Graduate Education

The Department of Virology, Immunology & Microbiology offers PhD and MD-PhD degrees. Our program is part of the Program in Biomedical Sciences (PiBS) “umbrella program”, which offers PhD graduate students the opportunity to explore different biomedical fields before deciding which scientific program to join. Students who choose to join the microbiology program receive rigorous research training in the fields of virology, host-pathogen interactions, and immunology. We offer specialist courses and seminars from leaders in these fields. We provide students with opportunities to deliver journal club and research presentations. We also provide students with a practice qualifying exam to help them identify their strengths and weaknesses and hone their skills. Students perform an original research project with expert guidance from their mentor and other faculty. Our students present their research at national and international meetings, publish in high quality journals, and have gone on to enjoy successful careers in academia, the biomedical industry, and science policy.

Prospective students

Prospective students interested in our PhD program should apply directly to PiBS through the GMS admissions portal. Please note that faculty in Virology, Immunology & Microbiology do not directly accept students. 

https://www.bumc.bu.edu/gms/pibs/

Prospective students interested in our MD-PhD program can learn more about the admissions process and requirements through the BUSM admissions portal:

https://www.bumc.bu.edu/mdphd/

Current students

Please see the Graduate Student Guide: https://www.bumc.bu.edu/virol-immunol-microbio/graduate-education/graduate-student-guide/