Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, PhD

The PhD program in the Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology prepares students for competitive research and teaching careers in academia, government agencies, and private industry. Our PhD students complete coursework that emphasizes the fundamentals of pathogen biology, immunology, cell biology, and molecular biology, which provides the necessary educational basis to conduct independent research mentored by our faculty.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
•72 credits total
•Preliminary exam
•Comprehensive exam
•Research project and Dissertation
•First author publication

PROGRAM LENGTH
Students complete the PhD program on an average of 6 years.

PhD PROGRAM COMPETENCIES

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the molecular biology
of hosts and pathogens and how pathogenesis
of infectious diseases evolves from the
interactions of organisms on a molecular level.
2. Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the
mechanisms of innate and acquired immunity
and the role of immune functions in health and
disease.
3. Demonstrate an ability to analyze and interpret
data from scientific publications in the field of
molecular biology, microbiology, immunology, or
infectious diseases.
4. Show an ability to think independently and
demonstrate comprehensive knowledge in
a specific area of microbiology related to the
student’s dissertation work.
5. Conduct independent laboratory-based
research leading to a first author publication in
a professional peer-reviewed journal.