Wagner College

What you'll study

The curriculum provides a strong grounding in biochemical and physiological principles governing microbial life alongside hands‑on laboratory experience. All students must include Microbiology 525, 611 and 626 in their coursework; students without prior applied microbiology training are required to take Microbiology 512. At least 18 credits must be at the 600 level or above.

• Thesis option: conduct original research and complete a written thesis. The program requires a minimum of 34 graduate credits, which include six thesis research credits. Thesis registration sequence uses MI 797 (two credits) to begin the project, MI 798 (zero credits) following an approved proposal and research progress report, and MI 799 (four credits) to prepare and defend the written thesis. A three‑member faculty thesis committee supervises the work and the candidate must pass a final oral examination on the thesis and related areas.
• Non‑thesis option: complete additional coursework to total a minimum of 34 graduate credits acceptable to the department and pass a comprehensive examination at the program’s conclusion.

Entry requirements

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a major in one of the biological sciences or in chemistry. Required undergraduate preparation includes a course in microbiology, 16 credits of chemistry including one organic chemistry course with laboratory, and an undergraduate course or demonstrated proficiency in statistics. Each matriculated applicant must consult with the director of the microbiology graduate program prior to first registration.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for laboratory careers in clinical diagnostics, industrial research and development, public health, governmental laboratories and academic research. The program emphasizes conceptual knowledge of microbial physiology and a general understanding of medical and public health microbiology, equipping students for roles that require experimental skills, analytical reasoning and applied microbiology expertise.

Scholarships & funding angle

While specific scholarships or stipends are not detailed here, the program’s research orientation and faculty‑supervised thesis projects create typical opportunities for graduate assistantships, research support or faculty‑led funded projects; prospective students should inquire with the department about current funding, assistantships and external scholarships during the application process.