University of North Dakota

What you'll study

This PhD combines advanced coursework with sustained laboratory research culminating in an original dissertation. Early years focus on core concepts in microbial physiology, molecular microbiology and immunology alongside practical training in laboratory techniques and quantitative methods. Students typically take modules such as:

• Advanced Immunology – cellular and molecular mechanisms of innate and adaptive immunity.
• Molecular Microbiology – genetics, regulation and molecular tools for studying bacteria and viruses.
• Host–Pathogen Interactions – mechanisms of pathogenesis and host defence.
• Comparative Microbial Physiology and Ecology – microbial metabolism and environmental interactions.
• Bioinformatics and Genomic Methods – sequence analysis, metagenomics and data interpretation.
• Advanced Microscopy and Imaging – fluorescence techniques and image analysis for cell biology.
• Biostatistics and Experimental Design – statistics for biomedical research and reproducible practices.

Program structure normally includes rotation projects or probationary lab research, formal coursework, a qualifying or comprehensive examination, and continued dissertation research under a primary advisor with an advisory committee. Students gain hands-on experience with core facilities such as flow cytometry, next-generation sequencing and high-resolution imaging, and are encouraged to present at conferences and publish during their training.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a relevant postgraduate degree (for example a master’s in biology, microbiology, immunology or a closely related field) or a strong bachelor’s degree with substantial laboratory research experience. Typical application materials include:

• Academic transcripts demonstrating strong performance in coursework relevant to the programme.
• A research statement or statement of purpose outlining research interests and match with UND faculty expertise.
• Curriculum vitae highlighting laboratory experience, technical skills and publications if applicable.
• Letters of recommendation, normally two or three, from academic or professional referees familiar with the applicant’s research potential.

Applicants whose first language is not English must meet the university’s English language proficiency requirements. GRE scores are accepted where provided but are not universally required; check the programme admissions guidance for current testing policies. Candidates with relevant technical experience or demonstrated research potential may be considered for admission and departmental funding such as teaching or research assistantships.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a broad range of careers that demand high-level expertise in microbiology and immunology. Common career paths include:

• Academic research and tenure-track faculty positions following postdoctoral training.
• Research and development roles in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.
• Positions in public health laboratories, clinical microbiology and hospital-based diagnostic services.
• Government research laboratories and regulatory science roles.
• Science policy, science communication and management roles that benefit from advanced scientific training.

Graduates’ training in experimental design, data analysis and communication equips them for interdisciplinary teams and leadership in both basic and translational research environments.

Why study at University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota offers a research-intensive environment with access to modern core facilities and close collaboration across departments and the School of Medicine and Health Sciences. Students benefit from faculty whose research spans molecular microbiology, immunology, infectious disease and environmental microbiology, enabling interdisciplinary projects. The programme supports professional development through seminar series, grant-writing workshops and opportunities to teach, mentor and present research externally.

UND’s campus connects students with regional and national research networks, clinical partners and industry contacts, providing practical pathways to translational projects and career opportunities. Small cohort sizes and committed advising mean students receive personalised mentorship while developing the technical and analytical skills required for independent research careers.