Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, MS

The Master of Science program within the Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology provides students with a unique basic science education within the School of Public Health. Graduates of our MS program develop skills and experience to become more competitive applicants for medical school and doctoral programs, as well as qualified researchers in academia, government and industry. This two year program emphasizes coursework in immunology, cell biology, and virology, and enables students to apply their coursework to their thesis research projects completed under a faculty advisor.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
•36 credits total
•Comprehensive exam
•Research project
•Written thesis & defense

PROGRAM LENGTH
•Full-time students complete the program in 2 years or less
•Part-time students complete the program in 3-4 years on average

MS PROGRAM COMPETENCIES
1. Demonstrate knowledge of the molecular
biology of hosts and pathogens and the
pathogenesis of host/pathogen interactions.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the mechanisms of
innate and acquired immunity and their roles in
health and disease.
3. Demonstrate an ability to analyze and interpret
data from scientific publications covering
molecular biology, microbiology, immunology,
and infectious diseases.
4. Show an ability to think independently and
demonstrate comprehensive knowledge in a
specific area related to the student’s thesis
research.
5. Demonstrate an ability to conduct relatively
independent laboratory-based research.