Microbiology

Degrees Offered:
 Program Title 

 Ph.D. 

 Ed.D. 

 M.S. 

 M.A. 

Master 
of 

 M.Ed. 

 MFA 
Microbial Biotechnology 

   

   

   

   

 Y 

   

   
Microbiology 

 Y 

   

 Y 

   

 Y 

   

   

GRADUATE FACULTY

E. S. Miller, Interim Department Head

Director of Graduate Programs:
M. R. Hyman, Box 7615, 5-7814, michael_hyman@ncsu.edu, Microbiology

ALCOA Professor of Chemical Engineering:  R. M. Kelly
William Neal Reynolds Distinguished University Professor:  T. R. Klaenhammer

Professors: P. Arasu, D. T. Brown, M. C. Flickinger, F. J. Fuller, H. M. Hassan, C. L. Hemenway, L. Jaykus, S. Kathariou, S. M. Laster, G. Luginbuhl, J. M. Mackenzie, E. S. Miller, P. E. Orndorff, I. T. Petty, B. Sherry; Adjunct Professors: I. A. Casas; Emeritus Professors: W. J. Dobrogosz, G. H. Elkan, W. E. Kloos, L. W. Parks, J. J. Perry, J. C. Shih; Associate Professors: J. W. Brown, F. De Los Reyes, A. M. Grunden, M. R. Hyman, J. W. Olson; USDA Associate Professors: F. Breidt, R. G. Upchurch; Emeritus USDA Professors: P. E. Bishop; Adjunct Associate Professors: W. M. Casey, J. M. Ligon, S. H. Shore; Assistant Professors: J. M. Bruno-Barcena, P. T. Hamilton, F. Scholle, M. L. Sikes, D. S. Threadgill; Adjunct Assistant Professors: J. L. Stephenson; Teaching Associate Professors: L. Borbye

Fields of Graduate Instruction - Microbiology

The Department of Microbiology is in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and has a unique blend of applied and basic research programs. The department offers courses of study and research leading to the Ph.D., M.S., Master of Microbiology (M.M.) and Master of Microbial Biotechnology (M.M.B.) degrees. The graduate program is designed to prepare individuals for careers in academic, industrial or research institute settings. Research in the department emphasizes study of fundamental biological processes, with several programs having important biotechnological, environmental and medical applications.

Admission Requirements: Applications are invited from individuals holding B.S. or M.S. degrees in the physical and life sciences. Applications should ideally be received in the department before January 15 to be considered for Fall semester admission. The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) should be taken sufficiently early so that scores can be submitted and evaluated along with the application.  A written statement should describe the applicant's academic and career goals as well as their area of interest.

Master's Degree Requirements: The Master of Science (M.S.) is a research-oriented degree requiring 30 credit hours, a written thesis and at least one semester of laboratory instruction. For students wishing a more general educational background in microbiology without the thesis requirement, the Master of Microbiology (M.M.) degree is offered.

The Department also offers a non-thesis Master of Microbial Biotechnology (M.M.B.) degree. This degree program is a Professional Science Masters that combines concentrations in Microbiology, Business and Biotechnology. This program also can be combined with a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) offered through the College of Management.

Doctoral Degree Requirements: The Ph.D. program is designed for individuals desiring to pursue careers in research and/or teaching. Students enroll in a core curriculum consisting of courses in metabolic regulation/physiology, virology, immunology, pathogenesis, and molecular genetics. In addition, the student, in consultation with and approval by his/her advisory committee, may select elective courses offered by the Department of Microbiology and by other departments on campus. In conjunction with the advisor, the student establishes a four-member faculty advisory committee to guide the research and academic program. At least one semester of laboratory instructorship is required. The final examination also includes a seminar presented by the candidate that is open to the university community.

Student Financial Support: Financial support for study towards Ph.D. and M.S. degrees is available in the form of teaching/research assistantships and competitive fellowships. All applications to the department are automatically considered for available assistantships. For highly qualified students, supplemental funds are frequently available.

Other Relevant Information: During the first semester, participation in the laboratory rotation program is required of all Ph.D. and M.S. students so that they become acquainted with departmental research programs, faculty and other graduate students. A faculty thesis advisor and laboratory research program are usually selected by the end of the first semester.

Click on Graduate Courses for current course information.

NCSU Graduate Catalog