PhD in Microbiology

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.

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.

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.

The typical degree track for a Ph.D. is five years but varies with each student.

All accepted Ph.D. applicants are considered for financial aid in the form of teaching assistantships. Separate applications for teaching assistantships are not necessary. Teaching assistantships come with a tuition waiver and health insurance. The applicant is responsible for all mandatory fees.

No. The UMass Graduate School has established minimum requirements for applicants. Additionally, there may be specific department requirements for UMass graduate programs.

It depends on the course. If you want to make a graduate course you took during your Master’s program a qualifying course to fulfill your PhD requirement, you should first consult with the instructor. It is often not necessary to repeat the same course, but you must demonstrate the proficiency in the content of the course at the level of PhD students. In many of our courses, we require PhD students to complete additional assignments if the students want to use the course as a qualifying course. Therefore, you must consult with the instructor how to convert the course you have taken to a qualifying course. Even if you have already taken several courses as a Master’s student at UMass, it is highly encouraged to take additional courses during the first two years of your PhD program for you to expand the breadth of knowledge. To find out which classes you should take, please consult with the Graduate Program Director or your thesis advisor.

Unfortunately, credits transferred from another institution cannot be used to satisfy the University's requirement for graded credits or the 600-800 course level requirement.

Establishing a prior agreement with a professor is not required, but we welcome applicants to get in touch with the professors they are interested in working with. For our PhD program, we have two different ways to recruit students. The first is TA track, in which students are offered financial support as a TA. Students are required to participate in a rotation program, in which they rotate two or three laboratories during the first year before deciding the thesis lab. The second is RA track, in which students join a lab directly without participating in the rotation program. Students are supported by RA from the professor's research funding. When you apply, you will be considered for both positions. However, prior to the submission of your application, you are welcome to communicate with professors, with whom you are interested in working with. Such prior communications will give you better ideas about our graduate program and potential RA positions in the labs you may be interested in joining.

Our Department has a recruitment/retreat weekend in January.  After the Graduate Admissions Committee meets to review all applicants, they decide which prospective PhD students to invite to visit our Department.

First year students, who are supported on a teaching assistantship, are required to rotate labs for the first two full semesters. A rotation project lasts for one semester.  A third rotation is optional.  

Teaching Assistantships give experience in teaching and assisting in laboratory or lecture courses.