At a Glance: program details
-
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.
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.
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
Investigate the unseen world of bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms and how they shape life, health and the environment. Develop laboratory and analytical skills to prepare for your career by uncovering how microbiology drives innovation and discovery in science and society.
Website
| Locations:
TEMPE
BS
-
Neuroscience
Explore how the human brain and nervous system shape thought, emotion and behavior. As part of a close-knit community, you'll collaborate with award-winning faculty across four foundational areas of neuroscience and prepare for careers or graduate study in a broad range of health and psychological sciences.
Website
| Locations:
TEMPE,ONLNE
BS
-
Biological Sciences
Explore the diversity of living systems and the connections that sustain life. Develop analytical skills and laboratory experience while examining how biological systems function, evolve and interact. Gain a foundation in modern biology that prepares you for a variety of careers.
Website
| Locations:
TEMPE,ONLNE
BS
-
Biological Sciences (Genetics, Cell and Developmental Biology)
Study how genetic information drives development, transmits within biological systems, affects organismal change and contributes to health and disease. Gain research and laboratory experience while developing critical thinking skills that prepare you for advanced study or a career in science, medicine or biotechnology.
Website
| Locations:
TEMPE,ONLNE
BS
-
Biological Sciences (Conservation Biology and Ecology)
Discover how living systems adapt to environmental change and human influence. Build scientific knowledge and practical experience to address biodiversity loss, habitat degradation and ecosystem restoration. Prepare to design solutions that conserve species, sustain ecosystems and promote a more resilient, sustainable planet.
Website
| Locations:
TEMPE,ONLNE
BS
-
Biological Sciences (Biology and Society)
Examine how biology intersects with ethics, policy and culture. Explore how science shapes our understanding of the world and informs decisions that affect society. Develop critical thinking and communication skills that prepare you for a variety of careers.
Website
| Locations:
TEMPE,ONLNE
BS
-
Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology
Explore the intersection of biology and technology to address challenges in health, agriculture and sustainability. Gain hands-on experiences while learning how molecular biology drives innovation in biotechnology. Prepare for graduate study or a career in science, medicine or the biotechnology industry.
Website
| Locations:
TEMPE
BS
-
Biological Sciences (Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior)
Explore how animals, including humans, think, move and behave. Investigate the biological systems that control the brain and body through laboratory and field research. Develop analytical and experimental skills that open the door to a variety of careers.
Website
| Locations:
TEMPE,ONLNE
BS
-
Microbiology (Medical Microbiology)
Learn how microbes influence human health and disease. Study the biology of microorganisms and the body's defenses while gaining hands-on laboratory and research experience. Develop analytical and technical skills that prepare you for your career.
Website
| Locations:
TEMPE
BS
-
Biological Sciences (Biomedical Sciences)
Explore the science behind health, disease and innovations in medicine. Gain foundations in biology, chemistry and research methods while developing analytical and laboratory skills essential for success in health-related professions.
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
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.