Fifth Year Master's Program in Microbiology

The Department of Microbiology offers a special 5th Year Master’s Program designed exclusively for its undergraduate Microbiology majors.

This program is appropriate for academically strong students who are interested in enhancing their academic and research background before entering the professional world.

UMASS Microbiology majors who are interested in this program are strongly advised to meet with their academic advisor to discuss this option before the end of their junior year. This is necessary because an undergraduate research project will be expanded to provide the basis for the Master’s Degree project.

Application Process

Students must apply for the “5th Year Master’s Program” through the Graduate School. The standard Graduate School application must be submitted by December 20, and must include two letters of recommendation. One of the letters must be from the research advisor with whom the student intends to work. The Department does NOT require GRE’s for admission to this program.

Eligibility

UMass undergraduates in microbiology with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 and a grade point average of 3.0 in all subjects required for the major in Microbiology are eligible for consideration.

Program Requirements

The Graduate School Bulletin provides general information about requirements for Master’s Degree candidates.

Accepted students would begin their graduate work during the summer following completion of their undergraduate degree. Credit Requirement: 30 credits, distributed as follows:

A minimum of 21 credits in Microbiology, with a minimum of 12 credits in the 600-800 course series. Students may transfer 1-6 credits of microbiology coursework numbered 500 or higher which they completed as an undergraduate, provided that those credits are NOT used to meet any undergraduate requirements for the University or major.

Project and Final Exam

Students are expected to present the results of their research project orally or as a poster presentation. A final oral exam is required.

Time

Students are expected to complete the Fifth Year Master’s degree in approximately 9 to 12 months. Fifth Year M.S. students are encouraged to work in a lab on their project in the summer, but this may not be a requirement.  

For more information, contact Microbiology Graduate Program Director.