Microbiology and Molecular Genetics - Master of Science

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 objective of the graduate programs in microbiology and molecular genetics is to provide basic education in various subdisciplines of microbiology and intensive research experience in specialty areas relative to the student's interest.  In the master's program, students extend their comprehension of microbiology and cognate science through advanced course work, seminars, and research. 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.  A Manual for Graduate Study in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics is available from the department.  This manual contains a philosophy of graduate education and information about the department's master's and doctoral degree programs and related procedures.

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.

Scheduled courses and research are offered at the W. K. Kellogg Biological Station located at Gull Lake, near Battle Creek.  

Master of Science

Most students admitted to the M.S. program in microbiology and molecular genetics  have the Ph.D. degree as their eventual goal.
In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Natural Science, Human Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine, or Veterinary Medicine, students must meet the requirements specified below.

In general, applicants should have had the equivalent of two semesters each of physics, inorganic chemistry, and organic chemistry; one biochemistry course; mathematics through integral calculus; and one or more courses in the biological sciences. Applicants should have proficiency in written and spoken English, a minimum grade–point average of 3.00, and grades of 3.0 or above in science and mathematics courses. Scores on the Graduate Record Examination General Test are not required, however a personal letter of professional intent and objectives should be submitted. Although preparation in the fundamentals of microbiology is desirable, interested students with degrees in any of the physical or biological sciences or mathematics are invited to apply for to the program. Applicants not possessing all of the requirements may be admitted to the program provisionally and permitted to make up deficiencies on a collateral basis.

Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics

The student must complete 30 credits under Plan A (with thesis).  At least 5 credits of MMG 899 Master's Thesis Research is required.  The final oral examination, which covers both course work and thesis research, is administered by the student's guidance committee and a representative of the department Graduate Committee.  The examining committee recommends a grade for the thesis research and the advisability of further graduate study.  All master's students are required to participate in laboratory teaching, and are expected to attend departmental seminars.

Students may select from the following courses:

Due to cancellations of many international English language proficiency tests, MSU will be temporarily accepting the following tests for international students applying for fall semester 2022. In addition, MSU will be expanding the ability for students to receive provisional admission. If a provisionally admitted student is able to take a test that meets our regular admission standards prior to enrollment, we will update their admission status to regular.