Microbiology Major, MS

The program leading to the MS is designed to provide the student with broad basic knowledge, to permit the acquisition of technical competence in the fundamentals of research, and to encourage creative and independent thinking. Two to three years are usually needed for the course of study.

Option Available

Thesis Option
Project Option
Course Work Only with Comprehensive Exam Option

Campus Code

Knoxville Campus

Admissions Standards/Procedures

Students are expected to have completed an undergraduate program with a 3.00 or better GPA on a 4.00 system.
Included in the undergraduate course credits should be
- a full year of general biological science; one year of calculus;
- two years of chemistry, including one year of organic;
- one year of physics; and
- an introductory course in microbiology.
- In many cases, deficiencies in requirements may be removed by taking appropriate courses during the first year of graduate study.
Optional (not required) the general portion of the Graduate Record Examination.
Three letters of recommendation should be submitted by current or former faculty members.

Credit Hours Required

Minimum 30 graduate credit hours

Thesis Option, Required Courses

Complete graduate course requirements as determined by the department and the student’s faculty thesis research committee.

Thesis Option
MICR 500 - Thesis (6 credit hours)
One course in biochemistry, molecular biology or bioinformatics as approved by the student’s advisory committee
One course in statistics (STAT or other identified course) as approved by the students advisory committee

Non-Course Requirements

Thesis Option

Satisfactorily present and orally defend a research thesis.
Each new graduate student meets with an advisory committee chaired by the departmental Director of Graduate Studies to plan a program of study for the first one or two semesters until a faculty research advisor is selected.
- All first-year students participate in a laboratory rotation program during the first semester of study. This program allows the student:
  - to adjust smoothly to the research programs of the department,
  - to develop a background of research procedures and concepts, and
  - to facilitate the selection of a faculty research professor advisor.
- Usually the student selects an advisor research professor toward the end of the laboratory rotation period. The faculty research advisor oversees the student’s research program and in the naming of a thesis or dissertation committee.
One semester as a graduate teaching assistant.

Project Option

Students are required to complete a project in cooperation with their employer and/or their advisory committee.
All students must have a minimum of 3 Microbiology graduate faculty members to serve on their advisory committee.
An oral final examination covering the project and coursework is required. The oral examination will be held on the Knoxville campus. In case of failure, the candidate may not apply for reexamination until the following semester; they must register for use of facilities (per Graduate School rules). The result of the second examination is final.
Students are expected to participate and attend: MICR 595, MICR 515/615.

Coursework Only with Comprehensive Exam Option

All students must have a standing committee of 3 Microbiology graduate faculty members to serve as advisors for coursework and to administer the final comprehensive examination.
Students are required to take a written comprehensive (proficiency) examination covering their coursework. The examination will be held on the Knoxville campus. In case of failure, the candidate may not apply for reexamination until the following semester. In case of failure, the candidate may not apply for reexamination until the following semester; they must register for use of facilities (per Graduate School rules). The result of the second examination is final.
Students are expected to participate and attend: MICR 595, MICR 515/615.

Undergraduates

Graduate Students