Program Overview

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Microbiology, PhD

Program Description

The Doctor of Philosophy program in microbiology offers a dynamic research environment; a wide variety of basic, translational and use-inspired research areas; advanced transdisciplinary training; and opportunities to work with world-class faculty and collaborative research partners committed to training scientific leaders with the skills necessary to address significant global microbiological problems and challenges.

This program focuses on the smallest of living things and immunology. Students can tailor the program around their interests and gain skills in contemporary approaches used in microbiology, biomedicine and biotechnology. They train in a broad array of fields, including microbial ecology and evolution, geomicrobiology, bacterial physiology and genetics, bacterial pathogenesis, metabolic engineering, immunology and vaccine development, and cancer biology.

Faculty members are associated with the School of Life Sciences, The Biodesign Institute, The Translational Genomics Institute, Barrow Neurological Institute, and other area hospitals and research centers.

At a Glance

• College/school: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Location: Tempe
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes

Degree Requirements

• 84 credit hours
• A written comprehensive exam
• An oral comprehensive exam
• A prospectus
• A dissertation

Required Core

• BIO 610 Introduction to Responsible Conduct of Research in Life Sciences (1)
• MIC 501 Foundations in Microbiology (3)

Electives or Research

• 68 credit hours

Culminating Experience

• MIC 799 Dissertation (12)

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements
• A bachelor's or master's degree in the biological sciences, biochemistry or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program
• The following documents:
  • Graduate admission application and application fee
  • Official transcripts
  • Academic record form
  • Personal statement
  • Curriculum vitae or resume
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Proof of English proficiency

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Application Deadlines

• Fall: 11/15 (Final)

Program Learning Outcomes

• Able to review the scholarly literature associated with research questions in microbiology
• Able to design and execute a research plan in an area of microbiology under advisement of their mentors
• Able to communicate science effectively, both orally and in writing

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program's intense and interactive educational and research training are prepared for advanced careers in research and education, specifically in bacteriology, virology, mycology, immunology and oncology.

Career possibilities are diverse, with opportunities in:

• Academic organizations
• Research and development industries
• Government service
• Other professional organizations Examples include:
• Instructor at a university or college
• Principal investigator in a government lab or nonprofit organization
• Professor at a university or college
• Research associate at a university
• Research scientist in industry

STEM-OPT for International Students

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension. The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.