View of E. coli under a microscope

Microbiology Graduate Programs

Microbiology

Contact Us


For more information about the microbiology graduate programs, contact:

Dwayne Barnes
Graduate Coordinator
dabarnes@ncsu.edu

Mike Hyman
Director of Graduate Programs
mrhyman@ncsu.edu

We offer four graduate degree programs in microbiology: Doctorate (Ph.D.), Master of Science (M.S.), Master of Microbiology (M.M.), and Master of Microbial Biotechnology (MMB).

Whether you’re interested in microbial diversity, basic cellular processes, interactions between microbes or viruses and their hosts — or any number of interdisciplinary microbiology areas involving food safety, bioenergy, the environment, etc. — this is a dynamic and exciting period for research in microbiology.

There are numerous opportunities for careers in academic and industrial research, teaching, government service, and many other areas in which microbiology has an impact. A strong undergraduate record in the life or physical sciences, supported by some exposure to a research experience, will prepare you for this program, giving you the professional training you need to launch your career.

Ph.D.

The doctoral degree emphasizes research and training for professional careers in science and research leadership.

M.S.

The M.S. research degree is available for students interested in careers in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.

M.M.

A non-thesis, course-intensive graduate degree option suitable for individuals already employed in government and industry.

Master of Microbial Biotechnology

The Master of Microbial Biotechnology (MMB) is a two-year, cross-disciplinary, non-thesis program that provides students with dual training in microbiology and business.

Application Details

If you are applying for the M.M. , M.S. , or Ph.D. Microbiology programs the application deadline for Fall is December 1. These programs only offer Fall admissions.

The Masters of Microbial Biotechnology (MMB) program has a different application timeline. For more information on deadlines to apply please visit their application page.

Interested in pursuing a graduate degree in microbiology? Want to explore the possibilities at NC State? 

Apply Now

Graduate Student Resources

Supporting Your Studies

We offer a variety of scholarship and funding opportunities for graduate students.

View a list of funding and financial aid opportunities

Apply Now

Complete your application through the Graduate School website.

Apply For Our Program Now

Preparing the Professoriate

In this highly competitive program, doctoral and postdoctoral scholars get a hands-on teaching opportunity under the direction of a distinguished faculty mentor.

Visit the Graduate School website to learn more

Current Microbiology Students

See a listing of our current graduate students in our program.

Find Out More

Microbiology Faculty and Staff

The Microbiology Graduate Program is an interdisciplinary program that has many faculty and staff from other departments at NC State.

Students find mentoring and research opportunities with many of the faculty listed below.

Microbiology News

Jun 29, 2020

Using Leaf Fungi to Improve Crop Resilience

An interdisciplinary team led by Christine Hawkes is identifying beneficial fungi found in five key crops with the aim of using them to help plants fend off diseases and tolerate drought stress.

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Jun 22, 2020

CALS Researchers Return to the Bench and Field

As NC State ramps up the Research Restart process, here’s how three researchers from across the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences are returning to the lab bench and test field after time away due to COVID-19.

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Jun 3, 2020

Complementary Mutations: A Rollercoaster of Scientific Discovery

NC State researchers discover a new genetic mutation that could “fix” another mutation in the same gene, an enzyme involved in making a plant growth hormone — after a rollercoaster of ups and downs.

Read More