The department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology (MMI), in partnership with the faculty from the department of Veterinary Pathobiology (VPB), offers the Molecular Pathogenesis and Therapeutics Graduate Program (MPT) leading to a PhD degree.
All graduate students accepted into the MPT program are financially supported while they are making acceptable research progress. Graduate students who are not supported by fellowships receive stipends of $30,000. Tuition and health insurance fees for residential/nonresidential students are waived for all qualifying full-time graduate students in MPT. Students are responsible for paying incidental fees (recreation facility, student activity, student health fee and information technology).
The MPT Program is no longer accepting new students. We have transitioned to the Infection and Immunity track of the Translational Biosciences Program. If you are interested in the Infection and Immunity track, please visit the Translational Biosciences Graduate Program.
Degree Programs
Doctoral (PhD) Degree
On average, the Molecular Pathogenesis and Therapeutics Graduate Program (MPT) will require 5 1/2 years of full-time effort, although this may vary depending on the ability and previous experience of the individual student. A master’s degree is not a prerequisite for the doctoral degree.
Dual (MD/PhD) Degree
A program leading to the combined PhD/MD degrees can be designed for students who are admitted to the medical school and to the Molecular Pathogenesis and Therapeutics Graduate Program. It is anticipated that these students will fulfill their first two years of medical school patient-based learning academic requirements before entering the MPT Graduate Program for the research-oriented PhD degree. All coursework, TA responsibilities, rotations, comprehensive examination and research requirements are the same as for any other graduate student.
Dual-degree students will be encouraged to complete research rotations during the summer semesters of their two years of medical curriculum so a dissertation research project can be initiated immediately upon entering the PhD program. Typically, clinical responsibilities for the MD will be completed after fulfillment of the requirements for the PhD.
Master of Science (MS) Degree
Under unusual circumstances, the program may also offer a Master of Science degree.
