MBMB Graduate Program
The Molecular Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry Graduate Program (MBMB) is an interdisciplinary graduate program providing training leading to either the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Master of Science (MS) degrees in Molecular Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry.
The program offers advanced training in biochemistry, biophysics, bacteriology, genetics, immunology, microbial physiology, virology, mycology, cancer biology, molecular biology, cell biology, developmental biology, and structural biology. The participating departments have modern, well-equipped research laboratories and supporting facilities for confocal and electron microscopy, imaging, and flow cytometry.
JOB OUTLOOK
Students with graduate degrees in molecular biology, microbiology, and biochemistry are in demand in several occupational areas. Many graduates are employed by pharmaceutical or biotechnology firms. PhD graduates have options to be employed by pharmaceutical, chemical, biochemical, or biotechnology firms or continue for advanced academic training as postdoctoral fellows (see the list of the recent graduates under Alumni). Many of our PhD graduates are successful faculty members at colleges and universities throughout the United States. Others went on to medical school or post-doctoral fellowships at prestigious universities like Johns Hopkins. Learn more about our alumni.
ABOUT THE CURRICULUM
MMICB has further capitalized on the multidisciplinary aspects of the MBMB graduate program by collaborating with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to offer a non-thesis MBMB master's degree focused on training and applied research in the Public Health Laboratory Sciences (PHLS). In pursuing this master of science degree, the base courses in MBMB are augmented with courses in public health, microbiology, immunology, biochemistry and environmental chemistry. In lieu of a research thesis, students conduct applied research in an IDPH laboratory in the areas of diagnostic microbiology, environmental microbiology, environmental chemistry, heavy metals analysis, HIV/serology, or molecular diagnostics. At the successful completion of this 2-year master of science program, the highly educated and experienced laboratory professionals are eligible to assume duties as lead workers or supervisors in local, county, state or federal public health laboratories.
Faculty includes members of these departments:
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology (Springfield).
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (Carbondale).
- Department of Microbiology (Carbondale)
For more information about the MBMB, Ph.D., and Master graduate programs, as well as the PHLS Master program, please email mbmb@siu.edu or call Denise Kauffman at (217) 545-2220.
REQUIREMENTS (via Southern Illinois University):
HOW TO APPLY
- Applications are completed through Southern Illinois University.
- Create an account.