University of Chicago

What you'll study

The programme combines core coursework, laboratory training and a substantial research or capstone project. Core topics typically include microbial physiology and genetics, cellular and molecular immunology, host–pathogen interactions, molecular biology techniques and microbial genomics. Teaching formats include lectures, small-group seminars, journal clubs and laboratory rotations.

• Core modules: microbial physiology, microbial genetics, cellular immunology, innate and adaptive immunity, laboratory methods in molecular biology.
• Advanced electives: microbial pathogenesis, vaccine biology, antimicrobial resistance, microbial ecology and metagenomics, computational and quantitative methods for microbiology.
• Practical training: extended laboratory courses covering aseptic technique, microbial culture, PCR and sequencing workflows, flow cytometry, microscopy and immune-assay methods (ELISA, neutralisation assays).
• Research project or capstone: an independent research project in a faculty laboratory or a supervised capstone addressing an applied problem; projects culminate in a written report and oral presentation.
• Seminars and professional development: regular departmental seminars, journal clubs and workshops on experimental design, statistics, scientific communication and research ethics.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology or a closely related discipline with substantial laboratory experience. Competitive candidates have completed undergraduate coursework in molecular biology, genetics, cell biology, biochemistry and statistics.

• Academic transcript: proof of an accredited undergraduate degree in a relevant subject.
• Laboratory experience: one or more semesters of hands-on research or significant laboratory coursework; research internships are advantageous.
• References: two to three academic or professional references who can speak to research potential and laboratory skills.
• Statement of purpose: a clear statement outlining research interests, career aims and how the programme matches the applicant’s goals.
• English language: evidence of English proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English, as required by the university.
• Additional materials: some applicants may be invited to provide a CV, representative writing sample, or to interview with faculty. Standardised test requirements vary and should be checked on the university’s admissions pages.

Career prospects

Graduates leave equipped for a range of scientific and professional roles. The emphasis on experimental skills, data analysis and communication prepares students for immediate lab-based positions as well as for further study.

• Research and development: entry-level scientist or research associate roles in academic laboratories, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.
• Clinical and diagnostic laboratories: roles in hospital or commercial diagnostic labs (licensing or certification requirements depend on jurisdiction and position).
• Public health and surveillance: positions in governmental and non-governmental organisations focused on infectious disease monitoring, outbreak response and laboratory-based epidemiology.
• Regulatory, quality and manufacturing: roles in quality control, regulatory affairs or process development in biotech and vaccine production.
• Scientific communication and policy: technical writing, science policy or outreach roles that draw on strong communication skills and domain knowledge.
• Further study: prepared to progress to PhD programmes in microbiology, immunology or related biomedical sciences, or to professional programmes in medicine or public health.

Why study at University of Chicago

The University of Chicago offers a research-intensive environment with access to multidisciplinary centres and hospital-affiliated clinical research, providing opportunities to work on fundamental and translational problems in microbiology and immunology. Small cohort sizes and close faculty mentorship enable tailored research projects and frequent interaction with principal investigators.

• Research strengths: faculty-led laboratories working across molecular microbiology, immunology, host–microbe interactions and translational infectious disease research.
• Core facilities: access to advanced instrumentation and core services for genomics, flow cytometry, microscopy and bioinformatics to support experimental and computational work.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration: connections across biomedical sciences, public health, computational biology and clinical departments that facilitate cross-disciplinary projects and career pathways.
• Professional development: structured training in grant writing, data analysis, ethics and communication to prepare students for careers in research, industry and beyond.