MS in Microbiology

The Department of Microbiological Sciences offers graduate study leading to an M.S. and a Ph.D. The M.S. in Microbiology emphasizes research methodology and laboratory techniques. Faculty in the department have expertise in:

• medical microbiology
• ecology
• genomics
• virology
• immunology
• parasitology
• microbial physiology
• food safety

M.S. in Microbiology

A Master's degree in Microbiology at North Dakota State University emphasizes research methodology and laboratory techniques. Student research and academic programs support a strong foundation of knowledge in microbiology and are individually tailored to meet the needs and interests of each student. Graduates are prepared for positions in research or commercial laboratories or for further graduate study.

Students will select a major adviser by the end of the first semester in residence. By the end of the first year in residence, the student and major adviser will select a supervisory committee. Students can earn an M.S. in Microbiology by completing a research thesis under the advisement of a research faculty member or by completing a comprehensive research paper in the program.

Degree Requirements

The Master's program requires 24 months of full-time study, completing a minimum of 30-semester credits with an overall GPA of 3.0 or better. Students are required to select from a list of core courses for eight to nine didactic credits toward their degree.

Plan A (Thesis-based) MS: Of the 30 credits, 16 credits must be in didactic graduate courses.

Plan B (Paper-based) MS: Of the 30 credits, 21 credits must be in didactic graduate courses.

Students with inadequate undergraduate training in microbiology will be required to complete undergraduate courses in microbiology in addition to the required minimum 30-semester credits.