Microbiology, MS < University of Iowa

This is the first version of the 2024–25 General Catalog. Please check back regularly for changes. The final edition and the historical PDF will be published during the fall semester.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

demonstrate detailed knowledge in their area of specialization;
master the analytical/methodological and critical thinking skills needed to evaluate and conduct research in their areas of specialization;
demonstrate their ability to design and conduct original research in their chosen fields of specialization;
teach college-level courses in their areas of specialization; and
communicate in both the written and oral form in a clear and effective manner.

The Master of Science program in microbiology requires a minimum of 30 s.h. of graduate credit. Students must maintain a cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.80 to earn the degree. They are required to earn a minimum of 12 s.h. in microbiology courses chosen from three of the department's four subdisciplines: bacteriology, parasitology, immunology, and virology. They may substitute a course they have already taken (at the University of Iowa or elsewhere) for a course requirement, with the MS advisory committee's approval.

Additional course requirements depend on students' interests and the advice of the thesis committee. Students must write a thesis based on their own research and defend it satisfactorily in an oral examination. No more than 9 s.h. of credit for thesis research may be counted toward the 30 s.h. required for the degree.

Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate College; see the Manual of Rules and Regulations on the Graduate College website. They should have a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.00 and must have completed courses in biology, chemistry (inorganic and organic), mathematics including calculus, and physics. Those admitted with deficiencies must complete the relevant coursework during their first year of graduate study. Admission is determined through a review and formal vote by the faculty.

Students interested in the MS program in microbiology require a faculty sponsor and approval of the microbiology graduate admission or graduate advisory committee.