Microbiology Masters
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The program seeks to help students develop their foundation of knowledge in microbiology, master techniques in microbiology and immunology, critically analyze results from their own research and the work of others, write high-quality technical documents, present their work, and to meet all professional and ethical standards of the field.
Program Options
Plan A (Thesis-based) MS degree, including an Accelerated BS to MS (4+1) Program
30 credits are required in total; 16 of which should be didactic, including required coursework in Structure & Function of Cells, Microbial Systems, and Analytical Skill & Technology. Students are expected to craft their plan of study based on their career goals and under advisement from their committee. Two credits for presentation in MICR 790 (Graduate Seminar) are required for the thesis masters. After the required courses, the remaining credits must consist of graduate-level elective coursework as featured on a Plan of Study approved by the student’s thesis committee.
Plan A Outcomes
1. Adhere to ethical and professional standards in Microbiology.
2. Demonstrate foundational knowledge in Microbiology.
3. Participates in scholarly inquiry relevant the field of study.
4. Collect and document reproducible and publishable quality data through completion of experiments using at least one technique.
5. Critically analyze, write high-quality technical documents, and communicate scientific content to a chosen audience. Contribute significantly (co-authorship) to scientific journal articles.
6. Participates in collaboration in ways that enhance the output of the project.
7. Display professional skills in personal effectiveness, including managing individual projects and being ready for the workplace.
8. Participate in activities that promote civic responsibility, citizenship, and inclusiveness.
Plan B (Paper-based) MS degree.
30 credits are required in total. Students must complete a minimum of 21 didactic credits towards this degree, including required coursework in Structure & Function of Cells, Microbial Systems, and Analytical Skill & Technology as required for a plan A MS degree. At least one credit for presentation in MICR 790 (Graduate Seminar) and between two and four credits in MICR 797 (MS Paper) will count towards degree requirements. Attendance at program seminars is expected as is adherence to professional standards in microbiology.
Plan B Outcomes
1. Adhere to ethical and professional standards in Microbiology.
2. Demonstrate foundational knowledge in Microbiology.
3. Participates in scholarly inquiry relevant the field of study.
4. Critically analyze and write quality technical documents and communicate scientific content to a chosen audience.
5. Participates in collaboration to successfully complete a project.
6. Display professional skills in personal effectiveness, including managing individual projects and being ready for the workplace.
Students in either Masters plan must complete the following courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MICR 701 | Introduction to Graduate Research | 1-3 |
| UNIV 720 | 1 | |
| MICR 790 | Graduate Seminar 2 required for Thesis MS | 1-2 |
| MICR 793 | Individual Study/Tutorial Masters Portfolio | 1 |
| MICR 797 | Master's Paper | 2-4 |
| or | ||
| MICR 798 | Master's Thesis | 6-10 |
Students in either Masters plan must complete one course from each of three core areas of study:
Structure and Functional of Cells (select one of the following options):
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MICR 675 | Virology | 3 |
| MICR 680 | Microbial Physiology | 3 |
| MICR 682 | Microbial Genetics | 3 |
| BIOL 820 | Advanced Cell Biology | 3 |
Microbial Systems (select one of the following options):
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MICR 652 | Microbial Ecology | 3 |
| MICR 670 | Basic Immunology | 3 |
| MICR 653 | Food Microbiology | 3 |
| MICR 650 | 3 |
Analytical Skills & Technology (select one of the following options):
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MICR 681 | Microbial Genomics with Computational Laboratory | 3 |
| STAT 669 | Introduction to Biostatistics | 3 |
| CSCI 732 | Introduction to Bioinformatics | 3 |
| MICR 671 | Immunology and Serology Laboratory | 2 |
| and | ||
| MICR 645 | Animal Cell Culture Techniques | 2 |
Admission and Application Requirements
Graduate School admission and application requirements are found on the Admission Information page. In addition to these requirements, the following are required:
- Evidence of a strong academic record in the biological sciences.
- The statement of purpose should address each of the following:
- The degree you are seeking (Comprehensive study-based M.S., Thesis-based M.S., or PhD).
- An explanation of how obtaining a graduate degree in our program fits your career goals.
- A description of the qualities you possess that will contribute to your success.
- A description of any relevant experiences you have had. If you have had research experience, it is important to include a letter of recommendation from your research adviser. (Particularly important for Thesis-based M.S. and Ph.D. applicants.
- A list of the areas of research in the department that interest you and identifying specific researchers is helpful. (Particularly important for Thesis-based M.S. and Ph.D. applicants)
- The Department of Microbiological Sciences and North Dakota State University value and support individuals with diverse backgrounds, and experiences. Valuing our differences opens learning opportunities beyond the traditional classroom, resulting in a more rewarding education, research, and enhanced perspectives. Please write a statement that identifies the distinctive characteristics and/or life experiences, such as successfully overcoming obstacles or hardships, that you would bring to your graduate studies.
Admission Standards
Applicants are evaluated in each of five dimensions that are expected to impact performance as a graduate student:
- Academic preparation
- Prior courses/degrees
- Communication
- English Proficiency - if applicable
- Scholarly Potential
- Motivation for graduate study
- Prior Experience
- Socio-Emotional Competencies
- Self-Appraisal
- Long term Goals/Accomplishments
- Alignment with Program
- Alignment with Faculty research
- Alignment with program training
- Alignment with Diversity Values of the department
Please see the Microbiology website for more details on the admissions process and Frequently Asked Questions.