Doctor of Philosophy in Microbial Pathogenesis

The Graduate Program in Microbiology is a multidepartmental, interdisciplinary Ph.D. program in training and research in the study of microorganisms and their effects on their hosts. The faculty of the program share the view that understanding the biology of microorganisms requires a multidisciplinary approach, therefore, the Microbiology graduate program emphasizes the need for strong multidisciplinary training. The program is designed to provide individualized education in modern microbiology and to prepare students for independent careers in research and teaching. Students can specialize in various areas, including bacteriology, virology, microbe-host interactions, microbial pathogenesis, cell biology and immunobiology of microbial infections, microbial genetics and physiology, structural biology, parasitology, microbiome, and microbial ecology and evolution. Course work generally occupies the first two years of study. Each student, together with a faculty committee, outlines a course of study tailored to the individual's background and career goals. A program of course work may include general microbiology, virology, parasitology, and/or microbial genetics, as well as complementary courses in such areas as epidemiology, cell biology, immunology, biochemistry, and genetics. Students must take a minimum of four courses, three of which have to be in microbiology. Students must receive a grade of Honors in two full-term courses.

To be eligible for admission to the program, applicants must have a M.D. or D.O. degree, completed two or more years of postgraduate clinical training and eligible to practice medicine in the United States. Applicants must currently have or plan on securing a residency or fellowship position at the Yale School of Medicine and two years of guaranteed stipend support. Most candidates are chosen from among those individuals who have been accepted into a Yale fellowship training program. Applicants must have completed their required clinical subspecialty training before entering the program so that the subsequent time for research is minimally interrupted.