• The aim of our program is to provide you with the skills necessary to prepare you for a successful independent career in an academic or industrial setting. PhD students on our program receive one-to–one mentorship as guidance throughout their graduate studies and training in:
    • a solid and comprehensive understanding of immunology, microbiology and related subjects, such as genetics, pathology, and biochemistry in health and disease
    • skills for critically reading the literature and for teaching
    • writing and presenting skills to help you successfully present your data, obtain grant funding and write publications
  • The M&I Graduate Program is currently mentoring a total of 62 students. Approximately 6-10 new students enter the program each year.
  • In the summer before the fall semester of medical school, MD/Ph.D. students will complete two four-week lab rotations. In addition, MD/Ph.D. students are required to successfully pass the courses listed above and an End of Year One Assessment Exam.
  • In the summer before the fall semester of Year 2, MD/Ph.D. students will complete two five-week lab rotations and an off-topic research presentation. MD/Ph.D. students are also required to successfully pass the courses and  USMLE STEP 1 (Board Examination).
  • In the summer before the fall semester of GS1, MD/Ph.D. students are expected to join a lab and to successfully complete an on-topic Capstone Course and Examination as well as complete any graduate courses required by the student’s Thesis Advisory Committee
  • A summary of the general requirements for obtaining a PhD degree from the M&I Graduate Program are:
    1. Obtain a grade of “B-” or better in all courses and a pass for laboratory rotations (if applicable) and dissertation research
    2. Choose a dissertation advisor
    3. Form a dissertation committee and hold annual committee meetings (bi-annual meetings from year 5 onwards)
    4. Complete and maintain an Individual Development Plan
    5. Pass the qualifying exam
    6. Write a grant application
    7. Submit a grant application
    8. Attend and participate in the academic events of the program, including seminars, thesis defenses and Research-in-Progress
    9. Have at least 1 first author primary research paper accepted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal (2 are expected)
    10. Write, successfully defend and submit a dissertation
    11. Fulfill Graduate School requirements and NIH recommendations such as undertaking training in research ethics and teaching assistant duty.
    • Classes are organized into the core curriculum and electives. The core curriculum provides you with a comprehensive background in essential areas that covers all required coursework, while the electives let you tailor your studies to your personal interests.
    • Since there are so many different career options for Microbiology & Immunology Graduates it is difficult to determine an average salary. Typical salaries can range from $60,000 to $250,000 per year.