Highly motivated Georgetown College of Arts & Sciences students can complete the requirements for the M.S. in Microbiology & Immunology in one semester after completing the bachelor’s program.
The M.S. in Microbiology & Immunology program provides students with comprehensive training on the pathogens causing infectious diseases as well as the immune response of the host, which can also lead to inflammation. Graduates of the program have enhanced prospects in academic research, industry, education and government, and are well prepared for further graduate studies, such as obtaining an M.D. or Ph.D.
The master’s program can be taken as an M.S. with Concentration in Biomedical Science Policy & Advocacy (BSPA), which serves as a valuable introduction to the world of science policy in Washington, D.C., and beyond. This mode of the master’s program provides students with essential training in the fundamentals of science policy and allows them to gain hands-on experience applying science policy in their specific field of study.
Application
Undergraduate students in the College of Arts & Sciences who meet the master’s program admission requirements are eligible to apply to this accelerated program by July 1 after their junior year. Students who wish to apply should inquire with their undergraduate advising dean and the director of the M.S. in Microbiology & Immunology program.
For more information about our program and admissions, please contact us.
Timeline
Undergraduates start taking master’s courses in their senior year, earning the master’s degree in the fall after completing their bachelor’s degree.
Note: Some programs will have different distributions of undergraduate and master’s courses to accommodate schedule conflicts.
Example Degree Plan
The degree plan below shows how you as an accelerated student can start taking graduate-level courses during your senior year in order to complete the 30-credit master’s program in the fall semester after your bachelor’s. Up to 50% of the graduate credits for the master’s degree may be taken during senior year. Alternatively, students may choose the M.S. with Concentration in Biomedical Science Policy & Advocacy, which has its own BSPA Concentration degree plan.
Senior – Fall
| Course Name | Graduate Credit(s) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate courses | — |
| BCMC 5001-03 Biochemistry & Cellular Sciences | 3 |
| MICB 6120 Immunology | 3 |
| MICB 6140 Bacteriology & Mycology | 3 |
| 9 Graduate Credits |
Senior – Spring
| Course Name | Graduate Credit(s) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate courses | — |
| MICB 6190 Biology & Biochemistry of Viruses | 3 |
| MICB 6290 Mechanisms of Microbial Pathogenesis | 3 |
| MICB 6221 Advanced Techniques | 3 |
| 9 Graduate Credits |
- Note: Full-time undergraduate status requires 12 credits.
- Upon completion of the undergraduate degree requirements, you will receive your bachelor’s degree and may participate in Commencement with your undergraduate class. Contact your advising dean for more information.
Master’s – Fall
Complete the Biomedical Graduate Education Orientation at the start of the semester.
| Course Name | Graduate Credit(s) |
|---|---|
| BCHB 5760 Core Methods of Biochemistry | 3 |
| Graduate fall electives | 9 |
| 12 Credits |
- Students pay the per-semester flat rate.
- Students must complete a total of 30 graduate credits in order to graduate.
- Follow the Biomedical Graduate Education Graduating Student Checklist to apply for graduation and to register for Commencement the following spring if you wish to attend.
Example Degree Plan: BSPA Concentration
The degree plan below shows how you as an accelerated student can start taking graduate-level courses during your senior year in order to complete the 30-credit M.S. with Concentration in Biomedical Science Policy & Advocacy in the fall semester after your bachelor’s by taking three specific graduate electives. Up to 50% of the graduate credits for the master’s degree may be taken during senior year.
Senior – Fall
| Course Name | Graduate Credit(s) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate courses | — |
| BCMC 5001-03 Biochemistry & Cellular Sciences | 3 |
| MICB 6120 Immunology | 3 |
| MICB 6140 Bacteriology & Mycology | 3 |
| 9 Graduate Credits |
Senior – Spring
| Course Name | Graduate Credit(s) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate courses | — |
| MICB 6190 Biology & Biochemistry of Viruses | 3 |
| MICB 6290 Mechanisms of Microbial Pathogenesis | 3 |
| BSPA 7907 Capstone Project | 3 |
| BSPA 7005 Science Diplomacy and World Health | 2 |
| 11 Graduate Credits |
- Note: Full-time undergraduate status requires 12 credits.
- Students in this accelerated program can take up to 15 graduate credits during their senior year.
- Upon completion of the undergraduate degree requirements, you will receive your bachelor’s degree and may participate in Commencement with your undergraduate class. Contact your advising dean for more information.
Master’s – Fall
Complete the Biomedical Graduate Education Orientation at the start of the semester.
| Course Name | Graduate Credit(s) |
|---|---|
| BCHB 5760 Core Methods of Biochemistry | 3 |
| BSPA 6603 Science & Technology in the Global Arena | 4 |
| Graduate elective(s) | 5 |
| 12 Graduate Credits |
- Students pay the per-semester flat rate.
- Students must complete a total of 30 graduate credits in order to graduate.
- Follow the Biomedical Graduate Education Graduating Student Checklist to apply for graduation and to register for Commencement the following spring if you wish to attend.
Master’s Courses
Visit M.S. in Microbiology & Immunology Courses to browse our required and elective courses.
Learn More
Accelerated Programs FAQ
Answers to questions about the accelerated program.
Career Readiness
Our students benefit from the services of the Biomedical Graduate Education career office, including one-on-one advising, skills workshops, leadership programs and more.