In general, qualified students will be admitted to graduate study leading directly to the Ph.D. degree in microbiology and molecular genetics. Students who are enrolled in the professional programs in the colleges of Human Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine, or in professional programs in other colleges, may pursue a graduate degree in microbiology and molecular genetics concurrently.

The Doctor of Philosophy is a research–oriented degree; the emphasis is placed on original research, and the aim is to enable the student to become a self–educating and creative scholar. Facilities and opportunities are also available for postdoctoral associates. Financial subsidy is available for qualified applicants.

A new graduate student in microbiology and molecular genetics is advised by the Director of Graduate Studies until a major professor is chosen. This choice should be made by the end of the second semester of enrollment in the program. The major professor assists the student in selecting a guidance committee. The committee helps the student in planning a program of study. The program must be approved by the end of the third semester of enrollment in the program.

Several members of the faculty of the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics are appointed jointly in other departments or are affiliated with the NSF Science and Technology Center for Microbial Ecology or with the Michigan Biotechnology Institute. Some members of the faculty contribute to interdepartmental graduate programs of study.