Microbiology is integral to global well-being through its central role in agricultural productivity, human health, environmental quality and restoration, industrial processes, and food production and safety, as well as its contribution to a basic understanding of all living systems. The mission of the Graduate Program at Iowa State University is to advance scientific discovery in microbiology by providing education and research opportunities for future microbiologists.

Where Curiosity Meets Opportunity

While our distinguished faculty provide the foundation and resources essential for your development, we recognize that the most transformative education stems from your own initiative and creativity. Your willingness to actively pursue knowledge, ask bold questions, and explore uncharted territories will define your journey with us.

Major in Microbiology

The Graduate Major in Microbiology is an interdepartmental training program at Iowa State University that offers the degrees of Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Microbiology.

The program offers a broad range of research opportunities, including:

• Prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbiology
• Virology
• Microbe interactions with animals
• Plants and arthropods
• The responses of those hosts to the microbes

A major strength of the program lies in the combined expertise of its faculty across multiple departments. This provides students with flexibility when choosing a research project and major professor, as well as with a spectrum of course offerings in microbiology and related disciplines. 

Application Information and Requirements

The Microbiology Core Curriculum

To assure that all IM students develop a base of fundamental principles and information essential to microbiology, all students will take a series of “core courses” in addition to courses specific to individual interests. Students must receive a C or better in each course and at least a B average over all six core courses to fulfill this requirement. This policy applies to IM minors as well as majors.

1. Microbial diversity and phylogeny (Micro 5510) 1 credit
2. Bacterial molecular genetics and physiology (Micro 5520) 1 credit
3. Pathogenic microorganisms (Micro 5530) 1 credit
4. Virology (Micro 5540) 1 credit
5. Fungal Biology (Micro 5550) 1 credit
6. Microbial ecology and environmental monitoring (Micro 5560) 1 credit

Additional courses required of all majors:

1. Biochemistry (BBMB 4040 and BBMB 4050, or the equivalent)
2. Responsible Conduct of Research in Science (GRST 5650) 1 credit

Find course requirements in the graduate student handbook

Our program prepares students for careers in microbial research, public health, biotechnology, and industry:

• Clinical Microbiologist
• Clinical Scientist
• Corporate Microbiologist
• Postdoctoral Fellow
• Postdoctoral Scholar
• Senior Research Associate