M.S. Microbiology

Degree Overview & Mission 

Our Microbiology M.S. degree is designed to provide students with opportunities to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to embark on careers as independent microbiologists. The degree typically takes two years to complete.

Admission Requirements

The general requirements for our microbiology M.S. degree are those of the Graduate School:

  • Bachelor’s degree
    A minimum of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited four year college or university is required for consideration into graduate programs at UMass Amherst. 
     
  • English Proficiency
    Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency.  For more details consult the International Applicants page for more information.  
     
  • GREs: Not Required
     
  • Other Requirements

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Program Requirements

Credit Requirement: 30 credits

A minimum of 30 graduate credits and completion of a graduate research project are required for a master’s degree. Twenty-one credits must be in the student’s major field and a minimum of one-half of the total required credits must be on a letter-graded basis.

By the end of the first semester, if not before, the student should select a research area. Applicants are strongly encouraged to identify a faculty member in our Microbiology Graduate Program, who is willing to serve as your research mentor. For more details, consult the Application FAQs and the Graduate Student Handbook

Additional Resources

For more information about our Microbiology M.S. program, please contact Graduate Program Director Dr. Yasu Morita at ymorita@umass.edu