Ph.D. in Microbiology

Ph.D. in Microbiology

The Ph.D. program in Microbiology encompasses many sub-disciplines, including plant-microbe and animal-microbe interactions, microbiome research, virology, vaccine development, soil microbiology, biofilm research, immunology, and discipline-based education research. The program trains students in the foundation of knowledge, the process of inquiry, and the philosophy of microbiology. It breaks with traditional programs by focusing the training on seven well-defined learning outcomes that can be attained with or without supporting coursework. This includes outcomes for professional, ethical, and civic development. Doctoral graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths including academic or industry research and academic teaching.

Graduating doctoral students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate professional and ethical behavior consistent with the expectations of the discipline
2. Conduct scholarly inquiry relevant to societal challenges and the field of study
3. Utilize and apply discipline appropriate knowledge, concepts, and theoretical frameworks
4. Demonstrate proficiency with a variety of classical and modern techniques
5. Communicate scientific research results to diverse audiences
6. Develop professional skills such as collaboration and personal effectiveness to be competitive in the job market
7. Demonstrate civic responsibility, citizenship, and inclusiveness

The program of study is customizable to each student’s training needs. In the absence of course requirements, the program holds students accountable for year-over-year progress toward the learning goals via annual assessments of student progress by the mentor and research advisory committee.

Degree Requirements

The Ph.D. program is based on defined training outcomes. Degree requirements are in agreement with NDSU Graduate School requirements. The student and major adviser will prepare a plan of study by the end of the first year in residence. The Graduate School requires the plan of study for the Ph.D. degree to include no less than 90-semester graduate credits (60 credits for students matriculating with a master's degree). An overall GPA of 3.0 or higher must be maintained. Please refer to the department website for more information on the requirements for this program.

Examinations

Qualifying Exam: Two preliminary examinations must be completed successfully before advancement to candidacy for the doctoral degree. The first examines fundamental areas of knowledge that will be essential for success as a doctoral candidate. The second requires the student to write a research proposal targeted at a program administered by NIH, NSF, or NIFA and defend the proposal in an oral examination. After successful completion of the comprehensive written and oral preliminary examinations, the student will be formally admitted to candidacy for the Doctor of Philosophy degree.

Final Exam: The final examination will be an oral defense of the student's research results. The student's research advisory committee will administer the exam after a public presentation of the work.