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Programs

Immunology Microbiology and Vaccinology

This degree program is designed to actively prepare graduates for careers in biomedical research by allowing them to earn both BS and MS degrees in five years.

Information about faculty and research can be found on the Immunology Microbiology and Vaccinology website.

AdmissionsLink to section

Applying to Master's ProgramsLink to section

Applicants need to be currently matriculated University of Rochester undergraduates with a strong academic record, including a minimum 3.3 GPA in the microbiology major, and have demonstrated commitment to pursue research (for example, IND/MBI 395. Independent Research). The process starts with a pre-application sent by email to the microbiology advisor, Jacques Robert. This requires a one-page personal statement containing scientific interest and career goals, a letter of recommendation from an independent research instructor or supervisor (preferably the IND/MBI 395 independent research supervisor), and unofficial transcripts. Interviews are then scheduled with the program director and members of the admissions committee. After the committee makes a decision to pre-accept the candidate, a full official application has to be filled online before May 1. This formal application requires the same personal statement, three letters of recommendation by professors in the major discipline (the recommendations for the pre-application may be used), and official University of Rochester transcripts. The final offer is made before or on July 1.

AcademicsLink to section

Master's Degrees and RequirementsLink to section

The BS/MS program components include didactic courses and intensive advanced training in the allied fields of immunology, microbiology, virology, and biotechnology, with a focus on hands-on research and “real world” skills. These include critical scientific thinking, scientific communication, group dynamic, problem-solving and data analysis, instruction in drug discovery, and development of an independent thesis research project.

Students are required to successfully complete all of the following for the master’s degree to be granted:

  • Coursework in three disciplines: immunology, microbiology, and virology
  • Coursework in scientific writing and critical thinking
  • Coursework relevant to the development of new biological products and therapeutics (such as drug discovery)
  • Participation in interactive and team-oriented workshops designed to increase understanding of cutting-edge technologies (such as bioinformatics, genomics, biostatistics, and data analysis)
  • Identifying and developing a research topic under the guidance of a faculty advisor
  • Establishing an advisory/examination committee of four faculty members
  • Satisfactorily completing a thesis and oral examination covering this subject matter and defending the thesis

This degree program allows students to begin work toward the master’s degree in the senior year of undergraduate study. Up to 10 graduate-level credits can be shared between the undergraduate and graduate degrees. As a result, students admitted to the BS/MS program receive their BS and MS degrees in five years—a reduction of one year from the typical “4 plus 2” years of study.

Graduate Course TitlesLink to section

  • IND 501: Ethics in Research
  • MBI 402: Writing in Microbiology
  • MBI 403: Drug Discovery
  • MBI 519: Experimental Design and Analysis
  • MBI 496: MS Project I and MS Project II
  • MBI 501: Microbiology and Immunology Student Seminar
  • MBI 404: Introduction to Emerging Pathogens
  • MBI 414: Microbial Pathogenesis
  • MBI 421: Microbial Genetics and Physiology
  • MBI 456: General Virology
  • MBI 473: Immunology
  • MBI 540: Topics in Immunology
  • MBI 514: Microbial Pathogenesis Seminar
  • MBI 521: Microbial Genetics and Physiology Seminar
  • MBI 570: Advanced Topics in Microbiology
  • MBI 573: Immunology Seminar
  • MBI 588: Virology Research Seminar
  • MBI 589: Advanced Topics in Virology