Program Overview

PhD in Immunology Program

The PhD in Immunology program is an inter-institutional activity with faculty and laboratories located in the UTHealth McGovern Medical School and School of Dentistry, and the MD Anderson Cancer Center. The program is committed to excellence in graduate student education and research.

Program Overview

Principles of immunology have been applied to create numerous preventative and curative therapeutics for many types of human disease. The program has over 70 faculty members from both MD Anderson Cancer Center and The University of Texas Health Science Center-Houston. Research conducted by faculty reflects the complexity and diversity of the immune system, with main areas of focus including:

• Cancer immunology
• Infectious diseases
• Inflammation
  • Innate responses
  • Adaptive responses
  • Immune regulation
  • Development of prophylactic vaccines
  • Development of vaccines or immunotherapy for cancer, allergy, or autoimmunity

Program Requirements

In addition to general course requirements, the Immunology Program has specific course requirements and electives that students must complete to make progress towards their degree. These requirements include:

• Completion of a rigorous curriculum
• Advanced training in basic and translational immunology research
• Participation in advisory committees and candidacy exams

Research Areas

Faculty members are committed to fostering a highly interactive and supportive environment that enables students to complete their research. Main areas of faculty research include:

• Cancer immunology
• Infectious diseases
• Inflammation
  • Innate responses
  • Adaptive responses
  • Immune regulation
  • Development of prophylactic vaccines
  • Development of vaccines or immunotherapy for cancer, allergy, or autoimmunity

Faculty and Resources

The program has a diverse faculty with expertise in various areas of immunology. Students have access to state-of-the-art research facilities and resources, including laboratories and equipment. The program is committed to providing students with a supportive and interactive environment that enables them to complete their research and achieve their academic goals.