MS in Microbiology and Immunology
Pursue a research-intensive Microbiology Immunology program
Loyola's Microbiology and Immunology Master's degree is a two-year, research-intensive program. Students are trained in the rigor of the scientific method by proposing and completing a research project under the direction of a faculty mentor.
Our Commitment To You
Graduates of Loyola's Master of Science in Microbiology and Immunology will possess the following knowledge, skills, and professional values to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical, biotech, or biomedical industries. Additionally, graduates are equipped to succeed in more advanced research, teaching, or administrative positions and will have a foundation to become leaders in their chosen fields.
KNOWLEDGE:
Students will receive broad training in the biomedicalsciences and specialized training in mircrobiology and immunology. This wide knowledge base provides flexibility to apply for a variety of careers.
SKILLS:
Students will gain the technical expertise in molecular biology and other areas, such as biochemistry, immunological techniques, enzyme assays, and cell culturing. As importantly, students will be able to enhance their communication and presentation skills.
PROFESSIONAL VALUES:
Students learn and study in an environment that values ethics, collaboration, honesty, and knowledge.
Curriculum
During the first year, students will become well-rounded in their understanding of biomedical sciences by participating in introductory courses in Molecular Biochemistry, Cell Biology, and Methods in Biomedical Sciences. Subsequently, students will receive specialized training in Microbiology, Immunology, and Virology in the second half of the year. Complementing this coursework is ethics training. Students will take a total of 30 credit hours for the program.
The program emphasizes research. Students are expected to undertake independent, original experiments culminating in a new and significant contribution to scientific knowledge. Major areas of research emphasis include: Molecular and Cellular Immunology, Neuroimmunology, Cancer Immunology, Immunodermatology, Mucosal Immunology, Viral Immunology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Pathogenic and Diagnostic Microbiology, Molecular Virolgy, Viral Pathogenesis, Microbial Genetics, and Microbial Physiology.
A member of the graduate faculty collaborates closely with students; the Graduate Program Director provides guidance in all aspects of the program, including course and rotation selection. During the first semester, students rotate through several research laboratories. At the end of this training period, students select a mentor and an area of research aligned with their interests and goals. Mentors provide advice and direction on the research project, they monitor a student's progress through the program, and provide other guidance needed for the student to complete the program successfully.
A core value of this program is helping to ensure that students can communicate effectively -- whether that's writing an article, preparing a grant proposal, or delivering a presentation. The best lecturers and teachers keep audiences engaged and express their thoughts clearly. To prepare students for this aspect of a science career, students have the opportunity to gain part-time teaching experience and to pariticipate in first year journal club, a weekly exercise in communications training. The program also sponsors special seminars (different from research seminars) during which professional writers work with students to improve and strengthen their writing skills.
Finally, the program offers students opportunities to present their research and practice presentation skills in informal and formal venues, including:
- Weekly lab meetings
- Friday meeting, an informal, department-wide hour long lab meeting in which three individuals from different labs present their research
- Department-sponsored journal clubs
- Annual department retreat and/or the Immunology retreat (often an informal poster presentation)
- Thesis seminar at the conclusion of the research program
Course Catalog
Admission
Ready to apply? This is a good place to start.
APPLICATION PROCESS
To apply, students may submit their application online. Students will be selected on the basis of grades, GRE score, three letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. As this program is research-intensive, students who show clear evidence of research potential will be given the highest priority for admission.
The Admissions Committee, led by Edward Campbell, PhD, will review applications beginning in December and continue until spaces are filled, completing admissions by Spring of the following year. The Admissions Committee will invite selected candidates to interview via Zoom, following which the Committee will make a decision. While applications received throughout the admissions cycle are reviewed, those received early in the cycle have a greater likelihood of success.
Questions? Contact Student Program Recruiter Donna Buczek.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The Biomedical Sciences Graduate Programs and Loyola's Financial Aid Office are committed to helping students secure the financial resources to make their education at Loyola affordable.
Faculty
Students will work closely with faculty-mentors. Learn more about our faculty.
Outcomes
An MS in Microbiology and Immunology will prepare graduates for a career in Pharma, Biotech. and related industries. Graduates will have strong academic, research, and communication skills, which can help them become a leading candidate for additional graduate study.