The microbiology program provides graduate training leading towards Ph.D. and M.S. degrees. This program supports broad interests in microbiology, including environmental and pathogenic microbiology, with studies that encompass a spectrum of approaches from the ecological and organismal to the molecular genetic and biochemical. Faculty from several colleges and departments participate as major advisors.

Students can enter the Microbiology program in two ways:

  • Supported by a Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) funded by the major professor, typically through a grant. Such an arrangement is the result of discussions between applicant and professor, and depends on grant funding.
  • Supported for the first 3 terms by a Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA), which requires working part-time as a teaching assistant in undergraduate microbiology lab courses. This option allows a student to explore different labs/projects/advisors before making a decision for their thesis work. Students conduct 'rotations' by spending a term in different research labs; M.S. students should choose their thesis project no later than by the end of their second term, Ph.D. students by the end of their third term. It is typical for grant funds to subsequently support students on GRA appointments.

We train about 30 graduate students earning M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. Microbiology faculty also train graduate students enrolled in related programs such as Molecular & Cellular Biology, Genetics, Soil Science, Fisheries & Wildlife, and Oceanography. Graduate students are major contributors to the research output of the department.

This program is not accepting applications for the M.A. degree. 

 Microbiology Website

 College of Science

 College of Agricultural Sciences

 Corvallis

Contact

Amy Timshel
Assistant to the Department Head
Microbiology

Admissions Requirements

Admit Term
  • Fall Term

Students who want to apply out of cycle need to first discuss and receive the approval of their advisor, who will contact the graduate admission committee chair.

Required Tests
  • None

English Language Requirements ?
  • TOEFL iBT: 100
  • TOEFL Paper: 600
  • IELTS: 0

Additional Requirements

  • If you meet Oregon State University requirements, you are encouraged to contact microbiology program faculty whose research coincides with your interests. Individual faculty members will provide information on their programs and opportunities on possible positions in their laboratories for graduate students.


Application Process

Please review the graduate school application process and Apply Online.

Dates & Deadlines ?

Admissions Deadline for fall term
January 05
Funding Deadline for optimal consideration
January 05

Concentrations ?

This program has concentrations or tracks not represented here. Please visit the  Microbiology Website program website to learn more.

MAIS Participation

This program is not offered as a MAIS field of study.


AMP Participation ?

This program participates in the Accelerated Masters Platform (AMP)

AMP Contact
Elizabeth Guy
Graduate Program Assistant
Microbiology

Visit the Department's AMP Webpage