Microbiology & Immunology MS

Major: Microbiology & Immunology
Degree Awarded: Master of Science (MS)
Calendar Type: Semester
Minimum Required Credits: 39.0 (MS, non-thesis); 48.0 (MS, thesis);
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 26.0599
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 19-1022

About the Program

The Department of Microbiology & Immunology offers MS and PhD degrees. The programs are designed to promote understanding of the molecular mechanisms of infectious diseases. The department has research programs in the areas of parasitic, viral and opportunistic infections; bacterial pathogenesis and genomics; inflammation and immunology; and drug development, all driven by investigators with national and international reputations and with extended histories of extramural funding from NIH, as well as other sources. Students are exposed to an integrated curriculum that includes the essentials for biomedical research, as well as emphasizing host-pathogen interactions through a series of molecular pathogenesis courses covering viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites, as well as immunology. Upon completing these programs, students pursue careers in academic, governmental or industrial settings.

The MS program provides students a broad background in microbiology and immunology and the techniques used in microbiology and immunology research. There are both thesis and non-thesis options for an MS degree. The thesis option combines coursework with a novel research project. The non-thesis degree program allows students to earn the degree without a research project by taking additional classes and writing a literature review paper. Students who wish to continue their graduate training after the MS degree may apply to the PhD program, and their credits may be applied to the doctoral program. The average amount of time to MS degree completion is two years.

Additional Information

For more information, visit the College of Medicine's Microbiology & Immunology program website.

Admission Requirements

Students interested in all types of pathogens (viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic) and the host response to these interactions are encouraged to apply. There are no minimum requirements, but applicants should be competitive with regard to grades, research experience and letters of recommendation. Applicants are encouraged to use email to contact the program director or any of the program's faculty with whom they may share scientific interests to discuss the applicant's suitability to the program and/or potential projects in relevant laboratories.

Drexel University College of Medicine's Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies has a rolling admissions policy, which means that complete applications are reviewed as they are received. Applicants are therefore advised to apply early, as decisions to accept or deny admission may be made before the official deadlines.

Additional Information

To learn more about applying to the Microbiology and Immunology program please visit the Microbiology & Immunology program specific website.

To learn more about applying to Drexel College of Medicine programs, please visit the College of Medicine’s Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies website.

Degree Requirements (MS)

Non-Thesis Option

*

Taken each semester. 

Thesis Option

*

Taken each semester. 

**

Taken each semester starting in the Second Year, until Thesis Defense

Students may opt to take additional approved advanced or general electives in consultation with their advisor, but these are not required.

Additional courses from the Biograduate Medical programs may be taken as electives. Students should check with the College of Medicine's Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies programs.

Sample Plan of Study (MS)

Non-Thesis Option

Thesis Option 

Program Level Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be prepared to:

• Demonstrate and communicate fundamental knowledge obtained through courses, laboratory experience and the scientific literature.
• Design experiments and develop research protocols that leave students equipped for independent performance in a laboratory.
• Perform key experiments and follow research protocols in molecular biology, microbiology and immunology techniques.
• Perform data analysis and interpretation of data in molecular biology, microbiology and immunology techniques.
• Demonstrate and apply the ethical and professional standards of scientific research including truthful presentation of ideas and data.
• Demonstrate written communication skills and record-keeping as evidenced by required paper and laboratory notebooks and preparation of scientific publications.
• Demonstrate oral communication skills as evidenced by Journal Club presentations and presentation of research at local, national and international meetings.
• Compete for job opportunities at biotechnology or pharmaceutical companies or in academic laboratories through development of a curriculum vitae, resume, cover letters, and/or research and teaching statements as evidenced by interviews and securing a position upon completion of the program.