At a Glance: program details
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Location:
- Second Language Requirement: No
Program Description
Degree Awarded: MS Microbiology
In the Master of Science program in microbiology, students are trained in microbial ecology and evolution, geomicrobiology, bacterial physiology and genetics, bacterial pathogenesis, metabolic engineering, immunology and vaccine development, and cancer biology. Students receive advanced training in the study of microbes and their impact on humankind, disease and the environment. The tools they use are as varied as nanotechnologies, genomics, mathematical models and satellite-based imaging.
Students receive training in teaching as well as in basic, translational and use-inspired research with world-class faculty and collaborative research partners. 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.
Degree Requirements
Curriculum Plan Options
- 30 credit hours and a thesis
Required Core (3 credit hours)
MIC 501 Foundations in Microbiology (3)
Electives and Research (21 credit hours)
Culminating Experience (6 credit hours)
MIC 599 Thesis (6)
Additional Curriculum Information
Students should see the academic unit for a complete list of approved electives.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in the biological sciences, biochemistry or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have 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.
All applicants must submit:
- 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
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Prior research experience is a desired qualification for admission.
Flexible Degree Options
Accelerated program options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:
BS - Microbiology
Are you fascinated by the incredible way the tiniest organisms can impact our lives? Are you eager to make a difference in science, health and medicine? Dive in and explore the wonders of microbiology, and set yourself up for success in your future career.
Website | Locations: TEMPE
BS - Neuroscience
Discover how the brain and nervous system function to produce behavior, cognition and emotion. Work alongside award-winning faculty in labs at the leading edge of neuroscience research. Spanning four foundational areas of neuroscience, this program will guide you toward a career in health and research-related fields.
Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE
BS - Biological Sciences
Are you captivated by the variety and wonder of life? Are you curious about how organisms grow, interact and affect each other? Build a strong foundation of knowledge, critical thinking skills and key lab techniques that will launch your career in science, health care and research.
Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE
BS - Biological Sciences (Genetics, Cell and Developmental Biology)
Are you fascinated by how genes can effect change in organisms at the cellular level? Are you curious about how genetic information is organized and transmitted across generations? Experience the excitement of scientific discovery, and gain the critical thinking skills and key lab techniques that will launch your career.
Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE
BS - Biological Sciences (Conservation Biology and Ecology)
Are you concerned about environmental challenges such as climate change and habitat destruction? Are you curious about how organisms interact with one another and their physical surroundings? Dive in and apply a biological approach combined with human perspective to develop a deep understanding of the complex problems threatening our world.
Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE
BS - Biological Sciences (Biology and Society)
How does science shape the way we understand our world? Explore the social context of science while developing the skills needed to navigate the ethical complexities of scientific discovery. You'll learn how policy decisions are shaped by biological research, and investigate the significance of the sciences in understanding our complex world.
Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE
BS - Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology
Are you fascinated by the interplay between biology and technology? Are you eager to make a difference through groundbreaking research? Dive in and explore the rapidly expanding field of biotechnology.
Website | Locations: TEMPE
BS - Biological Sciences (Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior)
Are you fascinated by animal behavior? Are you interested in making scientific discoveries at the laboratory bench and in the field? Dive in and build the strong foundation you need to launch your career in neuroscience, health care, veterinary medicine or biomedical research.
Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE
BS - Microbiology (Medical Microbiology)
Are you passionate about understanding the way in which the tiniest organisms impact our lives? Are you eager to make a difference in science, health care or biomedical research? Build a strong foundation of coursework, competencies and critical thinking skills that prepare you to take on the changing world of medicine.
Website | Locations: TEMPE
BS - Biological Sciences (Biomedical Sciences)
Are you passionate about health care and biomedical research? Are you eager to experience groundbreaking research and understand the process of scientific discovery? Build a strong pre-health foundation of knowledge, critical thinking skills and key lab techniques that will give you a valuable edge in your career.
Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.
Application Deadlines
Fall
Session
Modality
Deadline
Type
Session A/C
In Person
November 15th
Final
Learning Outcomes
- Able to carry out a research plan in an area of Microbiology under advisement of their mentors.
- Able to review the scholarly literature associated with research questions in microbiology.
- Able to communicate science effectively, both orally and in writing.
Career Opportunities
Professionals with tailored research training in specific directions --- including microbial physiology, environmental microbiology, evolution and ecology, immunology, virology and various aspects of modern molecular genetics --- are in demand in diverse sectors. Graduates are prepared for careers in bacteriology, virology, mycology, immunology and oncology in academic institutions, government agencies or commercial entities.
Career examples include:
- environmental scientist or specialist (including health)
- lab manager in an academic or industrial lab
- medical or clinical laboratory technologist
- microbiologist in diverse sectors, including food service and the health care industry
- natural sciences manager
- research technician in an academic or industrial lab
Program Contact Information
If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly.
For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.
Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor's degree in 2.5 or 3 years.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.
Accelerated bachelor's degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.