The microbiology and molecular genetics graduate program
offers advanced studies leading to the master of science (M.S.) and doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees. Students get
specialized training and have research opportunities in 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 (http://molbiosci.rutgers.edu).
For further information, refer to the molecular biosciences section of this
catalog. Students seeking admission to the program leading to a terminal M.S.
degree should apply directly to the microbiology and molecular genetics program
(http://molbiosci.rutgers.edu/mmg).
Students seeking an M.S. degree in genetic counseling (GCMP) should apply directly to the program (http://gcmp.rutgers.edu).
Graduate study in microbiology and molecular genetics at
Rutgers involves faculty members from several areas. The seven major coordinating
units are (1) the Division of Life Sciences of the School of Arts and Sciences,
(2) the Waksman Institute of Microbiology, (3) the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, (4) the School of Environmental and Biological
Sciences, (5) the Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, (6)
the Biotechnology Center for Agriculture and the Environment, and (7) the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey.The M.S. degree requires the
satisfactory completion of a minimum of 24 course credits, 6 research credits,
and a research thesis. For the nonresearch thesis, a total of 30 course credits
are required. Candidates for the M.S. degree also are required to complete 2
credits in seminars from courses 16:681:681 through 16:681:685. (See further
course requirements below.)
The M.S. degree in genetic counseling (GC) requires the
completion of 56 credits spanning five continuous semesters.These include courses in genetic counseling, human
and medical genetics, and laboratory and clinical rotations. For more detailed information on the GC mandatory
curriculum see the GCMP website. The Ph.D. degree requires 32 course
credits (includes the M.B.S. first-year core curriculum) and a minimum of two consecutive semesters (summer included) in
residence. Candidates must complete 3 credits in seminars from courses
16:681:681 through 16:681:685. 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.Required courses include one of the following: Microbial Life (16:682:501), Current Concepts in Immunology (16:681:543), Molecular Virology (16:681:555), or Human Genetics (16:681:535) and three additional seminar courses. Exemptions may be granted
for students transferring equivalent graduate credits. In addition to the
required courses, 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 at the graduate program of molecular biosciences website. Additional or alternate studies are designed to meet individual needs.
Thus, graduate students have the opportunity to select additional study areas
in their work.
For information about M.S. and Ph.D. degrees available in
this program, see the beginning of this chapter. For a detailed description of
the program faculty, degree requirements, and course offerings, refer to the
Student Bulletin available from the program director or visit the microbiology
and molecular genetics website and click on
the appropriate program.
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Programs, Faculty, and Courses 
