https://graduate.ouhsc.edu/Programs Parent Page: Programs id: 27772 Active Page: Graduate Program in Microbiology & Immunology id: 35745

The Graduate Program in Microbiology & Immunology fosters students to be leaders in biomedical science. Our highly interactive, productive research environment offers the opportunity for students to learn from over 30 faculty mentors performing cutting-edge research in the fields of bacterial pathogenesis, parasitology, mycology, and immunology. During your training, you will develop critical thinking skills, publish peer-reviewed original research papers, develop public speaking and teaching skills, present at national conferences and learn to write scientific grant proposals. After their first year in the GPiBS program, students may be admitted to the program through joining the laboratory of a participating faculty mentor. Students will graduate with a PhD to prepare them for careers in biomedical sciences including academic research, biotech and pharmaceutical industry, government, education, and many other paths. Graduate students are granted tuition and fee waivers, health insurance, and a competitive stipend of $36,000 per year. On average, biomedical doctoral students complete their degrees in 5.5 years. Our internationally prominent faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge technology, and external funding combine to make the Graduate Program in Microbiology & Immunology a leader in graduate education and research. 

Average Class Size

2-8 students per year

Average GPA

3.6 accompanied by 16 months of research experience

Average time to complete the program

5.5 years

Curriculum

The first semester GPiBS curriculum is uniform for all students in the program and includes:  

  • BMSC 6012     Molecular Systems I 
  • BMSC 6112     Molecular Systems II 
  • BMSC 6152     Cellular Systems I 
  • BMSC 6052     Cellular Systems II 
  • BMSC 5001     Scientific Integrity  
  • BMSC 5021     Rigor & Reproducibility in Scientific Methodology  
  • BMSC 5031     Laboratory Animal Use and Concepts 
  • BMSC 5221     Interdisciplinary First Year Journal Club 
  • BMSC 6100     Bioscience Lab Rotation 

During the second semester, students enroll in 9-12 short, 5-week selective courses along with laboratory rotations. Selective courses offer students the opportunity to tailor their education to their area(s) of interest and the department they intend to join. For the Department of Microbiology & Immunology you will take five selectives in Microbiology and Immunology focusing on bacterial pathogenesis, parasites, fungi, viruses and the host immune response. 

  • MI 5301 Microbiology I 
  • MI 6301 Microbiology II 
  • MI 6501 Microbiology III 
  • MI 6031 Immunology I 
  • MI 6041 Immunology II 

In the second year, course work includes Infection & Immunity and Scientific Grant Writing, which are highly interactive discussion-based classes.  

  • MI 6822 Infection & Immunity 
  • MI 6604 Scientific Writing  

In year 3 onward, students focus on their research projects, while also attending departmental seminars from nationally recognized visiting scientists and participate in journal clubs.  

Admission Requirements

First year students in GPiBS rotate in laboratories and at the end of their first year may join the Department of Microbiology & Immunology if their mentor is part of our program. For admission to GPiBS, applicants must have earned at least a Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field with a minimum GPA of 3.0. It is recommended that applicants complete upper division Biology and Biochemistry coursework. Additionally, applicants are expected to have completed a significant amount of relevant hypothesis-driven research prior to applying and being admitted into the program.

What makes thi program unique?

  • OU Health Campus maintains genomics, proteomics, microscopy, and cytometry core facilities equipped with many of the newest pieces of technology to advance research. 
  • Students completing a PhD pursue a wide array of career opportunities including academic and industry research, higher education, scientific writing, consulting, government, technology ventures and patent law, among several others.  

Program Details

Location Offered

Oklahoma City


Degree Acquired



Application Window

Through the Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences (GPiBS):

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OU Heath Sciences has given me the opportunity to interact with multiple labs and learn new skills. It has let me make connections and see different ways that research is and can be done.

Jeremy Alexander
Ahmad Lab, Cell Biology PhD Program, Second Year

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