Microbiology Master's

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The program seeks to help students develop a foundation of knowledge in microbiology, master techniques, critically analyze results from their own research and the work of others, write high-quality technical documents, present their work, and meet the field's professional and ethical standards.

Program Options

The MS degree (thesis or paper), including an Accelerated BS to MS (4+1) Program, requires 30 credits in total, including required coursework indicated below.

Thesis-based MS 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 leadership, citizenship, and inclusiveness.

Paper Based MS Outcomes

  1. Adhere to ethical and professional standards in Microbiology.
  2. Demonstrate foundational knowledge in Microbiology.
  3. Participates in scholarly inquiry relevant to 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 Master plan must complete the following courses

MICR 701Introduction to Graduate Research1-3
MICR 720Scientific Integrity1
MICR 790Seminar 2 required for Thesis MS1-2
MICR 793Individual Study/Tutorial Masters Portfolio1
MICR 797Master's Paper2-4
or
MICR 798Master's Thesis6-10

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):

MICR 675Virology3
MICR 680Microbial Physiology3
MICR 682Microbial Genetics3
BIOL 820Advanced Cell Biology3

Microbial Systems (select one of the following options):

MICR 652Microbial Ecology3
MICR 653Food Microbiology3
MICR 660Microbial Pathogenesis3
MICR 670Basic Immunology3

Analytical Skills & Technology (select one of the following options):

CSCI 732Introduction To Bioinformatics3
MICR 671Immunological Assays2
and
MICR 645Animal Cell Culture Techniques2
MICR 681Microbial Genomics with Computational Laboratory3
STAT 669Introduction to Biostatistics3

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 (Paper-based M.S. or Thesis-based M.S.).
    • Describe your preparation for graduate study in microbiology, including relevant academic, research, or professional experiences. How have these experiences shaped your career goals, and what strengths will you bring to graduate study?
    • How will your background, experiences, or perspectives contribute to the academic and research community of our program?
    • Describe the specific aspects of a faculty member’s work that interest you and how your background and goals align with their research. (For Thesis-based M.S. ONLY)

Admission Standards

Applicants are evaluated in each of five dimensions that are expected to impact performance as a graduate student:

  1. Academic preparation
    1. Prior courses/degrees
    2. Communication
    3. English Proficiency - if applicable
  2. Scholarly Potential
    1. Motivation for graduate study
    2. Prior Experience
  3. Socio-Emotional Competencies
    1. Self-Appraisal
    2. Long term Goals/Accomplishments
  4. Alignment with Program
    1. Alignment with Faculty research
    2. Alignment with program training
  5. Alignment with Values of the department 

Please see the Microbiology website for more details on the admissions process and Frequently Asked Questions.