programs in the areas of parasitic, viral, and opportunistic infections; bacterial pathogenesis and genomics; immunology; and drug development driven by investigators with national and international reputations and with extended histories of extramural funding from the NIH, as well as other sources of funding. In the first year, students complete both required courses in the core curriculum, and research laboratory rotation requirements. All students must pass an examination at the end of the first year, while also attending seminars and journal clubs. PhD students are required to successfully complete the core curriculum and the first year program-specific course work (Molecular Pathogenesis I and II and Immunology). The preliminary examination, taken at the end of the first year, involves a research proposal written in response to a question submitted by a committee of the Program's faculty. Advanced level courses in immunology, virology, advanced molecular biology, microbial pathogenesis, experimental therapeutics and emerging infectious diseases are offered to interested students in the second year and PhD students are required to enroll for credit for at least two advanced courses. PhD candidates must pass a qualifying examination in the middle of their third year. In all semesters, PhD students must attend seminars and journal clubs. PhD students are also required to submit a minimum of two manuscripts (publications from their research) during the course of the program. The average amount of time required to complete the PhD requirements is five years. Courses Repeatable for Credit As well as taking all required courses, MS and PhD students may re-enroll in courses having the status “repeatable for credit” (such as journal club, seminar and research courses) for the duration of their program in order to meet the total number of credits required for graduation.