UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS · UNITED STATES
Graduate Group in Microbiology (M.S./Ph.D.)
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
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Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- Ph.D. focus with M.S. awarded en routeDegree Structure
- Modern molecular approachesResearch Focus
- Diverse research areasSpecializations
The Graduate Group in Microbiology at UC Davis offers opportunities for advanced study and research leading to Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees. The program focuses on modern molecular approaches to understanding microbiological challenges across fundamental, applied, and pathogenic areas. Research interests include bacterial and viral pathogenesis, eukaryotic microbiology, microbial genomics and genetics, microbial physiology and development, microbial ecology and environmental microbiology, cancer biology, bioengineering, and bioremediation. While both M.S. and Ph.D. degrees are offered, strong preference is given to doctoral applicants. The M.S. degree is typically awarded only to students progressing towards a Ph.D. program. Applicants are encouraged to contact graduate advisors or the group's chairperson for more information regarding graduate study and undergraduate preparation.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the degree options and is there a preference for M.S. or Ph.D. applicants?
- The program offers both M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. However, strong preference is given to doctoral applicants, and the M.S. degree is typically awarded only to students progressing towards a Ph.D.
- What are the typical application deadlines and when does the application portal open?
- The application portal opens in September, and the application deadline for Fall Quarter admission is December 1.
- What are the academic entry requirements for the program?
- Applicants need a B.S. or B.A. in a biological science with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Required coursework includes Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics, with recommendations for Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Microbiology, and Genetics.
- Is research experience necessary for admission?
- Yes, demonstrated aptitude and enthusiasm for research is required, including active participation in an independent research project and/or post-baccalaureate research experience.
- What are the estimated tuition and fees for international students?
- Tuition and fees are set at the time of enrollment and remain fixed for the duration of the program. Specific costs for the Microbiology M.S./Ph.D. programs are not explicitly detailed, but all M.S. program costs are the applicant's responsibility.
- How can international students secure financial support?
- International applicants are strongly advised to seek fellowship support from their home countries. The program may consider exceptional candidates without financial support, especially if they have government sponsorship, personal funding, or a faculty mentor's commitment.
Entry requirements
Undergraduate DegreeB.S. or B.A. in a biological science.
GPAMinimum 3.0 GPA (University of California minimum).
CourseworkRequired: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics. Recommended: Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Microbiology, Microbial Physiology, Genetics, Immunology.
Research ExperienceDemonstrated aptitude and enthusiasm for research, including active participation in an independent research project and/or post-baccalaureate research experience.
Admission is primarily for the Ph.D. program. M.S. admission is rare and usually requires specific circumstances such as government sponsorship, personal funding, or a faculty mentor's commitment of financial support. International applicants are strongly advised to seek fellowship support from their home countries, as exceptional candidates without financial support may be considered.
Fees
Tuition (international)The MSBA program has an estimated course fee of $65,560 for 44 units (for students entering summer 2025). Please note that the Graduate Group in Microbiology program page does not specify separate tuition amounts for international students for the M.S./Ph.D. degrees, and indicates that all M.S. program costs are the applicant's responsibility.
Tuition (home)The MSBA program has an estimated course fee of $65,560 for 44 units (for students entering summer 2025). Please note that the Graduate Group in Microbiology program page does not specify separate tuition amounts for home students for the M.S./Ph.D. degrees, and indicates that all M.S. program costs are the applicant's responsibility.
LivingEstimated program costs for the MSBA program include $1,490 per unit, with students taking varying units per quarter. Specific living costs for the Microbiology program are not detailed.
Tuition and fees are set at the time of enrollment and remain fixed for the duration of the MSBA program. Costs for the Microbiology Graduate Group M.S./Ph.D. programs are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, but M.S. costs are the applicant's responsibility.
How to apply
1. Contact Potential Faculty MentorProspective students are encouraged to contact Microbiology faculty members whose research aligns with their interests. This helps in determining lab availability and establishing a connection with a potential mentor.
2. Prepare Application MaterialsEnsure all required documents are ready. This includes academic transcripts, statements of purpose, and any other supporting materials as specified by Graduate Studies.
3. Complete Electronic ApplicationAccess the online application through the UC Davis Graduate Studies website, which becomes available in September.
4. Submit Application by DeadlineAll application materials must be submitted by the deadline of December 1 for Fall Quarter admission.
Frequently asked questions
What are the degree options and is there a preference for M.S. or Ph.D. applicants?
+
The program offers both M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. However, strong preference is given to doctoral applicants, and the M.S. degree is typically awarded only to students progressing towards a Ph.D.
What are the typical application deadlines and when does the application portal open?
+
The application portal opens in September, and the application deadline for Fall Quarter admission is December 1.
What are the academic entry requirements for the program?
+
Applicants need a B.S. or B.A. in a biological science with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Required coursework includes Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics, with recommendations for Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Microbiology, and Genetics.
Is research experience necessary for admission?
+
Yes, demonstrated aptitude and enthusiasm for research is required, including active participation in an independent research project and/or post-baccalaureate research experience.
What are the estimated tuition and fees for international students?
+
Tuition and fees are set at the time of enrollment and remain fixed for the duration of the program. Specific costs for the Microbiology M.S./Ph.D. programs are not explicitly detailed, but all M.S. program costs are the applicant's responsibility.
How can international students secure financial support?
+
International applicants are strongly advised to seek fellowship support from their home countries. The program may consider exceptional candidates without financial support, especially if they have government sponsorship, personal funding, or a faculty mentor's commitment.