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PhD degree program

The Ph.D degree is now required for many scientific positions that lead to higher levels of responsibility. Our program aims to produce scientists capable of solving basic biological and health-related problems who will be competitive for leadership positions in universities, government laboratories and the private sector.

Requirements for Admission

Students who have satisfactorily completed a M.Sc. degree in microbiology and immunology, a biological science, or biochemistry, or highly qualified students enrolled in the departmental M.Sc. program, may be accepted into the Ph.D. program, provided they meet its standards.

See our Admissions page for more information.

Ph.D. Program Requirements:

The time required to complete a doctorate in microbiology and immunology will vary with the background of the student. In general, a student entering with a master's degree should plan for a 3-4 year program; a student entering with a suitable bachelor's degree should anticipate a 5 year program.

Candidates will be judged principally on their research ability and on the presentation of a satisfactory thesis.

Students must register for and satisfactorily complete the requirements of the following courses and seminars:

Course # Title Credits
MIMM 701D Comprehensive Examination 0
MIMM 611
MIMM 612
MIMM 713
Graduate Seminar 1
Graduate Seminar 2
Graduate Seminar 3
3
3
3
MIMM 613
MIMM 614
MIMM 615
Current Topics in Micro. & Imm. 1
Current Topics in Micro. & Imm. 2
Current Topics in Micro. & Imm. 3
3
3
3
MIMM 721
MIMM 722
MIMM 723
MIMM 724
Ph.D. Research Progress Report 1
Ph.D. Research Progress Report 2
Ph.D. Research Progress Report 3
Ph.D. Research Progress Report 4
1
1
1
1

Students must also complete three of the four courses below. Requests for substitution of other courses for a Reading and Conference course must be approved by the Graduate Committee.

Course # Title Credits
MIMM 616
MIMM 617
MIMM 618
MIMM 619
Reading and Conference
Reading and Conference
Reading and Conference
Reading and Conference
3
3
3
3