Microbiology Major, PhD

The program leading to the PhD is designed to develop the student’s ability to pursue independent and original research in microbiology and allied fields, to teach both oral and written communication of the results of research to the scientific community, and to train effective teachers. Students may enter the program after receiving either a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Students who enter with a bachelor’s degree usually receive the PhD after four or five years; those with a master’s degree usually take three or four years to complete the degree.

Requirements

Successful candidates for the Doctor of Philosophy are expected to

• Complete graduate course requirements as determined by the department and the student’s faculty dissertation research committee. 
• Satisfactorily present and orally defend a research dissertation.