Virology, Immunology & Microbiology

The graduate program in Virology, Immunology & Microbiology is a full-time program that provides training towards PhD and MD/PhD degrees. The training includes a literature-based curriculum, guest- and trainee-presented seminars, journal clubs, and extensive hands-on laboratory training. Small class size and extensive interaction between the various faculty in the basic and clinical sciences allow our students to become familiar with different research themes, and our collegial atmosphere and integrative approach to training provide a highly supportive environment for students.

Expertise within the Virology, Immunology & Microbiology program faculty includes viral molecular biology, viral-host cell interactions, host defense and immune responses to viral and bacterial pathogens, stem cell biology, immune exhaustion, systems immunology, and development of diagnostic tools, therapeutics, and vaccines. Our research benefits from state-of-the-art facilities and a strong network of collaborative links with faculty in other disciplines. In addition, the National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories at Boston University puts us in the distinctive position of being able to study highly pathogenic organisms.

Learning outcomes for the program are as follows:

  • Demonstrate academic mastery in virology, immunology, and/or microbiology.
  • Demonstrate competencies in oral and written communication.
  • Generate an original body of research in virology, immunology, and/or microbiology.
  • Attain the skills and qualifications needed for employment in an academic, government, or private sector position related to biomedical sciences.

Students must apply for admission to the PhD program through the Program in Biomedical Sciences (PiBS) umbrella program offered by Graduate Medical Sciences of Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine. Students may enter the Virology, Immunology & Microbiology program after completing their first year of training in the PiBS program, following consultation with their research mentor and the Director of Graduate Studies for Virology, Immunology & Microbiology. MD/PhD students enter through the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine training program. For entry requirements, total credit requirements, and start dates, please see the Program in Biomedical Sciences website for the PhD degree information, and the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian MD/PhD program website for the MD/PhD degree information. The average time to degree completion for the PhD program is 5.5 years.

Our goal is to prepare our students to be exceptional scientists by providing rigorous training in leading-edge research in a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative environment.

Questions? Contact Director of Graduate Studies Rachel Fearns, PhD.