Doctor of Philosophy in Microbiology

The Microbiology Graduate Group offers interdisciplinary, interdepartmental training and combines academic and experimental training in modern molecular approaches to microbiological problems. Areas of research span fundamental, applied, and pathogenic microbiology, including bacterial and viral pathogenesis, eukaryotic microbiology, microbial genomics and genetics, microbial physiology and development, microbial ecology and environmental microbiology, cancer biology, and bioengineering and bioremediation. Current faculty members utilize molecular genetics to study the biology of individual microbes and also use microbial and non-microbial models for the study of specific cellular processes, including recombination, stress responses, aging, cancer, DNA repair, and mutagenesis.

The Graduate Group in Microbiology offers a Doctor of Philosophy degree program in microbiology. This Ph.D. program combines academic and experimental training in modern molecular approaches to microbiological problems. Time for completion of the program varies depending upon the student, but is typically 5 1/2 to 6 years. The goal of the Ph.D. program is for the graduate student to present a dissertation that makes an original contribution to the body of microbiological knowledge. In the process, the group strives to give the student the opportunity to develop the skills and fundamental knowledge to become an independent investigator in academia, industry, health care or government.

Admission requires an undergraduate degree (B.S. or B.A.) in a biological science. Students must also demonstrate an aptitude and enthusiasm for research, which should include experience as an active participant in an independent research project supervised by a faculty member, GPA of 3.0 or greater (on a 4.0 scale) for undergraduate courses are generally required. GRE scores from the general test (verbal, quantitative, and analytical) must be submitted.

TOEFL iBT - Minimum Score: 80

IELTS - Minimum Score: 7.0 on a 9-point scale

Duolingo English Test - Minimum Score: 115

Admission Deadlines
General: Dec 15
Space Available: Jun 1