Microbiology and Cell Biology

Program Overview

Montana State University's Microbiology and Cell Biology program offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees, focusing on research in microbiology and immunology within world-class facilities and the Yellowstone National Park microbiome. Students engage in cutting-edge research in infectious disease, environmental sciences, or biomedical sciences, with opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. Graduates are prepared for careers in academia, industry, and government, with support from career counseling, job placement assistance, and networking opportunities.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• The Microbiology and Cell Biology program at Montana State University offers a Master of Science (M.S.)
and a Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree.
• The program focuses on research in microbiological and immunological subjects within world-class facilities and within the Yellowstone National Park microbiome.
• Candidates engage in state-of-the-art research within one of the premier infectious disease research programs in the Northwest.
• Students explore research within the environmental sciences or biomedical sciences and are encouraged to develop interdisciplinary ties in their research with additional departments and programs.

Outline:

• The program's coursework includes a wide range of topics in microbiology and cell biology, such as:
• Molecular biology
• Immunology
• Microbial pathogenesis
• Virology
• Bacterial genetics
• Cell biology
• Biochemistry
• Students also have the opportunity to conduct research in a variety of areas, such as:
• Infectious disease
• Microbial ecology
• Immunology
• Cancer biology
• Plant-microbe interactions
• The program is structured to provide students with a strong foundation in the basic principles of microbiology and cell biology, as well as the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of research.

Assessment:

• Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
• Exams
• Quizzes
• Presentations
• Research papers
• Theses
• Dissertations

Teaching:

• The program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are actively involved in research.
• The faculty use a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Lectures
• Discussions
• Laboratories
• Field trips
• The program also offers a number of unique approaches to teaching, such as:
• The opportunity to work with some of the top researchers in their fields
• The opportunity to present their work through annual graduate student research-in-progress seminars
• The opportunity to explore the University of the Yellowstone's unique ecological and microbial environment with MSU's Thermal Biology Institute

Careers:

• Graduates of the program are prepared for a wide range of careers in academia, industry, and government.
• Some of the most common career paths include:
• Research scientist
• Professor
• Laboratory technician
• Quality control manager
• Science writer
• Patent attorney
• The program also offers a number of resources to help students prepare for their careers, such as:
• Career counseling
• Job placement assistance
• Networking opportunities