PhD Position for International Applicants in Canada, 2018

A Master of Science (M.S.) in Microbiology typically emphasizes the importance of research and prepares students to become professionals in the biological field or enter a Ph.D. program. A student working toward this degree may be required to demonstrate proficiency in molecular biology, immunology, microbial physiology and general microbiology. Students may also study human disease and cell reproduction. Prior to graduation from one of these two-year programs, students must submit a thesis.

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in the biological sciences. Schools give admissions preference to prospective students who have prior research experience.


Master of Science in Microbiology and Immunology | Master of ...

Master’s Degree in Microbiology

Courses in a microbiology master’s degree program span multiple disciplines, providing students with knowledge of the fundamentals of microbiology. Common course topics include:

  • Ethical research
  • Microorganism biology
  • Microbial physiology
  • Immunology
  • Pathogen microbiology
  • Genetics of bacteria

Employment Outlook and Salary Info

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that as of May 2018, the mean salary of microbiologists in general was $81,150 and that the highest levels of employment for microbiologists were in scientific research and development services, pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing and the federal government (www.bls.gov). The employment of microbiologists is expected to increase by 5% from 2018-2028, according to the BLS.

Continuing Education

At the end of a master’s program, graduates should be able to design experiments, conduct research, evaluate current scientific literature and successfully utilize techniques of microbiology. An individual may choose to enter into the field as a professional microbiologist or continue his or her graduate education in a Ph.D. program. Candidates for a Ph.D. may be required to present a dissertation prior to graduation.

Master’s degree programs in microbiology allow students to take advanced coursework and conduct graduate-level research in the subject. Graduates can directly enter scientific jobs, or they can continue their research at the doctoral level by enrolling in a Ph.D. program.

Career in Microbiology: Courses, Jobs, Scope, Salary

Masters in Microbiology- Requirements

International students planning to pursue a masterโ€™s degree in Microbiology from USA need to comply with the requirements and eligibility guidelines of different colleges that they wish to study in. While applying to a college in USA, you will usually be asked to submit the following documents:

  • Passport/ National Identity Card
  • Grade records (school and college)
  • Copy of past diplomas and degrees
  • Resume/CV
  • Recommendations (at least two)
  • Writing sample/Personal essay.
  • Letter of intent
  • Language test score (IELTS/TOEFL)

As a foreign national with a first language that isnโ€™t English, all candidates applying to any field of study in American universities need to take up English language proficiency tests such as IELTS and TOEFL. Depending on the course that a student wishes to pursue, he/she might be asked to submit other test scores such as SAT, GMAT, GRE, ACT, MCAT, LSAT etc. Pursuing Masterโ€™s in Microbiology in USA will broadly require students to meet with the following prerequisites in most colleges:

  • Undergraduate GPA minimum 3.0 (on 4.0 scale)
  • Research experience
  • GRE scores: 50% Verbal and 70% Quantitative
  • Minimum TOEFL score of 80, or IELTS score of 6.5 for International students

Masters in Microbiology in USA without GRE

The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardized test which judges the analytical, verbal and quantitative skills of students seeking admission into masters or doctoral degree programs in the United States. GRE score is extremely crucial for students that want to pursue science and math related degrees in America. However, there are some colleges in the US that exempt students from submitting GRE scores if:

  • their cumulative GPA is exceptionally good
  • they possess substantial work experience
  • they have undertaken significant research work in the past

Although top level colleges in USA mandate a minimum GRE score for admission into a masterโ€™s degree program, flexibility in the weightage provided to GRE scores is observed widely. For instance, Arizona State University mentions GRE scores (verbal: 50, quantitative: 70) under โ€˜desired qualificationsโ€™ for applicants of MS in Microbiology but encourage students with a lower GRE to proceed with the application process.


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