Microbiology, MS

Program Description

Degree Awarded: Microbiology, MS

The MS in microbiology is designed to prepare students for careers in bacteriology, virology, mycology, immunology and oncology in academic institutions, government agencies or commercial entities.

Students train broadly in microbiology, including microbial ecology and evolution, geomicrobiology, bacterial physiology and genetics, bacterial pathogenesis, metabolic engineering, immunology and vaccine development, and cancer biology. They receive advanced training in the study of microbes and their impact on humankind, disease and the environment. The tools they use range from nanotechnologies and genomics to mathematical models and satellite-based imaging.

Students receive training in teaching as well as in basic, translational and use-inspired research with world-class faculty and collaborative research partners. Faculty members are associated with the School of Life Sciences, The Biodesign Institute, The Translational Genomics Institute, Barrow Neurological Institute, and other area hospitals and research centers.

Interdisciplinary Partners

Participating faculty members and researchers come from many departments, colleges, centers and institutes across the university, including:

Additional faculty members are based at partner institutions in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, including:

Program Faculty

Student Handbook

At a Glance: program details

Location:
Tempe campus
Second Language Requirement: No

Degree Requirements

Required Core (3 credit hours)
MIC 501 Foundations in Microbiology (3)

Electives and Research (21 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (6 credit hours)
MIC 599 Thesis (6)

Additional Curriculum Information
Students should see the academic unit for a complete list of approved electives.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in the biological sciences, biochemistry or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

graduate admission application and application fee
official transcripts
academic record form
personal statement
curriculum vitae or resume
three letters of recommendation
proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

Prior research experience is a desired qualification for admission.

Career Opportunities

Professionals with tailored research training in specific directions, including microbial physiology, environmental microbiology, evolution and ecology, immunology, virology, and various aspects of modern molecular genetics are in demand in diverse sectors.

Career examples include:

environmental scientists and specialists (including health)
lab managers in academic and industrial labs
medical and clinical laboratory technologists
microbiologists in diverse sectors including food service and health care industry
natural sciences managers
research technicians in academic and industrial labs

Flexible Degree Options

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:

BS - Neuroscience

Whether your career goal is in bioengineering, medicine or allied health professions, pharmaceuticals, clinical science, or pure neuroscience or neuroimaging research, this degree provides the foundations and the flexibility you need to help take your first steps. The program encompasses training across four foundational areas in neuroscience.