The graduate program in microbiology and molecular genetics offers advanced studies leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. Students get specialized training and have research opportunities in four areas: molecular genetics and microbial physiology; virology, immunology, and pathogenic microbiology; applied, environmental, and industrial microbiology; and computers in molecular biology. Admission to the Ph.D. program is offered through the consolidated graduate programs in molecular biosciences. For further information, refer to the molecular biosciences section. Students seeking admission to the program leading to a terminal M.S. degree should apply directly to the microbiology and molecular genetics program.
Students entering the program usually participate in a selection of core courses in the chosen area of interest. More information about the core courses in the program is available under the molecular biosciences heading in this chapter. Additional or alternate studies are designed to meet individual needs. Thus, graduate students have the opportunity to select additional study areas in their work.
Graduate study in microbiology and molecular genetics at Rutgers involves faculty members from several areas. The six major coordinating units are (1) the Division of Life Sciences of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences-New Brunswick, (2) the Waksman Institute of Microbiology, (3) the Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, (4) the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology of Cook College, (5) the Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, and (6) the Biotechnology Center for Agriculture and the Environment.
The master of science degree requires the satisfactory completion of a minimum of 24 course credits, 6 research credits, and a research thesis. Candidates for the M.S. degree also are required to complete 2 credits from courses 16:681: 681-686. (See further course requirements below.)
The doctor of philosophy degree requires 33 course credits and a minimum of two consecutive terms (summer included) in residence. Candidates must complete 5 credits from courses 16:681:681 through 16:681:686 (See further course requirements below). In addition, each student must pass a qualifying examination, complete a research project, submit a dissertation, and defend that dissertation in an oral examination. As part of their graduate training, doctoral students may be required to fulfill certain teaching duties under faculty supervision. There is no language requirement.
General Microbiology 16:681:501 and 16:681:502 Molecular Genetics or 16:681:580 Fundamentals of Molecular Genetics are required courses. Exemptions may be granted for students transferring equivalent graduate credits.
The master of philosophy degree is available to doctoral candidates. All degrees in this program are conferred jointly between Rutgers University and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. For information about joint M.S. and Ph.D. degrees available in this program, see the beginning of this chapter. For detailed description of the program faculty, degree requirements, and course offerings, refer to the Student Bulletin available from the program director.
