Doctoral Degree in Microbiology and Immunology
OVERVIEW
Who is this program for?
A doctoral program in Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics is suited for individuals driven to explore the molecular basis of infectious diseases, immune responses, and genetic regulation, with a focus on advancing research in health and disease. Graduates can pursue careers in academia, pharmaceutical research, biotechnology, public health, or government agencies, specializing in areas such as vaccine development, cancer immunotherapy, or microbial genomics.
Program Overview
The Ph.D. program in Microbiology & Immunology is designed to prepare doctoral candidates for research careers in academia, industry, and government laboratories. The program has at its heart a close student-mentor relationship that allows for maximum flexibility in the development of independent and creative scientists. Students will have the opportunity to join faculty research programs across a spectrum of topics including pathogenic microbiology, virology, cancer cell and molecular biology, and cellular and molecular immunology. Specific research areas include microbial physiology, bacterial pathogenicity, cellular and molecular immunology, tumor immunology, lymphocyte differentiation, membrane biology, molecular virology, molecular genetics, and gene regulation. Students will utilize cutting-edge techniques, including genetic engineering, genomics, bioinformatics, and fluorescence-activated cell sorting. The program of study is tailored to the individual background and career goals of the student and stresses an interdisciplinary approach both in the selection of courses and in the pursuit of research. The most important aspect of the doctoral program is an independent research project under the direction of the student's mentor. Students are expected to develop their reading and writing skills, in part through their participation in graduate seminars, journal clubs, and research seminars, grant-writing, interactions with visiting scholars and attendance at local and national meetings to present their research. All Ph.D. students are supported by a Research Assistantship that provides a yearly stipend, tuition costs, and student health.
Admission Requirements
Please view the Graduate School's Admission Requirements. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed below, those will also apply.
Application Requirements
Please view the application requirements for the Graduate School. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed below, those will also apply.
Program Specific Requirements
Students first apply to the Integrated Biomedical Sciences PhD program, and after successful completion of the 1-year curriculum, students can select this doctoral program to pursue their dissertation research and PhD degree.
FIND OUT EXACTLY
What You'll Learn
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
Explore Funding Options
As a graduate student, there are additional opportunities for student funding. Once you are admitted into a degree-bearing graduate program at UK, you can apply for a wide variety of financial assistance, including assistantships and fellowships. These opportunities can be tied to your program’s availability, so you should inquire with your program director about opportunities available within your program!
Get Involved!
Students who get involved in activities outside of the classroom tend to do better academically and develop meaningful relationships with others at UK. Our network of student organizations and activities has something for everyone, from academic to professional to fun!
Get More Information
Complete the form to get the latest updates on this program, including special events and application deadlines.
Discover your Future
At the University of Kentucky, we provide personalized support, innovative resources, and countless opportunities to help you turn your aspirations into achievements.
