Accelerated Master of Science in Microbiology & Cell and Molecular Biology (4+1 Program)

Summary:

The Accelerated Master’s Degree offers students the opportunity to obtain a Master’s of Science in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics in one year. The Microbiology and Molecular Genetics AMS Program strives to admit academically strong students and educate them for successful careers based on a science foundation.

Admissions are made through the OSU Graduate College with referral to the Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics (MMG). The OSU Graduate College guidelines are to be followed for admissions with the department making the final selection of AMS applicants. The selection process considers GPAs, recommendation letters (At least 3 letters are required), and statement of purpose. Personal and phone interviews could be conducted to assess students potential and readiness for the program.

There are two tracks for achieving a MS in microbiology in one-year post graduation. The 4+1 option allows OSU Microbiology majors to apply for a MS degree after their Junior year. Students accepted to the program will take 9 shared graduate/undergraduate credit hours during their senior year and 21 credit hours during their one post graduate year. Students from other departments/schools or Microbiology majors could also apply post-graduation for one-year Masters that entails 30-32 credit hours in one post graduate year. In both tracks, didactic course work, an independent literature review or authentic research experience, and oral presentation are required for graduation.

This AMS program has a "rolling" enrollment period with the final submission deadline being July 1st for a start in the following Fall semester. This program is designed to fit within a 12 month period including summer enrollment.

The Accelerated Master’s program does NOT qualify for financial assistance in the form of a graduate student stipend (Graduate Research Assistant or Graduate Teaching Assistant). Students participating in this program do not qualify for a university tuition waiver. Please see tuition and fees for more details.

Program Benefits for Students:
This program offers students an opportunity to obtain graduate-level knowledge of microbiology in a 1-year time frame. The overall goal of the program is to provide an environment of scholarship, integrity, research and teaching excellence that will assist students in acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to excel as professional scientists and educators. This setting can help students establish a strong knowledge base in preparation for applying to medical school or veterinary medicine programs. In addition, the program can be beneficial to law students interested in areas such as biomedical patent law, or to professionals employed in biotechnology industry who need to obtain an MS degree to further their careers in industry.

Typical Curriculum Structure for Accelerated Master of Science in Microbiology & Cell and Molecular Biology:

Fall Semester: Quantum Microbiology (6163), Microbial Pathogenesis (5273), Recent Advancements in Microbiology (6120), Special Problems in Microbiology (5990), 5 credit hours of Microbiology elective

Spring Semester: Cell Signaling and Gene Regulation (6263), Microbial Ecology (6213), Recent Advances in Microbiology (6120), Special Problems in Microbiology (5990), 5 credit hours of Microbiology elective

Summer Semester: Special Problems (5000)-2 credit hours.

Approved electives: Non-zero ending MICR or BIOC courses at 5000 level or above, ZOOL5283, or BIOL5524

Frequently Asked Questions about our Accelerated Master's Program:
We have provided a PDF document to answer potential questions that you might have about our program as well as about life in Stillwater, OSU, and the Department of Microbiology.

Master of Science in Microbiology & Cell and Molecular Biology

Summary:
The Master of Science in Microbiology program strives to admit academically strong students and educate them for a successful career in science in a two year period. The MS program in the Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics is designed to enhance the scientific academic background of those students who are seeking professional degrees or a career in industry. While here at OSU, a student will be working alongside of our fantastic group of faculty to reach the goal of making the student extremely competitive for their future career.

Admissions are made through the OSU Graduate College, using their guidelines, with a final referral to the Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics for consideration. The Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics accepts applications until January 15th of each year and all admissions are made for the following Fall semester. To be considered and ranked for admission, we study applicants' GPAs (undergraduate and/or Masters) and recommendation letters (3 at minimum). Offers of acceptance are made in the spring and students are to be present to join the Graduate Program in August.

It is important to know that a student is NOT REQUIRED to have a mentor when considering an application. In the first semester, the graduate coordinator, along with the graduate committee members, will determine the classes that students are to enroll in. Students will choose their mentor during their first year of the program. Once an advisor has been chosen, course and research plans are to be decided with the advisor.

The Master’s program participants qualify for financial assistance in the form of a graduate student stipend (Graduate Research Assistant or Graduate Teaching Assistant). Students participating in this program also qualify for a university tuition waiver. Please see tuition and fees for more details.

Program Benefits for Students:
The overall goal of the program is to give each student the advantage that they need for a future career in science of their choice. To bolster this advantage, the program provides avenues of learning that include a rigorous curriculum designed to provide cutting-edge knowledge in various aspects of microbiology, a strong emphasis on discipline that is directly applied to the real world scenarios after graduation, and a high level of communication in the program that facilitates active mentoring, networking opportunities and access to diverse expertise in the department.

Typical Curriculum Structure for Master's Programs:
Since a student is not required to have a mentor when entering the Master's program in the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, a graduate student coordinator will work with students to make sure that their curriculum is appropriate for the individual.  Due to this, the curriculum will vary depending on the student.  Once an advisor is chosen by the student, the advisor will work with the student for course selections. Students will have the opportunity to choose from the various courses that the department offers in addition to the required Seminar (MICR 5990) and Journal Club (MICR 6120) courses.  

Frequently Asked Questions about our Master's Program:
We have provided a PDF document to answer potential questions that you might have about our program as well as about life in Stillwater, OSU, and the Department of Microbiology. 

Doctor of Philosophy in Microbiology & Cell and Molecular Biology

Summary:
Our Ph.D. program in Microbiology & Cell and Molecular Biology offers numerous advantages to our to graduate students. Students enrolled in the program will be actively engaging with their peers and mentors to have an environment of innovative research. Our program is designed to promote our students to the highest level in the scientific community and to build a nurturing environment in which graduate students can fully develop and express their intellectual talents, research skills, and teaching abilities.

Admissions are made through the OSU Graduate College, using their guidelines, with a final referral to the Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics for consideration. The Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics accepts applications until January 15th of each year and all admissions are made for the following Fall semester. To be considered and ranked for admission, we study applicants' GPAs (undergraduate and/or Masters) and recommendation letters (3 are minimum). Offers of acceptance are made in April and students are to be present to join the Graduate Program August.

It is important to know that a student is NOT REQUIRED to have a mentor when considering an application. In the first semester, the graduate coordinator, along with the graduate committee members, will determine the classes that students are to enroll in. Students will choose their mentor during their first year of the program. Once an advisor has been chosen, course and research plans are to be decided with the advisor.

The Doctorate program participants qualify for financial assistance in the form of a graduate student stipend (Graduate Research Assistant or Graduate Teaching Assistant). Students participating in this program also qualify for a university tuition waiver. Please see tuition and fees for more details.

Program Benefits for Students:
The overall goal of the program is to give each student the advantage that they need for a future career in science of their choice. To bolster this advantage, the program provides avenues of learning that include a rigorous curriculum designed to provide cutting-edge knowledge in various aspects of microbiology, a strong emphasis on discipline that is directly applied to the real world scenarios after graduation, and a high level of communication in the program that facilitates active mentoring, networking opportunities and access to diverse expertise in the department.

Typical Curriculum Structure for Doctorate Program:
Since a student is not required to have a mentor when entering the Doctorate program in the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, a graduate student coordinator will work with students to make sure that their curriculum is appropriate for the individual.  Due to this, the curriculum will vary depending on the student.  Once an advisor is chosen by the student, the advisor will work with the student for course selections. Students will have the opportunity to choose from the various courses that the department offers in addition to the required Seminar (MICR 5990) and Journal Club (MICR 6120) courses.

Frequently Asked Questions about our Doctorate Program:
We have provided a PDF document to answer potential questions that you might have about our program as well as about life in Stillwater, OSU, and the Department of Microbiology.