The graduate program is primarily for students seeking the Ph.D. degree or combined M.D./Ph.D. degree. Students carry out research in a specific area of Microbiology and are prepared for research careers in academic or industrial settings. Degree requirements include successful completion of course work and submission and defense of a dissertation based on original research carried out under the supervision of a department faculty member.
Students are generally admitted through the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences (IGPBS) in the fall of the year. This program admits students with interests in all areas of basic biomedical research. The first year of the program involves course work in molecular and cellular biology and rotations in at least two laboratories. At the end of the first year, students who select an advisor with a primary appointment in Microbiology will become members of the Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Immunology.
Exceptionally qualified students can apply for direct entry into the Department's Graduate Program. Please contact the Department's Graduate Advisor for further information.
Students pursuing the Ph.D. degree must complete the first year of the IGPBS. Coursework requirements for students that have been directly accepted into the Department's Graduate Program will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Starting with their second year of study, students are required to take two of three core courses in their subject area [Immunology (MICR 808), Bacterial Genetics and Pathogenesis (MICR 820) or Virology (MICR 835)] as well as an advanced course (see Curriculum). The Ph.D. qualifying exam is taken after completion of the second year and involves the oral defense of a written research proposal outside the student's immediate research area.
Students also participate in the Departmental Seminar Series by regularly attending the Microbiology Seminars and by presenting four Student Literature Seminars. Participation in the Research-in-Progress series is voluntary, but strongly encouraged. Together, this prepares the students for the presention of their own findings beyond the confines of the Department, e.g. at the Medical Center's Student Research Forum, and at regional, national, or international scientific meetings. Financial support for student travel to scientific meetings is available.
A written dissertation and oral defense are required for completion of the Ph.D. The program usually requires four to five years of study.
The department offers a combined program for students who wish to pursue the M.D. and Ph.D. degrees concurrently. Admission through the KU M.D./Ph.D. Physician Scientist program is highly competitive, and selection is based on academic achievement and potential for a career in research. Requirements for completion of the Ph.D. portion of the combined degree are the same as for the traditional Ph.D. and include a comprehensive exam and defense of a written dissertation based on original research. Certain Ph.D. course requirements can be fulfilled by academic credit earned in the M.D. portion of the program. Completion of the combined degree program generally requires seven years.
During the first year of study students are supported by a Teaching Assistantship. In subsequent years of study students are supported by continuation of Teaching Assistantships or by Research Fellowships. Students receiving assistantships are paid $24,000 per year (as of July 2008) and receive a tuition waiver. Dedicated funding for M.D./Ph.D. students provides financial support during the medical and graduate phases of study.
The Student Counseling & Educational Support Services keeps a current list of apartments, houses, and residence-sharing opportunities.
The University of Kansas Medical Center
Housing Information and Referrals
Mail Stop 4006
G116 Student Center
3901 Rainbow Boulevard
Kansas City, KS 66160
(913) 588-4695
Any student enrolling in this or any Microbiology graduate program, who, because of a disability, needs an accommodation in order to complete course requirements should contact the Microbiology Graduate Studies Director or the ADA/504 Coordinator (913-588-7813 : TDD 913-588-7963).
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