phd in medical microbiology scope

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Offered By: Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology

Onsite | Full-Time | 5 years

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About the PhD in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Program

Through a departmental core curriculum as well as research area-specific courses, laboratory rotations, qualifying examinations, mentored research, and professional development, all MMI PhD students are prepared to engage in cutting edge research and scholarship that advances knowledge. MMI PhD students hone their scholarship, research and professional skills. Course and laboratory work can address problems in microbial pathogenesis, immunology, disease transmission, and diseases related to malaria, mosquito and arboviral biology.

Students can choose to complete the traditional MMI PhD program or the MMI PhD program concentration in Rigorous, Reproducible, and Responsible Research Investigation in Immunology & Microbiology (R 3 IM). The concentration in Rigorous, Reproducible, and Responsible Research Investigation in Immunology & Microbiology (R 3 IM) conveys a broad background in immunology and infectious diseases research, with a special emphasis on critical thinking, logic, ethics, and written and oral skills to help graduates become communicators of complex scientific concepts and agents of change in their workplaces and communities.

What Can You Do With a Graduate Degree In Molecular Microbiology And Immunology?

Visit the  Graduate Employment Outcomes Dashboard to learn about Bloomberg School graduates' employment status, sector, and salaries.

Sample Careers

• Postdoctoral Fellow, Research Associate
• Science Communicator or Writer
• Scientist (academia, industry)
• Specialist in Science Regulatory Affairs
• Faculty, Professor
• Science Advocate (nonprofit agencies)
• Public Health Service (NIH, CDC, FDA)
• Science Policy Fellow

Curriculum for the PhD in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology

Browse an overview of the requirements for this PhD program in the JHU  Academic Catalogue  and explore all course offerings in the Bloomberg School  Course Directory .

Current students can view the MMI student handbook on the MMI portal site.

Topic Areas

MMI faculty are recognized experts in a wide variety of infectious diseases research areas, allowing our PhD students to study the biology of disease based on their research interests and career goals. Our PhD students gain a comprehensive understanding of infectious diseases that provides a foundation to launch careers that directly tackle critical public health challenges.  

Topic Areas include: 

• Bacterial pathogenesis
• Cell biology 
• Fungal pathogenesis 
• Malaria 
• Medical entomology/Disease ecology
• Parasite pathogenesis 
• Rigor, Reproducibility, and Responsibility in Scientific Practice
• Tick-borne diseases
• Vaccine development 
• Vector biology
• Viral pathogenesis

Admissions Requirements

For general admissions requirements, please visit the How to Apply page.

Standardized Test Scores

Standardized test scores (GRE) are  optional  for this program. The admissions committee will make no assumptions if a standardized test score is omitted from an application, but will require evidence of quantitative/analytical ability through other application components such as academic transcripts and/or supplemental questions.  Applications will be reviewed holistically based on all application components.

Vivien Thomas PhD Scholars

The  Vivien Thomas Scholars Initiative (VTSI)  is an endowed fellowship program at Johns Hopkins for PhD students in STEM fields. It provides full tuition, stipend, and benefits while also providing targeted mentoring, networking, community, and professional development opportunities. Students who have attended a historically Black college and university (HBCU) or other minority serving institution (MSI) for undergraduate study are eligible to apply. To be considered for the VTSI, you will need to submit a SOPHAS application, VTSI supplementary materials, and all supporting documents (letters, transcripts, and test scores) by December 1, 2023. VTSI applicants are eligible for an  application fee waiver , but the fee waiver must be requested by November 15, 2023 and prior to submission of the SOPHAS application.

All full-time PhD students will receive the following support for all years of the program: stipend, full tuition, individual health insurance, University Health Services clinic fee, vision insurance, and dental insurance.

Need-Based Relocation Grants Students who  are admitted to PhD programs at JHU  starting in Fall 2023 or beyond can apply to receive a $1500 need-based grant to offset the costs of relocating to be able to attend JHU.   These grants provide funding to a portion of incoming students who, without this money, may otherwise not be able to afford to relocate to JHU for their PhD program. This is not a merit-based grant. Applications will be evaluated solely based on financial need.  View more information about the need-based relocation grants for PhD students .

Questions about the program? We're happy to help.

Ashley Choi , Senior Academic Coordinator

Alex Kim , Senior Academic Program Coordinator  Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health 615 North Wolfe Street, Room E5014 Baltimore, Maryland 21205 Fax: (410) 955-0105

Molecular Microbiology

Focusing on pathogen - host interaction.

Molecular Microbiology Program Guide

The Molecular Microbiology program is designed to prepare students for exciting careers in biomedical science with a strong emphasis on microbes and their interaction with their hosts. Research focused on bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi as well as fundamental molecular microbial genetics are at the core of our training.

The Molecular Microbiology program participates fully in the MS in Biomedical Research .

Our graduate program is supported by two NIH T32 training grants, one that supports the MERGE-ID track and one that supports the Molecular Genetics track .

Faculty & Research

The training faculty of the interdepartmental Molecular Microbiology Program is drawn from the Departments of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Immunology, Medicine, and Developmental, Chemical & Molecular Biology  at Tufts University School of Medicine and the Department of Chemistry at the College of Arts and Sciences. Three of our faculty have been recognized by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and two are members of the National Academy of Sciences. They are united by a common interest in the biology of microbes (bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites) and the effects of microbes on human and animal hosts.

Twenty different research laboratories provide exciting venues for laboratory rotations and dissertation research

Students seeking admission to the Molecular Microbiology Graduate Program apply to the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Our goal is to recruit highly motivated students who have a deep interest in microbiological research, show evidence of facility with experimentation, are collegial and communicative, and whose ambition is to excel in research and/or teaching as a career.

We are deeply committed to diversity and encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences that will enrich the mix of students on our campus.

DEI in Micro

We committed to fostering a diverse scientific community and aim to improve our core values by promoting inclusivity, diversity, and antiracism. Students enrolled in our program participate fully in the DEI activities held in the Molecular Microbiology department.

Molecular Microbiology Activities

Our program sponsors a range of social events throughout the year to build community spirit and remind everyone that graduate school can be fun.

Program Contact Information

Katya Heldwein, PhD Program Director

Jackie Kulas Program Coordinator

Curriculum & Special Tracks

Our curriculum balances hands-on laboratory research training with strong coursework and seminar-based activities. Through these experiences, students master the fundamentals of microbiology and hone their written and oral presentation skills. Students also complete a qualifying examination.

Research begins from day one with four laboratory rotations during the first year. Students learn techniques and experience various mentors, lab groups and research projects, which helps in the selection of the thesis lab.

We offer two specialized tracks:

• MERGE-ID (Medically-oriented Research in Graduate Education), which provides students with the knowledge they need to conduct hypothesis-driven research that attacks critical issues related to the treatment, prevention, diagnosis, and management of infectious diseases.
• Molecular Genetics, which provides rigorous training in fundamental aspects of molecular genetics.

Meet Our Students

Our students come from across the US and the world and are pursuing a wide range of thesis projects.

Molecular Microbiology Students

Student Publications

Publication of research is a key part of training and our students publish their work in excellent journals.

Molecular Microbiology Student Publications

Program Outcomes

Over 90% of our students complete an advanced degree and go on to pursue a wide range of careers.

Molecular Microbiology Career Outcomes and Graduation Statistics

Katya Heldwein , PhD Program Director

Jackie Kulas Administrative Coordinator

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Enriching the scientific community

Program Overview

Our Department of Microbiology & Immunology mission statement is that we are an inclusive community whose passion for discovery, service, leadership and sharing of knowledge addresses global microbiology and immunology challenges. As one of the earliest departments of its kind in the nation, the Department of Microbiology & Immunology has evolved from more than a century of pioneering excellence. Microbiologists study the molecular mechanisms by which bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites colonize a host, evade the immune response, and elicit damage to the host. Immunologists study the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms by which the immune response defends the host and regulates homeostasis using innate and adaptive mechanisms. 

In Microbiology & Immunology, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows work side by side with principal investigators to test hypotheses of medical or biological importance. Laboratory training is supplemented with rigorous coursework, seminar series, journal clubs, and presentation of research findings at national meetings. Our faculty use state-of-the-art tools to unlock the mysteries of the microbial world and the immune system. Most importantly, you will train in a collegial and collaborative environment with faculty that are dedicated to personalizing your training program to meet your own goals while also ensuring that you are fully prepared to advance in your career. The Department will continue to add new faculty and new research interests over the next few years.

Apply through our PIBS application

General research areas include:

• Viral pathogens
• Bacterial pathogens
• Eukaryotic pathogens
• Innate immunity
• Adaptive immunity
• Cell biology of infection
• Parasitology
• Microbial ecology
• Human microbiome
• Microbial epidemiology
• Computational modeling

We strive to understand the mechanisms by which viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites cause damage and disease in the infected host. Conversely, we also explore the pathways by which the host immune response overcomes these infections. These studies are carried out in the laboratories of 25 primary faculty, 16 joint faculty and 11 research-track faculty who receive substantial research grant support from the NIH and other funding agencies to perform this important research. 

Our faculty use state-of-the-art approaches such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, computational analyses, molecular and structural biology, quantitative microscopy and an array of immunologic assays and novel animal models. These efforts are supported by the outstanding core facilities at the University of Michigan and many collaborations established across our research-intensive university.  

Creative and innovative research and learning are the hallmark of our graduate program in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology. This ambitious program is designed to provide graduate students with the guidance to develop and express their intellectual interests, research talents, public speaking abilities and teaching skills. These goals are accomplished through an integrated program of independent research, graduate courses, seminars and teaching.

Required coursework includes immunology, virology and microbial pathogenesis and a choice of biochemistry, cell biology or genetics. Elective courses are designed to diversify knowledge, build skills, and teach critical thinking. Annual participation in our graduate seminar series hones public speaking skills and offers a chance to receive feedback on dissertation research outside of your dissertation committee.

Preliminary Examination

Checkpoint One (at the end of year one) tests broad knowledge and critical thinking skills, and is required for advancement to candidacy. This exam is based on knowledge and understanding of assigned primary literature articles in two of three possible areas and your ability to identify experimental next steps. Checkpoint Two is the first dissertation committee meeting consisting of an oral presentation of the student’s Ph.D. dissertation plan along with a written proposal. 

Dissertation Evaluation

Following the first committee meeting, students meet every 6-12 months with the dissertation committee to receive critical feedback and advice on completing a scholarly body of work worthy to constitute the dissertation. Our program requires that one primary research article be accepted prior to graduation.

Teaching Requirement

Our one-term teaching requirement builds teaching and mentoring skills through introductory lab or lecture courses. Additional opportunities are often available for students who enjoy teaching and seek more experience.

Expected Length of Program

This program is designed to require approximately five to six years for completion.

Our faculty and students, as well as the abundant resources available throughout the medical school, make the Department of Microbiology & immunology at the University of Michigan an exciting and supportive environment for academic research training.

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) activities are at the forefront of our department, with activities led by faculty, staff and students. We continue to add new activities and programs as suggested by a committee of graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, staff and faculty.

Collectively, we enjoy:

Tea @ 3, Tuesday afternoons in Winter

Invited speaker seminars and lunches including our student-invited and DEI seminar series

Annual department picnic and biannual departmental retreat

Journal Clubs in Microbial Pathogenesis, Virology, and Immunology

Weekly newsletters that highlight current student news along with other departmental information and university-wide offerings

Multicultural social gatherings and holiday events

Community service opportunities

After-hour social events (pizza and ping-pong, bowling, happy hours)

Occasional movie nights

More student-specific activities include:

Peer-to-peer mentoring program for incoming students

Organization of Microbiology & Immunology Students (OMIS), graduate student leadership

Opportunities to travel to scientific conferences

Opportunities to participate in a wide variety of student organizations

Faculty-Student mentoring workshops

Career and professional development programming

Internal grants, travel awards and dissertation awards

Student representatives attend faculty meetings and their voice carries weight in the department

Our department graduates approximately 7 PhD students per year. Students generally have opportunities to pursue their preferred interests following graduation. As a snapshot, 74% of recent graduates chose postdoctoral fellowships, 6% immediately entered business or industry and 20% sought employment in other sectors including scientific writing, teaching, or consulting, among others. By 5 years post-graduation, 13% enter faculty positions, 18% enter industry or business, 39% remain in training and 30% have found employment in other sectors such as those mentioned above.

Learn more about the Department of Microbiology & Immunology.

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Program Faculty

Abounader, roger.

Basic and translational brain tumor research

Agaisse, Hervé

Genetic approaches, cellular and molecular biology of intracellular pathogen infection

Arandjelovic, Sanja

Innate immunity, Cell clearance, Inflammatory and autoimmune disease

Bouton, Amy H.

Signaling Pathways and Breast Cancer

Brown, Michael G.

Natural Killer Cells, Viral Immunity, Genetic basis of host resistance to viral infection, Tumor immunity, Immune cell regulation

Bullock, Timothy N.

Pathways to enhance T cell function in tumors.

Casanova, James E.

Role of Arf family GTPases in vesicular transport and cytoskeleton assembly. Cell Biology of bacterial pathogenesis. The innate immune response to bacterial infection.

Cliffe, Anna

Herpes Simplex Virus Infection of Neurons

Cowardin, Carrie A.

The maternal and infant microbiome in childhood growth and immunity

Criss, Alison K.

Cellular and molecular mechanisms of Neisserial pathogenesis

Derré, Isabelle

Host/pathogen Interaction - Chlamydia Infection

Desai, Bimal N.

Ion channels and Ca2+-signaling in inflammation, immunity and tissue homeostasis

Dolatshahi, Sepideh

Systems Immunology, Cancer Systems Biology, , Neonatal and Maternal Immunology

Dudley, Andrew

Tumor microenvironment and mechanisms of tumor neovascularization

Elliott, Michael R.

Macrophage effector functions in inflammation and immunotherapy

Engel, Daniel A.

Drug Discovery and Molecular Biology of Pathogenic RNA viruses: Ebola, SARS-CoV-2, Influenza and Zika

Engelhard, Victor H.

Identification of MHC-restricted tumor antigens / Control of T cell homing to tumors / Tertiary lymphoid structures and intratumoral immunity

Erickson, Loren D.

Immune mechanisms of pathogenic antibody production in allergy and autoimmunity

Ewald, Sarah

Innate immunity, chronic disease, host-parasite interactions, Toxoplasma gondii, proteomics

Fox, Jay W.

Basement Membrane Structure and Metalloproteinases

Garcia-Blanco, Mariano A.

RNA-protein interactions in antiviral immunity and autoimmune diseases.

Gioeli, Daniel

Signal transduction in cancer cells

Guler, Jennifer

Mechanisms of Genetic and Metabolic Adaptation in the Malaria Parasite, Plasmodium falciparum

Hahn, Young S.

Immune regulation for HCV infection and chronic liver inflammation

Hammarskjöld, Marie-Louise

Post Transcriptional Gene Regulation and the Molecular Biology of Human Retroviruses

Harris, Tajie H.

Immune response to infectious disease in the CNS

Hughes, Molly A.

Biodefense and emerging pathogens

Kashatus, David F

The Role of Mitochondrial Fusion and Fission in Tumorigenesis.

Kedes, Dean H.

Human Herpes virus associated with malignancy, including Kaposi's Sarcoma

Kendall, Melissa M.

Bacterial cell signaling, host-pathogen interactions, intestinal pathogens

Loughran, Jr., Thomas P

Hematologic malignancies; bone marrow disorders; leukemia; large granular lymphocyte (LGL)

McNamara, Coleen A.

Immune System Regulation of Cardiometabolic Disease

Nataro, James P.

Pathogenesis of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli and Shigella.

Park, Kwon-Sik

Mechanisms of tissue/organ homeostasis and tumorigeensis

Pemberton, Lucy F.

Nuclear Transport in Chromatin Assembly and Transcriptional Regulation

Petri, William A.

Immune mechanisms of defense against COVID-19 and enteric (diarrheal) infections

Ramakrishnan, Girija

Microbial Pathogenesis

Rekosh, David M.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus Gene Expression; Human Endogenous Viruses; SARS-CoV-2 Protein Trafficking; Post-transcriptional Gene Regulation

Rutkowski, Melanie

Influence of commensal microbes on immune homeostasis, anti-tumor immunity, and metastasis

Sheybani, Natasha

Sperling, anne.

Immune Responses in asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and lung injury.

Viral immunology, T cells, Macrophages, Tissue repair

Taylor, Justin J

B cell Analysis and Engineering

Woodfolk, Judith A.

The immune response to common cold and allergens in health and disease.

Zeichner, Steven L.

Pathogenesis of infectious diseases and the development of new therapies and vaccines for infectious diseases and cancers.

Early detection, cancer prevention, and tumor microenvironment

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Ph.D. in Microbiology

• M.S. in Microbiology
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The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is the highest degree offered by the Microbiology Graduate Program (MGP). The goal of our doctoral program is to provide students with the foundation necessary to pursue a career in a university, industry or research institute setting.

Students in our doctoral program are trained to recognize significant biological problems, design experimental approaches for solving these problems and communicate their results to the scientific community and the public.

Join the Pack

Review Our Admission Requirements and Apply Now! 

The requirements listed below are the minimum requirements to be met by all students in our Ph.D. program. A student’s advisory committee may recommend additional requirements as deemed appropriate, based on a student’s background and research plans.

Curriculum and Courses

The Microbiology Graduate Programs at NC State are interdisciplinary. Our Ph.D. students take many courses taught by MGP faculty, as well as elective courses offered in numerous disciplines and departments across campus, including Biochemistry , Biotechnology , Animal Science , Food Science and Genetics . Our Ph.D. curriculum allows for flexibility Doctoral students will have completed at least 72 credits by the end of their fourth year in the program.

All microbiology graduate students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. The Graduate Student Support Plan (GSSP; tuition and health benefits) also requires continuous enrollment, meaning all graduate students must enroll for a minimum of nine credits in each Fall and Spring semester to qualify. After the first year, most of these are Research credits.

Required Course Credits for a Ph.D. in Microbiology

Required courses.

As listed above, students are required to register for the following:

MB 500s-700s – Microbiology Courses

Students are required to take 12 graduate-level, letter-graded microbiology (MB) credits. Courses are 3 credits each.

MGP students are able to take courses that focus on the various specialized disciplines of microbiology, including bacterial physiology, environmental microbiology, immunology, molecular genetics and virology. Prior experience can impact which courses a student can enroll in.

Prerequisites in biochemistry are required for many of these courses, so we recommend that all microbiology graduate students have the equivalent of introductory biochemistry ( BCH 553 ) at NC State early in the curriculum.

An example of courses that fit into two of many different microbiology “tracks” or concentrations:

Mb 870 – laboratory research rotations.

Doctoral students supported by a teaching or research assistantship are required to participate in a minimum of two research rotations , allowing them to experience the types of research performed in MGP faculty member’s laboratories and choose a research area of high interest to them. An additional rotation is possible, with approval from the Director of Graduate Programs (DGP) and the respective faculty.

Research rotations take place each year from July through the end of the Fall semester. Students earn 1 credit (MB 870) for both laboratory rotations, and their performance is formally evaluated by the principal investigator of the laboratory. Students must also provide a written or oral report about their rotation experience. Following their last research rotation, students may choose a laboratory for their dissertation research.

Although doctoral students supported by a stipend funded from a faculty grant or other source are not required to participate in the research rotations, they may choose to do so with approval from the principal investigators. We encourage all students to review MGP  faculty pages and meet with faculty before deciding upon a specific lab for their rotation.

MB 886 – Teaching Experience

A minimum teaching responsibility is part of the requirements for a Ph.D. degree in Microbiology from NC State. Students must serve as a laboratory teaching assistant for at least one semester in an NCSU on-campus course. Prior teaching experience in an M.S. program will be considered to fulfill this requirement. One credit of MB 886 is provided for each semester the student teaches.

The teaching requirement should be fulfilled at the earliest possible time in the graduate program. Example courses approved for fulfilling the teaching requirement are: MB 352, MB 412, MB 452 and BIO 181. Specific tools for enhancing teaching effectiveness are provided for teaching assistants, including workshops and constructive evaluation by the instructor and the students.

MB 801 – Seminar in Microbiology

The MGP requires all graduate students to attend Microbiology seminars throughout their degree program. All Ph.D. students must register for at least two semesters (two credits) of seminar.

MB 893/895 – Microbiology Research

MB 893 and MB 895 provide credit for research students perform in our Ph.D. program.  Students register for MB 893 prior to passing their Preliminary Exam , after which they may sign-up for a variable number of MB 895 credits each semester. A minimum of six credits is required for the Ph.D. degree. However, this is a research-intensive degree, so many credits will end up being for research (MB 895 Microbiology Research).

Other Professional Development

All our graduate students are required to attend either the Microbiology course in Professional Development and Responsible Conduct of Research, or a similar module offered in related programs (BIT, GN, etc.). One credit hour is required.

Elective Graduate Courses

Doctoral students can choose to take other courses offered by departments and programs throughout NC State (Biochemistry, Genetics, Statistics, etc.). Selection of elective courses is done by the student, in consultation with and approval by the advisory committee. Letter graded or satisfactory/unsatisfactory course formats can be used.

Below are examples of elective courses available. The graduate catalog  should be consulted for the current comprehensive listing.

• BAE 525 – Industrial Microbiology & Bioprocessing
• BCH 553 – Biochemistry of Gene Expression
• BCH 701 – Macromolecular Structure
• BCH 703 – Macromolecular Synthesis and Regulation
• BCH 705 – Molecular Biology of the Cell
• BIT 510 – Core Technologies in Biotechnology
• BIT 595X  – Advanced Modules in Biotechnology
• GN 513 – Advanced Genetics
• GN 701 – Molecular Genetics
• GN 735 – Functional Genomics
• GN 850  – Professionalism and Ethics
• MB(PP) 730  – Fungal Genetics and Physiology
• MB 610  – Special Topics in Microbiology
• MB 620  – Special Problems
• MB 801  – Seminar in Microbiology
• MB 705  – Biological Scanning Electron Microscopy
• MB(IMM) 783 – Advanced Immunology
• MB 790I  – Practical Digital Imaging

Advisory Committees

Doctoral students are required to select a dissertation advisor before the end of their second semester (until then, the Director of Graduate Programs (DGP) serves as a temporary advisor). By the end of their first year, each student must also have selected a graduate advisory committee with the help of their dissertation advisor. Advisory committee’s will consist of a student’s dissertation advisor, at least two additional faculty members from the MGP and one faculty member who holds a graduate faculty appointment in another program.

All required committee members must hold appointments within the Graduate School at NC State. Students may select scientists who are not members of the Graduate School faculty (e.g., adjunct faculty, industry scientists) for their committee, but it is in addition to the required members. Graduate advisory committees must meet no less than once a year.

Graduate Plan of Work (PoW)

A Graduate Plan of Work (PoW) will include all courses, a tentative dissertation title and an anticipated timetable for taking each course. Students and their dissertation advisors will informally outline the PoW as soon as possible. The plan will be submitted for approval to and/or amendment by the student’s advisory committee. Then the PoW will be formally submitted to the graduate school by the end of the student’s third semester at NC State.

Visit the Graduate School website for more information about the graduate PoW .

Annual Research Progress Reports

The MGP will facilitate scheduling an annual meeting of the student’s advisory committee, at which the student will make an oral presentation and submit a written report on their laboratory research. A Graduate Student Progress Evaluation Form will be completed by the advisory committee. A satisfactory evaluation will be necessary for the student to receive assistantship support and/or be able to register for the next semester.

Dissertation and Defense

All Ph.D. students must write a dissertation on their research and this must conform to the regulations laid down in the NCSU “Thesis and Dissertation Guide.” The content and structure of the dissertation must be approved by the advisory committee, and all degree candidates are expected to prepare their research results for publication prior to completing their program. Doctoral candidates who have completed their research and other degree requirements (72 credit hours) may enroll in MB 899 (Dissertation Preparation) while they are writing their dissertation. All Ph.D. candidates must also present a seminar hosted by the MGP prior to defending their dissertation. Subject to the satisfactory defense of the Ph.D. dissertation, the advisory committee will approve it for transmittal to the Graduate School.

Course Catalog

Explore our course offerings and microbiology course descriptions 

Review our admission requirements and apply now! 

Discover some of the helpful resources available to MGP students 

Fill out our interest form and we will be in touch! 

• Doing a PhD in Microbiology

What Does a PhD in Microbiology Focus On?

The exact focus of a PhD in microbiology can vary greatly, reflecting the nature of the field of study as a whole. Microbiology is defined as the study of microbes. Microbes are living organisms that are too small to be visible to the naked eye, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

From diseases to the production of food, microorganisms such as these play a vital role in life as we know it. The role of microbiologists includes treating and preventing infections, tracking the role of microbes in climate changes, ensuring food is safe.

A microbiology PhD programme can include:

• Molecular bacteriology – which focuses on bacterial pathogens of humans. A PhD in this field could involve studying the cellular biology of bacteria and investigating how they interact with the human immune system.
• Virology – which is the study of viruses. A PhD in virology typically revolves around infectious diseases and developing our understanding of the way viruses function.
• Molecular biology – where a student could learn about the composition and processes of cells. Research into cell biology has a wide range of application such as gene therapy, and planning effective targeting for new disease treatments.
• Mycology – which is the study of fungi. Postgraduate research in mycology could see researchers looking at the genetic properties of fungi to develop new tools to monitor and control their toxicity.
• Environmental microbiology – which focuses on the role microbes play in the environment. A PhD programme in environmental microbiology could conduct research into biofuels and bioremediation of contaminated land. Alternatively, it could focus on the monitoring of diseases in algae or coral reefs.
• Biogeochemisty – which studies the chemical, geological and biological process within the natural environment. Doctoral students in this field could investigate the emission of methane from microbes and how they contribute to climate change.

These are just a few of the areas a PhD in microbiology can specialise in. There are many others with medical, agricultural, environmental and commercial applications. Research projects typically revolve around lab work, and involve coordinating with another faculty or school within the university, and working alongside microbiologists, immunologists, biologists, biomedical scientists, and chemists.

Browse PhDs in Microbiology

A next-generation genetic technology to identify biotechnologically-valuable enzymes and transporters, development of fluorescent organic molecules for application in super-resolution imaging techniques, ubiquitin-dependent signalling pathways in ageing, speciation in facultatively sexual species, energy dissipation in human soft tissue during impacts, entry requirements for a phd in microbiology.

Basic requirements are typically a strong (2:1) Master’s degree in a relevant subject from an accredited university. Due to the scope of microbiology, relevant subjects can include biology, biochemistry, biomedical science, civil engineering, geoscience, medicine, agriculture, and earth sciences .

International students will also need to meet several minimum English language requirements set by the university, usually as part of a TOEFL or IELTS exam.

It is a good idea to think about your research interest before deciding to apply for a PhD in microbiology. For example, an undergraduate degree in medicine would be a good foundation ahead of a microbiology PhD programme focusing on the interaction of microbes and the human immune system. Alternatively, a graduate student of civil engineering would be suited for a research project investigating the degradation of crude oil in petroleum reserves.

Duration and Programme Types

The typical duration for a microbiology PhD programme is 3-4 years full-time, or 6 years part-time. In addition to the microbial research, most PhD programmes also include lectures and seminars which aim to equip postgraduates with transferable research skills such as project management, academic writing and commercial awareness.

A postgraduate microbiology course involves conducting original research in this area; therefore, applicants can expect to be involved in lab work. Most universities have the facilities for you to work on-campus, however some specialist subjects may require working at dedicated research centres. However, it is important to read the details of the research programme you are interested in. Though most programmes have a focus on lab work, other courses can be computational or statistical in nature. Therefore, the exact requirements for doing a PhD in microbiology depend greatly on the specific project.

Costs and Funding

The cost of doing a PhD in microbiology will depend on the university you study with, but average tuition fee is £4000-£6000 per academic year for UK/EU students and £20,000-£28,000 per academic year for international students.

A variety of scholarship and funding support options are available for postgraduate study. For microbiology in particular the BBSRC Doctoral Training Partnerships oversee a number of PhDs, and provide tuition fees for postgraduate research students. Each university has their own funding sources, which are advertised on their websites.

Available Career Paths

A research degree in microbiology can lead to a variety of career paths and jobs, so microbiologists can be found in a wide range of industries. The lab work nature of most PhD programmes equips you with the necessary skills for the research and development industry. Options for R&D work include specialist research areas such as molecular microbiology, microbial physiology, microbial pathogenesis, molecular genetics and immunology. Generally, the typical microbiology salary is higher in R&D than in the public sector.

Many post doctorates work in clinical setting such as medical laboratories and hospitals, operating as biomedical scientists or clinical scientists. In this setting you could expect to test samples to diagnose infections or develop treatments and vaccines.

Another career path for microbiology doctorates includes environmental science. Microbes contribute greatly to global warming, and microbiologists investigate the way in which microbes affect the atmosphere. Microbes can also be used for biofuel and for land decontamination.

Some doctorates choose to pursue microbiology jobs in agriculture, investigating the role of microbes in soil, developing techniques to contain plant pests, and preventing infectious disease in cattle. Alternatively, food manufacturing factors often look for microbiologists to oversee manufacturing processes to ensure the quality and safety of their products.

Postgraduate research often leads to a career in academia. Being a lecturer at a university is a great way to share your knowledge with others, and allows you to propose research projects and supervise PhD students to continue your research.

As mentioned previously, most microbiology PhD courses include research skill modules which equip doctorates with transferable skills which can be applied outside of the career options described above. Effective communication, project management, and research skills allow PhD students to work in any field.

Due to the wide range of microbiology jobs available, microbiology doctorates can expect a generous salary. The salary of microbiologists working for the NHS is determined by a set of pay bands , which include around £40,000 upon qualification and can exceed £100,000 at the highest pay band.

Browse PhDs Now

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Graduate medical education in laboratory medicine and pathology at Mayo Clinic

Clinical microbiology, m.d. (acgme) or ph.d. (cpep) postgraduate fellowship (minnesota).

The Clinical Microbiology, M.D. (ACGME) or Ph.D. (CPEP) Postgraduate Fellowship at Mayo Clinic's campus in Rochester, Minnesota, offers an outstanding educational experience for you to develop your expertise in medical microbiology within the integrated Mayo Clinic system, renowned for quality medical care and health care innovation.  Learn more about the program and what fellows can expect by watching this 5 minute program overview video .

This fellowship develops your knowledge and skills in diagnostic microbiology, infectious disease pathology, clinical consultation related to microbiology and infectious diseases, and clinical laboratory management.

Upon completion of this fellowship, you will be equipped with the skills necessary for a successful career as a director of a clinical microbiology laboratory that diagnoses infections caused by bacteria, fungi, mycobacteria, parasites, and viruses. 

Mayo Clinic's campus in Rochester, Minnesota, offers two clinical microbiology fellowship programs:

• Ph.D. program (CPEP). The CPEP program is a two-year program designed for individuals with a doctoral degree who want specific training in clinical microbiology.
• M.D. program (ACGME) . The ACGME program is a one-year program for individuals with a medical degree and previous residency training in the U.S. or Canada in pathology or an infectious diseases fellowship.

Unique program opportunities include:

• Comprehensive training and hands-on experience in all areas of clinical microbiology provided through rotations in seven specialized clinical microbiology laboratories and daily interactions with eight board-certified microbiology medical lab directors
• A strong clinical component, which includes on-call responsibilities and interacting with infectious disease clinicians and other clinical services involved in patient care
• A unique dual practice with both an in-house hospital practice and a large reference laboratory service
• Opportunity to experience different clinical microbiology laboratory settings, with rotations at the Mayo Clinic campus in either Jacksonville, Florida, or Scottsdale, Arizona
• Training opportunities to observe and perform diagnostic testing methods ranging from classic reference assays, such as bacterial biochemical analysis, viral culture, complement fixation and immunodiffusion, to contemporary molecular assays, cutting-edge next generation sequencing technology, digital imaging, and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms
• Exposure to state-of-the-art anti-microbial susceptibility testing methods
• Specific training in infectious disease pathology (diagnosis of microorganisms in histopathology and cytopathology preparations)
• Research opportunities in test development including molecular applications, next generation sequencing, and digital pathology/AI with the potential to publish and present at national meetings
• All fellows publish at least one article in a peer-reviewed journal and nearly all fellows present a poster or speak at a regional or national conference

million microbiology samples tested in 2022

hospital in Minnesota and nationally recognized on the Best Hospitals Honor Roll (U.S. News, 2023-2024)

graduates of the Clinical Microbiology Fellowship programs

Video: Program Overview

Get an inside look

Learn more about our program and explore the buildings you'll call home throughout your training.

Video: A Day Above Mayo Clinic

Your training experience

As a fellow at Mayo Clinic, you'll have access to robust clinical, educational, and research resources. You'll find support both inside and outside of the campus to promote physical and mental wellness and ensure your work/life balance.

• More about the curriculum

Director's welcome

Our curriculum integrates didactic sessions and hands-on training at the bench, alongside self-directed learning and research time, all designed to provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge you will need to become a leader in the field of clinical microbiology.

• More from the program directors

Accreditation

The CPEP program is accredited by the Committee on Postgraduate Educational Programs (CPEP) of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) and meets the certification requirements for the American Board of Medical Microbiology (ABMM).

The ACGME program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and meets the certification requirements of the American Board of Pathology (in Medical Microbiology).

Certification

When you successfully complete Mayo Clinic's Clinical Microbiology CPEP Postgraduate Fellowship (including the experience requirement), you will be eligible for certification by the American Board of Medical Microbiology (ABMM)

When you successfully complete Mayo Clinic's Clinical Microbiology ACGME Postgraduate Fellowship, you will be eligible for certification by the American Board of Medical Microbiology (ABMM) and the American Board of Pathology (in Medical Microbiology).

Program history

The Division of Clinical Microbiology at Mayo Clinic has been training fellows since 1914. Since that time, more than 150 fellows have completed training.

The CPEP program received accreditation in 1972 and the ACGME program received accreditation in 1992. Fun fact: The Clinical Microbiology CPEP Postgraduate Fellowship at Mayo Clinic was the second in the country to receive accreditation (the first was the University of Washington in 1964).

More from Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education

Choosing Mayo Clinic

Rochester, MN

Stipend and benefits

Elli Theel, Ph.D. Program Director (Ph.D. Program inquiries)

Bobbi Pritt, M.D. Program Director (M.D. Program inquiries)

Laura Wilder Education Coordinator Email:  [email protected]

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PhD Microbiology: Eligibility, Admission 2024, Fees, Syllabus, Entrance Exams, Scope

PhD in Microbiology is a doctoral degree programme that deals with the study of various microorganisms and its functioning and the programme focuses on the interactions of microorganisms with the environment and immune system of the human body. The Ph.D programme is designed to provide advanced knowledge in microbiology and other related disciplines.

Students can expect job opportunities in various fields such as academics, the medical industry, and the public sectors. Generally, the PhD Microbiology duration is three years or more to complete the course and also lab research. Applicants require a Master’s degree in Microbiology with similar or related disciplines with a valid aggregate score specified by the institute.

Students can also choose various courses such as microbiology, molecular biology, immunology, and biochemistry to pursue a PhD in microbiology. The top institutes offering PhD Management courses are Sankara Nethralaya Chennai, IGIMS Patna, and TNMC Mumbai. The average salary of a Microbiologist in India is Rs. 3 LPA, depending on the company.

Highlights: Ph.D Microbiology

Eligibility criteria for ph.d. microbiology.

Before applying to the PhD in Microbiology course in reputed colleges, aspirants must check the PhD in Microbiology eligibility criteria. Every college has different eligibility criteria which should be fulfilled by candidates. PhD in Microbiology eligibility criteria are mentioned below.

• A postgraduate degree with minimum marks of 55 percent from a recognised university in Microbiology or similar disciplines.
• Students belonging to the reserved categories will get 5 percent relaxation in admission.
• Candidates must appear for an entrance examination conducted by the exam authorities, the most popular entrance examination that is considered by many institutes for Ph.D courses is UGC NET.

Admission Process for PhD Microbiology

Admission process of a Ph.D Microbiology course depends on the institute, the admission is based on both entrance examination and merit-based admission. One of the popular exams conducted for admission to PhD courses is UGC NET. Students must score at least minimum marks in the entrance examinations to be eligible for PhD in Microbiology admission.

• Candidates interested in applying for the admissions must visit the official website of the desired institute and fill the application form carefully.
• They are also advised to meet the eligibility criteria required for admissions.
• Students must appear for the relevant entrance examinations and score valid marks required by the institute.
• They should also submit required documents specified by the institute along with the course fees.

Top Entrance Exams for Ph.D Microbiology

Students wishing to apply for a PhD Microbiology course must appear for relevant entrance examinations as per the requirements of the desired institute. They must also meet the cutoff to secure their admissions. Mentioned below are the top entrance exams required for the Ph.D courses in India.

UGC NET : University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test popularly known as UGC NET is a national-level entrance examination conducted by the National Testing Agency twice a year. The exam is conducted in Online mode and is conducted in various languages.

• UGC NET Admit Card
• UGC NET Syllabus
• UGC NET Exam Pattern
• UGC NET Result
• UGC NET Cutoff
• UGC NET Preparation Tips
• UGC NET Eligibility
• UGC NET Application

CSIR UGC NET : CSIR UGC Test for JRF and Eligibility for Lectureship also known as CSIR UGC NET is a national-level entrance examination conducted twice a year by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in online mode. The exam is conducted in both English and Hindi Languages.

• CSIR UGC NET Cutoff
• CSIR UGC NET Eligibility
• CSIR UGC NET Application
• CSIR UGC NET Exam Pattern
• CSIR UGC NET Admit Card
• CSIR UGC NET Answer Key
• CSIR UGC NET Result
• CSIR UGC NET Date
• CSIR UGC NET Syllabus

Cutoff for Top Colleges

The cutoff depends on various factors such as the entrance examination, difficulty level of the entrance examination, number of the applications, and the status and prestige of the institute. Cutoff is released every year by the institute for the programmes they will be offering, the cutoff marks are helpful for candidates to pursue the course at their desired institute.

Skills Required for Ph.D Microbiology

Candidates should possess some necessary skills to become successful researchers and lecturers in their future. A candidate with the right skills and abilities can work in top and reputed organisations. Some of the important skills required for the PhD in Microbiology courses are listed below:

• Analytical Skills
• Researching Skills
• Good written and spoken English
• Problem-Solving Skills

Syllabus of Ph.D Microbiology

The syllabus of the PhD Microbiology course depends on the institute, but it remains almost the same for every institute. The course curriculum of Ph.D Microbiology consists of various papers that the student has to clear, some of the important papers are Research Virology and Medical Microbiology. Mentioned below is the syllabus of Karpagam Academy of Higher Education.

Fee Structure for Ph.D. Microbiology

The fee structure for Ph.D. Microbiology may vary depending on the institute and its location. Students should check the fee structure of Ph.D. Microbiology courses are on the official website of the desired college. The average fees of a Ph.D. Microbiology course range from Rs. 95,000 to Rs. 1.66 Lakhs.

Scope of Ph.D Microbiology

PhD in Microbiology has a lot of scope in India and abroad, candidates after completing the course will have numerous opportunities in the medical and healthcare fields. Researchers have great demand and respect in the present world. Graduates can work as faculties at educational institutions and can also choose various career options.

Students can work in various sectors such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, laboratories, and the pharmaceutical industries. They can also pursue various case studies on microorganisms and their functioning, and conduct various experiments on infectious diseases occurring due to various microorganisms like Bacteria, Viruses, and Fungi.

Career Options After Ph.D Microbiology

There are various career options available for PhD in Microbiology and many companies hire PhD graduates. Candidates can mainly work in academics after or before pursuing postgraduate courses and some of the prominent job roles available for PhD in Microbiology are as follows:

Pharmacologist: A pharmacologist researches, develops, and evaluates medications to treat, prevent, and cure illnesses. He or she examines chemicals, gases, dust, food colorings, and other substances to see if they are dangerous. An animal, plant, or human specimen will be used in the pharmacologist's drug study and testing.

Food Technologists : Food technologists create techniques for preparing, preserving, and packaging food in a safe manner by studying its physical, chemical, and biological makeup. They test foods to make sure they adhere to industry and governmental requirements while also looking for methods to enhance their flavours and nutritional content.

Microbiologist : Microbiologists are biological scientists who study microbes to better understand how they affect our lives and how we might use them for our own benefit. They carry out research, record their findings, produce articles and reports, and manage lab employees.

Research Associate : A research associate's work includes overseeing teams, projects, and documentation. He or she works on a variety of research topics, some starting from scratch and others requiring middleman assistance. He or she runs tests and records the results.

Top Recruiters:

• Johnson and Johnson
• Emcure Pharmaceuticals

Benefits of Studying Ph.D Microbiology

Candidates pursuing a PhD in Microbiology will have a wide range of job opportunities in the medical field and the course offers various career opportunities in academics and laboratories. Students who want to become researchers and research scientists can enrol in a PhD in Microbiology course.

Candidates can also work in various industries like pharmaceutical companies, food industries, and healthcare companies. There are various career options available for PhD in Microbiology courses such as Pharmacologist, Food Technologist, Microbiologist, and Research Associate.

Average Salary of a Ph.D Microbiology

Students after completing the Ph.D. Microbiology courses must know the salaries associated with the popular career options. The average salary of a PhD Microbiology course depends on the location of the company, job profile applied by the candidate, and the experience and skills of the candidate. Mentioned below are the average salaries of a Ph.D. Microbiology course:

Source: AmbitionBox

List of Top 10 Ph.D. Microbiology Colleges in India with Fees

Many colleges offer Ph.D. Microbiology courses in India, students are advised to carefully follow the admission procedure and meet the eligibility requirements of the course. PhD Microbiology courses are offered by many private and government institutes in India, some of the top institutes are mentioned below:

Top Private Ph.D Microbiology Colleges in India with Fees

There are several private institutions that offer PhD in Microbiology courses. These PhDs in Microbiology colleges and universities are well known for their high academic standards. Some of India's top private PhD in Microbiology colleges are listed in the table below.

Top Government Ph.D Microbiology Colleges in India with Fees

PhD in Microbiology courses are offered by many government institutes in India, government institutes are known to provide quality education and charge nominal fees. The fee may vary depending on the institute, students can check the fees of the Ph.D Microbiology course on the official website of the desired college.

Ph.D Microbiology is a course at the doctorate level, the minimum duration of the course is three-years and the maximum is six-years. Students can check the official website of the desired institute to find all the course details such as the eligibility criteria, admission process, and fee details of the course.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

The PhD in Microbiology course eligibility is that students must have completed their master's degree in microbiology or any related field from a recognised board or university in India.

Yes, PhD in Microbiology courses are valid research and evidence-based courses in India. The duration of the PhD in Microbiology course is three years to five years.

Problem-solving, critical thinking, team work, and research skills are the important skills required for a PhD in Microbiology academic and professional career.

Candidates can learn various topics in a PhD in Microbiology like research methodology, virology, immunology, and microbiology.

The various career opportunities available in PhD in Microbiology courses are research associate, biochemist, microbiologist, and research scientist.

PhD in Microbiology can be pursued in both full time or part time modes of education. Whereas distance education for Ph.D. is not allowed in India.

The highest package earned by a candidate after completing a PhD in Microbiology is Rs. 12 LPA (approx), it can vary depending on the company and the job roles.

The tuition fee for the PhD in Microbiology course can range from Rs. 95,000 to Rs. 1.66 Lakhs.

The top  recruiting areas for candidates are hospitals, education institutions, clinics, food industry, and pharmaceutical companies.

There are many benefits of PhD in Microbiology courses such as they can work in many fields such as research, laboratories, education, food services, public health, and biotech companies.

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• Microbiology and Immunology

Why a PhD in Microbiology & Immunology?

Microbiology and Immunology are two broad, exciting and rapidly evolving scientific fields that are at the forefront of life science, biological and medical research. The areas of Microbiology and Immunology are strongly interconnected and are fundamental for many scientific concepts and healthcare and life science discoveries. 

Immunology is the study of the immune system across all organisms in health and disease. Immunology helps us understand how and why people get sick. Discoveries in Immunology have been essential in the development of life-changing therapies for patients and vaccinations.

Microbiology is the study of microorganisms, also called pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa. Microorganisms continuously modify their genes and can therefore become resistant to the hosts' immune system or antimicrobial therapies. Understanding how microorganisms thrive, survive and attack the immune system is highly relevant for health sciences and the development of antimicrobial treatment options.

In Graduate school you will learn in depth about the innate and adaptive immune system in health and disease, immune signaling pathways, cell development and trafficking, autoimmunity, different pathogens and host defense against pathogens, and cancer immunology. Furthermore you will acquire skills in diverse areas, such as critical thinking, practical laboratory skills, resilience, public engagement and communication skills as well as networking.

Microbiology & Immunology graduates pursue careers in diverse areas. About half of the graduates follow careers in academia, while others follow careers in healthcare, the industry, federal agencies, education, scientific communication and editing, or patent law. Microbiology & Immunology research is an international subject and many students decide to go abroad for their postdoctoral training. As such, you will meet and communicate with people from many different countries in the lab and beyond.

Taken together, if you are curious and innovative and are looking for a young and dynamic field of study that opens the possibilities for a broad range of meaningful careers, a PhD in Microbiology & Immunology will be right for you!

Job Prospects

As our knowledge of the molecular and immunological mechanisms of diseases rapidly increases, so does the need for trained scientists who can apply and further advance new innovations. The immunology job market is expected to grow by 11.4% between 2016 and 2026, far more than the average occupation.

What is the salary for a Microbiology & Immunology PhD?

Since there are so many different career options for Microbiology & Immunology Graduates it is difficult to determine an average salary. Typical salaries can range from $60,000 to $250,000 per year.

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PhD Microbiology Jobs, Scope, Salary in India

There are jobs after PhD Microbiology available for the graduates in both the public and private sectors. Graduates have PhD in Microbiology scope in Colleges, Universities, Food Industry, Development Laboratories etc.

Career Prospects and Job Scope for PhD Microbiology

PhD Microbiology salary in India is very rewarding owing to the education that the students obtain. PhD Microbiology course is a diverse and flexible course making students eligible for very rewarding job roles. Listed below are some of the PhD in Microbiology jobs that the graduates can start with:

• Agricultural and Food Scientist
• Biochemists and Biophysicists
• Biological Technicians
• Chemical Technicians
• Epidemiologists

Areas of Recruitment for PhD Microbiology

The scope of the course in India is very high and rewarding owing to the variety of areas of recruitment for the graduates. Graduates can work in both the public and private sectors. Listed below are some of the popular job roles after PhD in Microbiology in India for the graduates:

• Research Centers
• Market Research Institutes
• Universities
• Pharmaceutical Companies
• Biotechnology Companies

Salary Packages for PhD Microbiology Graduates

PhD in Microbiology salary in India is not a fixed salary and can depend on a variety of factors. Some of the factors that influence the salary of the graduates include work experience, location, and more. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a graduate is around INR 5 LPA.

Source: PayScale

PhD Microbiology Salary in India

The average Microbiology salary in India for graduates is around INR 2-4 LPA [Source: PayScale]. The table below shows the salary breakdown of PhD Microbiology ppostgradute in India:

Government Jobs for PhD Microbiology Graduates

There is also scope for the graduates to work in the government sector when pursuing the PhD Microbiology course. Aspirants may be required to give an entrance examination to get jobs in PSUs. The average PhD in Microbiology govt jobs salary is around INR 5 LPA [Source: Glassdoor]. Listed below are some of the scope in the government sector and salaries for the graduates:

Private Jobs for PhD Microbiology Graduates

Aspirants can also find many job roles in the private sector upon the completion of a PhD in Microbiology course. The average salary for graduates in the private sector is around INR 5 LPA [Source: Glassdoor]. Listed below are the popular jobs after graduation that the aspirants can start with along with their average salaries:

Job Opportunities Abroad for PhD Microbiology Graduates

There are plenty of job opportunities available for PhD Microbiology graduates in both India and abroad. A PhD in Microbiology is a doctorate specialized professional course in microbiology. Graduates can find jobs in India and abroad owe to the relevance of the education the graduates gain.

Top Companies

Check the list below for the top recruiters that hire PhD Microbiology courses for graduates:

• Colleges/ Universities
• Research Laboratories
• Food Processing Units
• Environmental Organizations 

Best Countries 

Below is the list of top countries offering PhD in Microbiology scope to the graduates:

• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands

Various Career Designations Abroad for PhD Microbiology Graduates

There are many interesting job profiles and recruiters that attract PhD in Microbiology graduates to work abroad:

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• Microbiology /

MSc Medical Microbiology: Jobs, Scope, College & More

• Updated on  
• Jan 13, 2024

As a new and emerging field, Microbiology has gained immense popularity amongst those who want to pursue a career in Medical Science. Covering various facets of Medicine, Virology, Pharmacy, and other domains, the field offers immense opportunities across various sectors. Though a course like BSc Microbiology develops a strong foundation, pursuing a postgraduate degree like MSc Medical Microbiology is essential to advance your career, specifically as a Microbiologist. Imparting both theoretical and practical knowledge of the domain, you will get to study a wide range of core and elective subjects through which you’ll be able to establish a flourishing career in Microbiology ! A comprehensive blog sheds light on Msc Medical Microbiology,  its eligibility, universities, and career scope.

This Blog Includes:

What is msc medical microbiology, why study msc medical microbiology, msc medical microbiology subjects, specializations in msc medical microbiology, msc medical microbiology: popular universities abroad, msc medical microbiology top colleges in india , entrance exams, eligibility criteria , scope of msc medical microbiology, msc medical microbiology job, skill set required.

Medical Microbiology is a branch of Medical Science that deals with the study of microorganisms, in particular, their molecular shapes, size, aspects, and lifecycle. Running for 1-2 years, the MSc Medical Microbiology program covers concepts related to different branches of Biology , including but not limited to, Mycology, Immunology, Virology, Bacteriology, etc. Furthermore, it also equips you with the skills required to diagnose and treat diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, and parasites. With a degree in this field, you can advance your career in clinical sciences, medical sciences, and virological research.

The main considerations for selecting M.Sc. Medical Microbiology are:

• study a broad area of medical science.
• thorough understanding of bacteria, fungi, viruses, diseases, pathogens, parasites, molecules, etc.
• knowledge and information on human illnesses and how to prevent them in great detail.

The following abilities must be ingrained in pupils when they study these specific courses.

• Generating new ideas and its successful Clinical representation and
• Self mutation regarding the subject and the knowledge etc.
• Critical thinking
• Critical awareness
• Accountability
• Practical Skills
• Applicability

Being a vast field of study, there is a wide range of subjects that you will study throughout the journey of the course. While some are mandatory, others are offered as concentrations for you to gain specialise in a sub-field. Enlisted are the major subjects in MSc Medical Microbiology:

• Microbiology
• Biostatistics
• Bioinformatics
• Medical Laboratory Sciences
• Biomedical Sciences
• Molecular Diagnostics
• Epidemiology
• Global Health
• Veterinary Medicine
• Human Biology  
• Bacteriology
•  Food Microbiology
• R-DNA Technology
• Microbial Production of Recombinant Molecules
• Computer Application
• Microbial Genetics
• Project Work

Based on your field of interest, you can gain expertise in a particular subject when it comes to pursuing an MSc Medical Microbiology course. Some of them have been given a rundown below: 

• Industrial Microbiology
• Evolutionary Microbiology
• Nano Microbiology
• Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
• Cellular Microbiology
• Soil Microbiology
• Agricultural Microbiology
• Veterinary Microbiology
• Generation Microbiology
• Water Microbiology
• Pharmaceutical Microbiology
• Environmental Microbiology

Well-equipped labs, top-notch faculty, high- quality education , research outputs, and industrial training opportunities are what you should consider vehicle selecting a university for a Medical Microbiology course. Though there are scores of prestigious universities around the world that offer MSc Medical Microbiology programs, some of the popular ones have been listed below: 

There are some common entrance examinations and some other personal entrance examinations administered by the specific College/University body in the case of the Entrance Examination. The examinations are as follows:

If you want to study abroad , you have to fulfil the basic eligibility criteria set by the respective university. Though the prerequisites will vary from one institute to another, we have compiled a list of common parameters that you must satisfy to pursue the MSc Medical Microbiology course below: 

• You must have a graduate degree in a relevant discipline from a recognized university.
• You will have to prove your proficiency in the English language by securing a minimum percentile in exams like IELTS, TOEFL, etc.
• Scoring well in the GRE exam is also a necessity. 
• Along with LORs and an SOP, mark sheets, updated CVs, etc will also be required. 

Note: The above-mentioned prerequisites are for indicative purposes. You can consult the team at Leverage Edu to gain more information. 

From pharmaceutical industries to Food Technology sectors, the scope of Microbiology , in particular, Medical Microbiology is immense. Upon completing the MSc Medical Microbiology course, you can find a plethora of job opportunities in both government and private sectors in some of the following roles: 

• Lecturer/Professor
• Medical Microbiologist
• Biomedical Research Assistant
• Environmental Microbiologist
• Quality Assurance Technologist
• Sales/Technical Representative
• Clinical and Veterinary Microbiologist
• Medical Technologist
• Biomedical Scientist
• Clinical Research Associate
• Pharmacologist
• Medical Consultant
• Food Technologist
• Scientific/Medical Laboratory Technician
• Research Scientist (life sciences)
• Medical Analyst 
• Medical Representative

Students with an M.Sc Medical Microbiology degree will have a plethora of job opportunities in the industries or sectors listed below: 

• Public Health Organizations
• Environmental Organizations
• Petroleum Industries
• Pharmaceuticals
• Water and Biotechnology Companies
• Forensic Science Laboratories
• Government Hospitals and Private Hospitals
• Public Funded Research Organizations and
• Higher Education Institutes
• Food and Drink Industries

Also Read – MSc Microbiology Syllabus, Course Structure & Universities

After studying for the MSc Medical Microbiology degree, there are a lot of career opportunities that students can pursue, some of them are mentioned below:

Students must instil the following skills while studying these specific this domain or fields of study and their subjects:

• Consideration for others
• Practical Knowledge
• Suitability
• Creating new ideas and seeing them through to the completion of Clinical representation and
• Self-transformation in relation to the subject and knowledge

General microbiology focuses on the study of microorganisms, whereas medical microbiology focuses on the prevention and treatment of diseases caused by microorganisms.

The 5 branches of microbiology are as follows: Bacteriology: the study of bacteria. Immunology: the study of the immune system. Mycology: the study of fungi, such as yeasts and moulds. Nematology: the study of nematodes (roundworms). Parasitology: the study of parasites. Phycology: the study of algae.

Microbiology is a difficult subject to master. It’s very detailed, and you’ll need to remember a lot of information about microscopic organisms, morphologies, and modes of action. You will most likely struggle if you do not have some basic knowledge of biology and chemistry, as well as the ability to memorise things quickly.

Yes, candidates with a B.Sc in Microbiology can work for ISRO. Students in their final year can also apply for the ISRO exam. Your age should be between 21 and 30 years old.

Best countries to study microbiology are: USA. New Zealand. Canada. Australia. Finland. Ireland. Lebanon.

Hopefully, through this blog, you are now familiar with the details related to pursuing the MSc Medical Microbiology course! If you are interested in studying this course at your dream college but are not sure how to go about it, then get in touch with experts at Leverage Edu through an E-meeting. The professionals will not only help you to find the best university but will also guide you in writing an impressive SOP! Call us immediately at 1800 57 2000 for a free 30-minute counselling session.

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what all jobs can I do after taking integrated msc in micrbiology and the maximum detailed salary for them in india???????

You can apply to be a medical microbiologist, biomedical research assistant, environmental microbiologist, quality assurance technologist, medical technologist, etc. The average salary of a fresher after MSc Microbiology in India is INR 3 lakhs per annum.

thank for more info

Hey! Glad that you enjoyed our blog.

Sir am completing my graduation with bsc.mlt. can i eligible for MSC microbiology

Hello Ankit,

If you have completed BSc MLT from a recognized university, you are eligible for an MSc Microbiology.

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