Microbiology PhD Program

The Graduate Program in Microbiology is a multidepartmental, interdisciplinary Ph.D. program in the study of microorganisms and their effects on hosts. The central goals of the program are for students to master relevant resources and methods and make original research contributions to knowledge in the field. Faculty share the view that understanding the biology of microorganisms requires a multidisciplinary approach. The program is therefore designed to provide strong multidisciplinary training, individualized education in modern microbiology, and a foundation for independent careers in research and teaching. Students can specialize in various areas, including bacteriology, virology, microbe-host interactions, microbial pathogenesis, cell biology and immunobiology of microbial infections, microbial genetics and physiology, structural biology, parasitology, microbiome, and microbial ecology and evolution.

• Research in Progress Seminars
• Microbiology Seminar Series
• Networking Hours (4:30 p.m. twice per month)
• Microbiology Retreat
• Special Events
• Peer Mentoring for first-year students
  
• Microbiology Faculty Talks for first-year students (August)
• Microbiology Student Barbecue (August)
• Career workshops (Fall)
• Recruitment Events (Spring)

The Graduate Program in Microbiology accepts Ph.D. students through the Yale Combined Program in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS). Prospective students are encouraged to identify 3-5 faculty members of interest within the program. Prospective students may also contact faculty of interest but are not required to pre-arrange admissions inquiries with faculty. The admissions committee will invite students whose background and interests match the scope of the program for virtual interviews and in-person visits to learn more. Of note, Yale BBS students may work with any faculty within the BBS program, beyond their initial track chosen. During the first year of the program, Ph.D. students complete research rotations with 3 faculty members and identify a thesis lab in mutual agreement between the faculty and student. The application deadline is typically early December, per Yale BBS policies.

The GRE is not accepted.

The TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic is required of most applicants whose native language is not English. BBS requires a score on the TOEFL test of at least 600 (paper exam), 250 (computer-based exam), and 100 (internet-based exam). Please take the test no later than November and no earlier than 24 months prior to submitting your application. Use institution code 3987 and any department code to report your scores.

You may be exempt from the English language requirement if you have received (or will receive) an undergraduate degree from a college or university where English is the primary language of instruction and if you have studied in residence at that institution for at least three years.