Program Overview

MS in Infectious Diseases and Microbiology

The Master of Science in Infectious Diseases and Microbiology program provides students with a unique basic science education within the School of Public Health. Graduates of our MS program develop skills and experience to become more competitive applicants for medical school and doctoral programs, as well as qualified researchers in academia, government, and industry. This two-year program emphasizes coursework in immunology, cell biology, and virology, and enables students to apply their coursework to their thesis research projects completed under a faculty advisor.

Requirements

• 36 credits, including coursework and research (NOTE: Often times most of these credits can be earned in three terms of full-time study)
• Coursework in immunology, virology, and infectious diseases
• Coursework in public health principles and research ethics
• Advanced coursework in molecular biology and virology
• Advanced thesis research in an area of specialization

Competencies

Graduates will be able to:

• Describe comprehensive knowledge of the process in the development, testing, and considerations for implementation of a successful vaccine
• Explain an ecological perspective on the connections among human health, animal health, and ecosystem health
• Discuss the mechanisms of innate and acquired immunity and their roles in health and disease
• Describe the experimental methodologies and analyses used in modern infectious disease research
• Design, analyze, and interpret data from research experiments covering molecular biology, microbiology, immunology, and infectious diseases
• Communicate the results of their own independent laboratory-based research

Part-time MS Degree

Many of our MS students are part-time students working as full-time research specialists in laboratories on campus, including the Medical School, School of Arts and Sciences, and Childrens Hospital. They are able to use the education benefit provided by the university, and perform their thesis research as part of their job responsibilities.

Recent Thesis Titles

Recent thesis titles are available for review, showcasing the diverse range of research topics and areas of specialization within the program.

Career Outcomes

Recent graduates hold positions such as:

• R&D scientist
• Clinical Research Specialist
• Veterinarian Student
• Research Associate
• PhD Student
• Research Associate in various institutions and organizations

Degree Programs

The School of Public Health offers various degree programs, including:

• MPH
• MS
• PhD
• Student Handbooks and Forms are available for each program.