The Microbiology Department offers programs leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees, and also participates actively in the Five College Ph.D. Program. For graduate study in microbiology extensive undergraduate courses in microbiology are not as essential as a strong undergraduate background in chemistry, biological sciences, mathematics, and physics. Normally it is expected that entering graduate students will have completed two semesters each of organic chemistry, biochemistry, and physics, and mathematics through calculus. Students with deficiencies in these courses must compensate for them by taking appropriate courses as early as possible. Students may register for graduate courses while correcting deficiencies.

The graduate program in microbiology offers broad training which provides our graduates with the flexibility and depth necessary to compete effectively for research positions in universities, industry and government. The following research fields are represented in the department: microbial physiology, genetics, immunology, parasitology, pathogenic bacteriology, molecular biology, microbial ecology, and environmental microbiology.