A microbiology PhD requires dedication, and students will have to make decisions about what they want to do with their degree. Some microbiology programs specialize in a particular area, such as cancer research, or offer dual degrees in microbiology and immunology. Applicants will need to look into a number of programs to find the ones that are most closely related to their interests, or they will need to look for good general schools that allow for flexibility and exploration in a variety of areas. This isn’t the only requirement; students must also meet a number of other school requirements before being accepted.
Departments that offer a microbiology PhD specify exactly what they look for in prospective students. Many programs accept students who have only earned a bachelor’s degree. Majors in biology, biochemistry, microbiology, or pre-medicine are some of the most commonly accepted degrees. Some colleges will not admit students with only a bachelor’s degree, preferring students with master’s degrees in microbiology or related fields such as genetics, immunology, or public health. Applicants to some of the most prestigious schools are required to have a graduate degree and several years of work experience.
There are some additional requirements for the application. Many universities require students to take the Graduate Record Exam, both the general and subject versions (GRE). Strong academic performance, particularly in the sciences, can be extremely valuable. Students will also need letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources attesting to their suitability for doctoral work. Foreign-born students may be required to take language proficiency tests.
Students who conduct thorough research and identify schools that most closely match their requirements are more likely to pursue a microbiology PhD. Students take classes and spend a significant amount of time working in laboratories, just like in any other doctoral program. Many schools require graduate students to teach or work as a teaching assistant for a year or more, which is beneficial to many students because they are often paid a stipend, which can help with college costs.
Most colleges that offer a microbiology PhD require students to take a comprehensive examination in their second or third year of school. This is to ensure that students have sufficient knowledge to continue working in the field. If a student fails an exam, some schools will allow them to retake it. Students are advanced to PhD candidacy after passing this exam, and they begin working on their dissertation, which is a lengthy project involving original research that is presented to faculty. Before the PhD is awarded, the dissertation must be approved by the faculty.
A microbiology PhD takes most students four to five years to complete. If a dissertation is extremely complex or is not initially accepted by the faculty review board, the time limit may be extended. Many people find that earning this degree is well worth their time, as it allows them to pursue careers in private research, university teaching, and a variety of other fields.