Program Overview

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Vaccinology and Immunotherapeutics Program

The Vaccinology and Immunotherapeutics Program at the University of Saskatchewan provides students with opportunities to study cutting-edge advances in the field of vaccinology and infectious diseases.

Why Choose USask for Vaccinology and Immunotherapeutics?

• You will have access to world-class research centres, including the Canadian Light Source and the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization and International Vaccine Centre.
• Learn from the wealth of industry knowledge available at Innovation Place, one of the most successful university-related research parks in North America.
• This program combines interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary academic learning with practical experience under the mentorship of a team of experts.

Quick Facts

• Expected Length:
  • M.Sc.: 2 years
  • Ph.D.: 4 years
• Degree Requirements:
• Class Delivery: in-person
• Supervisor Approval: recommended before applying
• Deadlines and Admission Details: below

Gamechangers in the Field of Vaccinology and Infectious Diseases

Trailblaze the fight against infectious diseases as you explore vaccine science, tackle societal and ethical challenges, and innovate immunotherapeutic solutions. With access to advanced facilities, you’ll drive breakthroughs that shape the future of global health.

Vaccinology and Immunotherapeutics M.Sc. and Ph.D. Research Areas

This multidisciplinary program offers students the following three streams:

• Vaccinology & Immunotherapeutics: Social Issues: The research in this area will involve the complex social, health care, legal, and ethical issues associated with vaccination and other immunotherapeutics. Students in this program will receive an M.Sc. or Ph.D.
• Vaccinology & Immunotherapeutics: Design & Production: The research in this area will focus on the design and production of vaccines and other immunotherapeutics. Students in the program will receive an M.Sc. or Ph.D.
• Vaccinology & Immunotherapeutics: Scientific Bases: The major focus of research in this area would be the science that underlies vaccines and other immunotherapeutics. Students in the program will receive an M.Sc. or Ph.D.

Research Supervisors

Before applying, it is recommended to contact a potential supervisor whose research areas align with your interests. Share your academic background and research goals. If they are accepting students, they will instruct you to begin a formal application.

List of Research Supervisors

• Jeffrey Chen: Mycobacterial virulence factors, TB host-pathogen interactions and aerobiology, Anti-TB vaccines and therapies, Animal models of TB
• Neeraj Dhar: Mycobacterium tuberculosis, infection biology, antibiotics, persistence, 3D microtissue models, single-cell imaging
• Qiang Liu: Viral Pathogenesis; Vaccine Development; Vaccine Delivery by Nanotechnology
• George Mutwiri: Vaccines, adjuvants and immunotherapeutic agents, Vaccine formulation and delivery systems, Immunobiology of Toll-like receptors, Mucosal immunology
• Scott Napper: Vaccine Development, Prion Diseases, Kinome Analysis, Infectious Disease
• Nnamdi Ndubuka: Sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections, Tuberculosis, social epidemiology and determinants of health, population health intervention research, Indigenous health, Clinical quality improvement, Epidemiology
• Aneesh Thakur: Pulmonary immunity by vaccination, vaccine formulation, mucosal immunology, mRNA vaccines, subunit vaccines, adjuvants, animal models, particle engineering, molecular imaging, thermostable vaccines
• Sureesh Tikoo: Molecular virology, Viral pathogenesis, Virus-host interactions, Vaccinology, Mucosal immunization, Viral vectors, Dendritic cell vaccines
• Aaron White: Salmonella transmission and virulence, gene expression associated with Salmonella biofilm information, Salmonella vaccine development
• Heather Wilson: Mucosal immunology, neonatal vaccinology, swine immunology, and elucidating mechanism of adjuvant signalling
• Jim Xiang: Cellular immunology, therapeutic vaccines for breast cancer treatment
• Yan Zhou: Molecular biology, pathogenesis and vaccine development of influenza virus

Tuition and Funding

Funding

Scholarships are available and are awarded on the basis of academic merit. Graduate students at USask can receive funding from a variety of sources to support their graduate education.

Tuition and Fees

Master of Science (M.Sc.)

• Term:
  • September 1 - December 31: $1,812.00 CAD (Canadian students), $4,077.00 CAD (International students)
  • January 1 - April 30: $1,812.00 CAD (Canadian students), $4,077.00 CAD (International students)
  • May 1 - August 31: $1,812.00 CAD (Canadian students), $4,077.00 CAD (International students)
• Total per academic year: $5,436.00 CAD (Canadian students), $12,231.00 CAD (International students)
• Student fees:
  • Fall: $578.45 CAD
  • Winter: $804.73 CAD
  • Spring: $36.75 CAD
  • Summer: $36.75 CAD

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

• Term:
  • September 1 - December 31: $1,812.00 CAD
  • January 1 - April 30: $1,812.00 CAD
  • May 1 - August 31: $1,812.00 CAD
• Total per academic year: $5,436.00 CAD
• Student fees:
  • Fall: $578.45 CAD
  • Winter: $804.73 CAD
  • Spring: $36.75 CAD
  • Summer: $36.75 CAD

Admission Requirements

Master of Science (M.Sc.)

• Language Proficiency Requirements: Proof of English proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English.
• A cumulative weighted average of at least a 70% (USask grade system equivalent) in the last two years of study (i.e., 60 credit units).
• A four-year honours degree, or equivalent, from a recognized college or university in an academic discipline relevant to the proposed field of study.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

• Language Proficiency Requirements: Proof of English proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English.
• Master’s degree, or equivalent, from a recognized university in a relevant academic discipline.
• A cumulative weighted average of at least an 80% (USask grade system equivalent) in the last two years of study (i.e., coursework required in master’s program).

Application Process and Deadlines

Deadlines and Important Dates

There is no set deadline for applying to this program. Applications are accepted year-round. Students may begin their program in January, May, or September each year.

Submit an Online Application

• Personal information such as your name, address, etc.
• Contact information of your three referees (two academic contacts and one academic or professional contact).
• Your complete academic history from all previous post-secondary institutions.

Submit Required Documents

• Transcripts: Unofficial PDF copies of your academic transcript(s) from each post-secondary institution attended.
• Proof of English language proficiency (if required): Completing a relevant test with the appropriate score is required before the application deadline.
• Additional documents:
  • A curriculum vitae or resume.
  • A statement/letter of intent (approximately one to three pages in length) which should include specific areas of interest, education and employment history, educational and career goals, and an assessment of how the Vaccinology and Immunotherapeutics Program will help achieve these goals.