Microbiology & Immunology PhD

Major: Microbiology & Immunology
Degree Awarded: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Calendar Type: Semester
Minimum Required Credits: 126.0 
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 26.0599
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 19-1022

About the Program

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology offers students a PhD degree. The program is 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 and 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 PhD program trains individuals to conduct independent, hypothesis-driven research and to teach in the fields of microbiology and immunology. The program includes two years of coursework as well as original research leading to published thesis work. Laboratory rotations begin in the fall of the first year. The average amount of time to completion is five 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 email the program director or any of the faculty of the program with whom they may share scientific interests to discuss their suitability to the program and/or potential projects in relevant laboratories.

Drexel University College of Medicine 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, please visit the Microbiology & Immunology program website.

Degree Requirements

*

Taken each semester until Thesis Defense

**

Taken each semester starting in Year two until Thesis Defense 

Sample Plan of Study

Full-Time Option 126-128

Part-Time Option

Post-Master Credits Required: 39.0

*

Program total credits are 126.0 to 128.0

Other program requirements include the Preliminary Examination and Qualifying Examination.

Part-time students may spend approximately 9.5 years in the MIIM PhD program.

Students with a related MS degree may be admitted to the Part-time PhD program with advanced standing. This may reduce the requirements for graduation.

*MIIM Thesis Research is a variable credit course (1-9 credits). A total of 63.0 credits must be earned.

Program Level Outcomes

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

• Have attained functional knowledge of the fields of virology, immunology, bacteriology, mycology and parasitology.
• Have attained a general knowledge of the basic concepts in biochemistry, molecular biology and cell biology.
• Be able to critically read and analyze the current literature within the research field.
• Be able to communicate effectively in science.
• Be able to conduct basic or applied research in microbiology or immunology.
• Understand how to conduct scientific research in a professional and ethical manner.
• Be prepared for a career in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical field.
• Be prepared for advanced training or education in microbiology or immunology.