Microbiology, MS

When you become an expert in microbes, you'll be able to contribute to the greater good. Learn how microbes impact human health and the environment, and receive theoretical and practical training in your chosen area of interest.

Program Description

Degree Awarded: MS Microbiology

In the Master of Science program in microbiology, you are trained in microbial ecology and evolution, geomicrobiology, bacterial physiology and genetics, bacterial pathogenesis, metabolic engineering, immunology and vaccine development, and cancer biology. You receive advanced training in the study of microbes and their impact on humankind, disease and the environment. The tools you use are as varied as nanotechnologies, genomics, mathematical models and satellite-based imaging.

You 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.

Learning Outcomes

Able to carry out a research plan in an area of Microbiology under advisement of their mentors.
Able to review the scholarly literature associated with research questions in microbiology.
Able to communicate science effectively, both orally and in writing.

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

At a Glance: program details

Location:
Tempe campus
Second Language Requirement: No

Student Handbook

Application and admission information

Applications open September 1 for admission in Fall of the following year. The application deadline is November 15. We accept applications for Fall semesters only. We cannot guarantee that applications received after the November 15 deadline will be considered for admission.

All applicants must apply by filling out ASU's Graduate Admissions application. All application materials must be submitted through the application or to Graduate Admissions directly. Please do not mail or email any documents to the School of Life Sciences.

Required materials and information include the following:

1-2 page personal statement
An up to date CV or resume
The names of relevant SOLS faculty you have been in touch with who you might be interested in being supervised by
Unofficial transcripts and English proficiency test scores (if applicable)
The names and emails of at least 3 recommenders to write you letters of recommendation

Following the November 15 deadline, faculty will begin reviewing applications. Applicants should monitor their My ASU priority tasks to ensure there are no missing materials in their application. Admission decisions will begin in March, and applicants typically receive final decisions by April 1.

Minimum requirements for admission include the following:

Cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
International applicants must satisfy university minimum requirements for English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, PTE). There are other ways to demonstrate English proficiency beyond the tests, so please refer to ASU's English proficiency webpage to review how you might satisfy requirements.

Desired qualifications typically seen in competitive candidates:

Research experience and a letter of recommendation from a faculty research supervisor
English proficiency scores that meet these teaching assistant language proficiency requirements

Please note that the GRE is not required.

There is a unique process for eligible ASU undergraduate students to apply to an accelerated BS/MS program in the School of Life Sciences, involving a two-phase application process students initiate when they have about 75 credit hours of their bachelor's completed. Please see details about accelerated BS/MS programs and our application process by reviewing the Accelerated Bachelor's and Master's of Science webpage.

In the School of Life Sciences, there is no funding guarantee for students admitted to a master's degree. If admitted, master's students are able to request teaching assistant positions each semester. However, positions may only be assigned on a first come, first serve basis pending position availability. Research assistant positions are uncommon for master's students but ultimately depend on the student's faculty research supervisor. Teaching and research assistant positions for master's students come with a salary for the semester assigned, but do not include tuition or health insurance assistance.

Given the lack of position guarantee, master's students should ensure they understand the tuition costs they will be responsible for. Tuition varies depending on a student's residency status. To review anticipated tuition costs, please utilize ASU's tuition estimator.

Degree Requirements

Curriculum Plan Options

30 credit hours and a thesis

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 must 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 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.

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 - Microbiology

Explore the unseen world of microorganisms and their profound influence on human health, ecosystems and global systems. You'll get training that blends foundational biological science with hands-on laboratory training in modern molecular techniques.

Microbiology Program Website | Locations: TEMPE

BS - Neuroscience

Explore how the human brain and nervous system shape thought, emotion and behavior. As part of a close-knit community, you'll collaborate with award-winning faculty across four foundational areas of neuroscience and prepare for careers or graduate study in a broad range of health and psychological sciences.

Neuroscience Program Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

BS - Biological Sciences

Explore the diversity of living systems and the connections that sustain life with a degree that offers flexible specialization options and hands-on research experiences. Work alongside faculty in research labs and develop practical skills in laboratory work, field studies and scientific communication.

Biological Sciences Program Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

BS - Biological Sciences (Genetics, Cell and Developmental Biology)

Study the biological mechanisms that control gene expression, cellular communication and organismal development, gaining deep knowledge in areas that can help you drive advances in medicine and biotechnology.

Biological Sciences (Genetics, Cell and Developmental Biology) Program Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

BS - Biological Sciences (Conservation Biology and Ecology)

Study how organisms engage with their environments, analyze ecological data, and conduct fieldwork in Arizona's deserts and beyond. Explore the science of biodiversity as you prepare to design solutions that conserve species, sustain ecosystems and promote a more resilient and sustainable planet.

Biological Sciences (Conservation Biology and Ecology) Program Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

BS - Biological Sciences (Biology and Society)

Explore the intersection of biology and human systems while you examine how scientific knowledge shapes our understanding of the world and the systems we create, including health care, environmental policy, public communication and ethical decision-making.

Biological Sciences (Biology and Society) Program Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

BS - Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology

Explore how biological systems function at the molecular level and how that knowledge drives innovation in health care, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. You'll study molecular biological processes that shape health and disease while gaining extensive hands-on laboratory experience with techniques such as molecular cloning, PCR and protein analysis.

Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology Program Website | Locations: TEMPE

BS - Biological Sciences (Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior)

Explore how organisms think, move and behave. Investigate the biological mechanisms behind neural processes, physiological systems and behavior while developing research and analytical skills through laboratory experiences and faculty-led investigations.

Biological Sciences (Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior) Program Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

BS - Microbiology (Medical Microbiology)

Study infectious disease through a degree that prepares you to understand pathogens, diagnostics and disease mechanisms. Explore the biology of microorganisms and obtain training in clinical laboratory techniques used in health care and research settings.

Microbiology (Medical Microbiology) Program Website | Locations: TEMPE

BS - Biological Sciences (Biomedical Sciences)

Explore human biology, disease processes and molecular health mechanisms. You'll build a foundation in chemistry and biology while gaining practical laboratory and research experience essential for success in health-related professions.

Biological Sciences (Biomedical Sciences) Program Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.

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Application Deadlines

Fall

Session

Modality

Deadline

Type

Session A/C

In Person

November 15th

Final

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. Graduates are prepared for careers in bacteriology, virology, mycology, immunology and oncology in academic institutions, government agencies or commercial entities.

Career examples include:

environmental scientist or specialist (including health)
lab manager in an academic or industrial lab
medical or clinical laboratory technologist
microbiologist in diverse sectors, including food service and the health care industry
natural sciences manager
research technician in an academic or industrial lab

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

[email protected]
480/965-1768