Master of Science in Immunology

Mission Statement The Master of Science in Immunology, offered by the Department of Microbiology and Immunology and the Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease (M&I/IMMID), provides education and training in cellular and molecular aspects of how the immune system evolved, how it distinguishes between self and foreign (non-self), and how these features protect against infection but can also cause immunologically based diseases. Students also learn about novel tools for diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and prevention of disease. Graduates are prepared for careers in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, for advancement in their current careers, and as potential candidates for doctoral research programs in the biological sciences and medicine. Curriculum The two year non-thesis program encompasses fundamental requirements to establish a sound grounding in cellular and molecular biology, biochemistry, and genetics. Students will also receive a comprehensive education in immunology, immunological diseases, and the approaches used to treat and prevent these diseases. The program is designed with two full-time years (four semesters of at least nine credits) of required and elective graduate courses, and one or more experiential research components in the first or second year. The flexibility of the curriculum enables students to complete the degree requirement within 18 months on an accelerated basis, the successful completion of the degree will be determined by grades obtained in the graduate courses, participation in seminars and journal clubs, and performance in the research component. A minimum of 36.0 credits is required to graduate, with at least 6 of those earned as research credits