Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Ph.D.

Saint Louis University's Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology (MMI) offers a graduate program in molecular and cellular virology and immunology leading to a Ph.D. degree. The program's goal is to graduate exceptionally well-trained researchers who are prepared for a career in academic science or biotechnology. Research in the MMI doctoral program is diversified. Areas of research emphasis include cell and molecular biology, virology, and immunology.

SLU's state-of-the-art research laboratories are located in the Doisy Research Center and basic science departments in the Saint Louis University School of Medicine. 

The primary and secondary faculty in molecular microbiology and immunology department have strong independent research programs funded by the government, research foundations, and industry. The faculty serve on national peer-review panels and journal editorial boards and often are invited to present research at other institutions. Their research is published in highly visible scientific journals.

Curriculum Overview

Graduate instruction in the MMI program includes:

• Advanced coursework
• Training in scientific writing and oral presentation skills
• Training in teaching skills for students interested in an academic career
• Performance of original biomedical research leading to scholarly publications and the Ph.D. dissertation

Each Ph.D. candidate will have a least one primary mentor within the department with whom they will conduct dissertation research.

Students with a bachelor’s degree may enroll in the doctoral program following completion of the year-long basic biomedical sciences core program. This one-year program provides a strong foundation for subsequent specialization in microbiology and/or immunology and allows students to rotate through various laboratories in the medical center before choosing a specific field of study.

Careers

Graduates with a degree in molecular microbiology and immunology are prepared for diverse careers in industry, government, or academia.

Admission Requirements

A Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Arts, or doctoral degree is required, including coursework in the biological sciences, organic chemistry, and mathematics. Most students enter the program following one year in the core program in the basic biomedical sciences, although direct application to the program is possible for applicants with an advanced degree.

Application Requirements

• Application form and fee
• Transcript(s)
• Three letters of recommendation
• GRE scores
• Curriculum vitae
• Interview
• Professional goal statement

Requirements for International Students

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students. International students must also meet the following additional requirements:

• Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
• Financial documents are required to complete an application for admission and be reviewed for admission and merit scholarships. 
• Proof of financial support that must include:
  • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the student's time at Saint Louis University
  • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of the student's study at the University
• Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include:
  • Courses taken and/or lectures attended
  • Practical laboratory work
  • The maximum and minimum grades attainable
  • The grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations
  • Any honors or degrees received.

WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Application Deadline

• Students should apply by Feb. 1.

Review Process

A committee examines and reviews the applicant and application wholly.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

For priority consideration for graduate assistantship, apply by Feb. 1. 

For more information, visit the student financial services office online at https://www.slu.edu/financial-aid/index.php.

1. Graduates will be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of biomedical sciences to support independent biomedical research.
2. Graduates will be able to demonstrate the ability to formulate and test scientific hypotheses.

Non-Course Requirements

Students are required to write a mock grant proposal for extramural research and/or stipend support that will be internally reviewed. Students must also publish at least one peer-reviewed scholarly article reporting the results of original research.

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.00 in all required graduate/professional courses.