The Master of Science (MS) degree in Microbiology and Immunology is a track within the MS degree in Foundational Biomedical Research (FBR). The FBR degree program trains students to conduct original research that applies the scientific method to real-world problems of human health and disease. This is accomplished through advanced course work and a cutting-edge research experience with faculty at the Indiana University School of Medicine. The Microbiology and Immunology track of the FBR provides specialized coursework and research training in medical microbiology and/or human immunology. The program prepares research scientists for productive careers at a highly competitive level in biomedical related fields. The program is designed to be completed within 2 years.
Apply for a Master’s Degree
Prospective microbiology and immunology MS students must apply online through the IU Indianapolis Graduate Office. Applications for January, 2027, admission are due by October 1, 2026. Applications for August, 2027, are due by May 1 (domestic applicants) or February 1 (international applicants).
Mentors and Advisors
Upon admission to the program, a graduate advisor develops with the student a course schedule for the first term. In the first semester of study, the MS student performs a four-week research rotation in the laboratory of a departmental faculty member that previously agreed to serve as the student’s rotation mentor.In consultation with the mentor, the student selects an advisory committee consisting of the mentor (serves as chair) and at least two additional faculty, at least one of which must be from within the microbiology and immunology program. The third committee member may be from within or outside the department. At least one committee member must have a primary appointment in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. Each student will meet with their advisory committee at least two times.
Degree Requirements
The MS in Foundational Biomedical Research includes required core courses (17 credits total) covering the conduct of a thesis research project along with didactic course work in scientific writing, research ethics, reading scientific literature, and biostatistics. The Microbiology and Immunology specialization track includes 13 credits of required and elective course work. A minimum of 30 credits is required for the MS degree.
Grades for research credits (J810) are assigned by the student’s committee. An overall average of at least a B (3.0 GPA) is required. Only three credits of C (2.0 GPA) can be counted toward the required credits of didactic coursework.
MS students may transfer up to eight credits of graduate-level coursework from other institutions. No course may be transferred from another institution unless the grade is B or higher and unless the course was completed within five years prior to the awarding of the MS degree.
MS students are not financially supported by the department. They must pay for own courses, fees and living expenses.
As described above, the MS degree in Microbiology and Immunology is a track within the IU School of Medicine’s MS in FBR. The other FBR track is Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Students interested in the MS in Biomedical Engineering should contact the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering.
