Graduate Programs

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The application deadline for our Ph.D. program is December 1. The application deadlines for the traditional two-year Master’s and accelerated Fifth Year Master’s programs are October 1 for spring admission and May 1 for fall admission. For the AMB Master's program, the application deadline is Dec 1, but we will continue reviewing late applications until positions are filled.

The institution code for UMass is 3917.

You must apply to our graduate program using the secure online application.

We look for the applicant’s holistic qualities to succeed in our programs. In particular, we evaluate the evidence of solid scientific knowledge foundation, and skill sets the applicants have developed to design and perform relevant laboratory experiments/analyses, communicate science, collaborate with colleagues, and apply critical thinking to solve problems. We also consider how applicants are enthusiastic and passionate to pursue research career in microbiology. Undergraduate major does not have to be microbiology to apply for our programs.

For our accelerated Master of Science in Applied Molecular Biotechnology program, we require an “Organic Chemistry” course, recommend an “Introduction to Biochemistry” course, and favor those applicants who have laboratory experience. For our traditional Master of Science and PhD programs, we have no particular course requirements, but look for the evidence of solid undergraduate education in relevant scientific fields.  

No. Successful applicants typically write a ~1000-word statement. However, some well-written statements are as short as ~600 words, and longer ones can sometimes go up to 1500 words. The length of the statement is entirely up to you.

No. Please see the submit official transcript section of the UMass Graduate School website.

No. We no longer consider GRE scores for admission to our Microbiology graduate programs.

The requirements for each of our programs are described by the Graduate School. Beyond the minimal requirements, we evaluate the applicants based on how motivated they are, how experienced they are, and how well-prepared they are to be a graduate student in our Graduate Program.

The Microbiology Department typically has 35-40 students studying in our graduate program.

Our program includes Microbiology professors as well as adjunct professors from other departments. You can potentially join the laboratory of the professors listed in our program. If your favorite professor is not listed in our program, unfortunately, you will not be able to join his/her laboratory. Please talk to the professor which graduate program you should apply for.

The UMass Amherst Graduate School is deeply committed to promoting access and inclusion in graduate education for all students, especially those from backgrounds historically underrepresented in higher education. Please read information provided by the Graduate School on inclusion and recruitment. Additionally, for PhD applicants who are financially disadvantaged, but not eligible for the UMass Amherst Graduate School fee waivers, our Microbiology Graduate Program offers a fee waiver through the Elizabeth Stuart Fund for Graduate Education.

As long as the names of the courses, credit amounts, and grades are showing on the undergraduate degree transcript, you do not need to provide the additional transcript from your previous college.