Microbiology Graduate Programs
The microbiology graduate programs provide you with an advanced education in immunology and food safety while embracing an integrative approach to science. You will develop a broad academic foundation with a concentration in at least one science discipline. You will learn from and research alongside a group of faculty from across the University of Arizona, each with their own expertise area in the field of microbiology.
About the microbiology graduate programs
As a microbiology graduate student, you will have access to a dedicated faculty mentor from day one who supports you on your path to graduation. Limited graduate assistantships are also available through the School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, the Department of Environmental Science and the School of Plant Sciences.
Microbiology is offered as a M.S. and Ph.D. Your individual plan of study is developed and approved by your graduate advisory committee (GAC) in accordance with your research interests and career goals.
You can expect to become an expert in verbal and written communication through participation in departmental courses and seminars, and presentations at local, national and international meetings. You also are required to gain teaching experience by becoming a teaching assistant or through involvement in other teaching activities.
The traditional M.S. option requires:
- formal graduate courses
- a major research project
- a formal thesis
Note: students wishing to pursue a Ph.D. degree later (with committee approval) do not have to complete this M.S. degree option.
Exceptional University of Arizona undergraduate students may apply for admission to the accelerated M.S. program during their third year at the university. You must meet certain academic standards as well as have adequate experience in the research laboratory of a microbiology faculty member who chooses to sponsor you. The accelerated M.S. degree option also requires the completion of a formal thesis project.
Once admitted into the accelerated M.S. program, you can reasonably expect to complete your M.S. degree in just one year after receiving your B.S. degree.
The Ph.D. degree requires:
- a minimal number of formal graduate courses
- traditional comprehensive written and oral exams
- a formal research project and dissertation defense
The Microbiology Ph.D. program does not require the prior completion of a master’s degree.
A minor in microbiology will consist of nine hours of graded coursework with one member of the graduate student’s committee being part of the MGP. Dissertation work in absentia must be recommended by the MGPC and approved by petition to the Graduate College.
- At least 30 units of (500 level or above to be applied to the Program of Study).
- At least 15 units of core courses, including ≥ 3 units in professional skills and conduct
- At least 6 units of elective classes
- MIC 595a, Critical Evaluation of Scientific Literature (Spring semester only)
- ACBS 696a (Research Seminar) enrolment annually. Attendance is required regardless of registration unless there is a course scheduling conflict on the scheduled seminar days. Attendance is recorded in the student’s annual progress report.
- At least 3 units of internship credits (ACBS 693) or research credits (MIC 900)
- 3 units of MS report credits (MIC 909)
Core classes may be chosen from the following:
- ACBS 523 Mechanisms of Disease
- ACBS 543 Research Animal Methods
- MIC 519 Immunology
- MIC 530 Food Safety and Biotechnology
- MCB 573 Recombinant DNA Methods and Applications
Professional skills and conduct courses may include any of the following:
- BNAD 510 Foundations of Business for Scientists
- ENGR 512a Management of Technology I
Review the graduate handbook PDF for detailed information about each of the Microbiology degree tracks, including timelines, expectations and program administration.