Our Master of Science program, which typically takes two years to complete, involves graduate bioscience coursework and an independent research project conducted under the supervision of a faculty advisor.
Graduate students work closely with department faculty to explore their interests across the following areas of microbiology and immunology research:
Program Structure
M.S. students will choose and complete formal graduate courses based on their research interests and career objectives. Students will also rotate through one or more research labs, with the goal of choosing a research advisor before the end of the spring semester.
Explore the M.S. degree requirements here ❯
Explore the M.S. admission requirements here ❯
M.S. students will conduct an independent research project under the guidance of their chosen mentor and prepare a written thesis based on their research findings. Students then present this work to their committee in a public seminar, followed by a closed-door defense exam with the advisor and graduate advisory committee.
More information about thesis requirements is available here ❯
If you have questions about the curriculum or M.S. program structure, please contact:
- Lisa Shock, Ph.D.
- Graduate Program Director
- lisa.shock@vcuhealth.org
If you have questions about the M.S. admissions process, please contact:
- Kimberly Jefferson, Ph.D.
- Graduate Program Director of Admissions
- kimberly.jefferson@vcuhealth.org
Apply through VCU Graduate Admissions
Resources
Supporting our students is at the core of the School of Medicine's mission. We provide a wide variety of resources to help enhance our graduate students' experience and ensure their safety, as well as resources to support our faculty.
Current Students
- Theingi Aung
- N/A
Adviser: Wook-Jin Chae, Ph.D. - Jasmine S. Benbei
Microbial molecular pathogenesis, genomics and translational science
Adviser: Todd Kitten, Ph.D. - John S. Billingsley
Microbial molecular pathogenesis, genomics and translational science
Adviser: Richard T. Marconi, Ph.D. -
Kinjal Gupta
N/A
Adviser: Masoud Manjili, Ph.D. - Heather Natterer
N/A
Adviser: N/A - Nishal D. Nugara
N/A
Adviser: Janina P. Lewis, Ph.D. - Annette N. Pirtle
N/A
Adviser: Hisashi Harada, Ph.D. - Clay Shafer
N/A
Adviser: N/A - Margaret E. Stiker
N/A
Adviser: N/A - Alyssa P. Swiss
Microbial molecular pathogenesis, genomics and translational science
Adviser: Richard T. Marconi, Ph.D. - Brandon G. Velasco
N/A
Adviser: N/A - Reese Zia
N/A
Adviser: N/A
Life in Richmond
We encourage our students to maintain a healthy work-life balance, and Richmond is a wonderful place to engage in that well-rounded lifestyle. As a mid-sized city with a metropolitan population of 1.3 million, Richmond provides stimulating activities while maintaining an intimate quality and unique vibe. Vibrant neighborhoods offer distinct, diverse experiences, with no shortage of art galleries, museums, music venues, restaurants, breweries and parks.
