Doctor of Philosophy in Microbiology and Immunology

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology at IU School of Medicine offers a PhD program that is typically completed in about five years. The curriculum is designed to move students into the laboratory and their prospective dissertation project as quickly as possible. Following the first year of course work, through the IBMG program, students usually take four credits of course work in their second year and begin to focus on their research. After passing the qualifying examination at the end of their second year, students advance to PhD candidacy and devote their time primarily to their dissertation research projects. The program prepares students for productive careers as research scientists, as faculty, or in other leadership positions in their chosen fields. Opportunities to gain teaching experience with introduction to modern teaching theory are available for students interested in academic careers.

As the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at IU School of Medicine has grown to encompass many specialty areas, PhD students can specialize within the disciplines of pathogenesis, immunology, cancer, hematopoiesis and gene transfer therapy.

To earn a PhD degree in Microbiology and Immunology through IU School of Medicine, a student must complete a total of 90 credits, 40 credits must in research. At least 26 credits should be completed in course work, of which 14 credits are within a student's major and the remaining 12 credits are in the student's chosen minor. Participation in weekly departmental seminars and journal club forums and attending and presenting at the department's student seminar series at least once each year are also required. Attendance is reported to mentor and committee for consideration in assigning research grades. This PhD curriculum trains excellent biomedical researchers who become independent, creative investigators.

Students have the freedom to explore research areas through three rotations in laboratories across programs and choose entry into any of the nine Ph.D. programs at the conclusion of the first academic year. The open-enrollment system enhances the community of graduate students by offering a shared collaborative culture, a vital component of today's interdisciplinary nature of biomedical science research.

A strong background in molecular and/or cellular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, or related fields is recommended for applicants. Undergraduate courses should include basic biology, genetics, general and organic chemistry, physics, calculus, and biochemistry. The General Test of the GRE is required.

English language requirements:

All non-native speakers of English must also submit proof of English proficiency unless the applicant has a Bachelor's degree or higher from the US or a predominantly English-speaking country.

• IELTS score of 7.5
• TOEFL (iBT) score of 101
• TOEFL (paper-based) a minimum score of 620
• TOEFL (computer based) score of 259
• GPA score varies depending on institution
• GRE Quantitative score of 89%; Verbal score of 76%; Analytical score of 37%