Prospective Graduate Students
When you ask yourself the question "Where should I pursue my graduate career in Microbiology?", what criteria do you use?
> The research interests of the faculty?
> The seminars program in the department?
> The research facilities?
> The college-town atmosphere?
Whatever your criteria, it is likely you'll find the Microbiology Graduate Program at the University of Georgia to be a great prospect. So click here for the Graduate Program Application and information.
Information for Applicants to the Graduate Program:
Ph.D. and M.S. Degree Programs
The Department of Microbiology offers M.S. and Ph.D. degree programs. Students with a B.S. degree may apply directly for either program. Degree requirements include the successful completion of course work and comprehensive exams, fulfillment of the Graduate School residency requirement, and submission of a thesis or dissertation consisting of original, scholarly research in the field of microbiology. Students pursue a variety of disciplines, including microbial physiology and genetics, cell biology, microbial pathogenesis, ecology, evolution, population biology, biotechnology, and bioinformatics. All students rotate through at least two laboratories, usually for period of 5 to 9 weeks in each, before choosing a major professor. In the first three semesters, students take a core curriculum in microbial physiology and metabolism, molecular biology, and microbial diversity. Advanced courses in specialized areas are also available through the Department of Microbiology and the Division of Biological Sciences. The M.S. program is generally completed in two to three years, while the Ph.D. usually requires five to six years. The program of study is designed by the student and his or her advisory committee to provide a broad foundation in microbiology, preparing the student for a career in research and/or teaching in academia, industry,or the government.
Career Development: Career development is an important component of our program. We provide instruction in applying for fellowships, awards, and grants, building a teaching portfolio, giving research presentations, etc. Our students present their research at regional, national and/or international meetings and are supported to attend career development workshops given by the American Society for Microbiology. The Graduate Students and Postdocs in Science association organizes a yearly Career Symposium that includes scientists from around the country who have pursued careers other than academic research. Opportunities for networking also include department-supported lunches with seminar speakers and receptions with visiting scientists.
Stipends and Cost of Study
New graduate students in the Department of Microbiology will be supported by assistantships or fellowships with awards starting at $24,000 per year for Ph.D. candidates and $22,000 per year for M.S. candidates. Several Ph.D. candidates have been awarded the University's highly competitive Presidential Graduate Fellowship, which has an annual stipend of $27,000. In addition to these awards, full annual tuition is waived for every graduate student on a university fellowship or assistantship.
Living and Housing Costs
The cost of living (including food, clothing, housing, and utilities) is generally quite reasonable in Athens (compare cost of living at various locations): http://www.bestplaces.net/col/. Dormitory rooms are available. In addition, apartments are available in the University's family housing unit, with monthly rents ranging from approximately $495 to $715, including water and cable television. A variety of apartments, duplexes, and rental homes can be found off campus.
Campus visits:
Top applicants will be invited for an expenses-paid interview and recruitment weekend, held in mid February. During this visit, applicants will meet faculty, students, and staff in individual and group settings. For full consideration for the recruitment weekend, please complete your application by December 15. Later applicants may also be invited.
Students who self-identify with a background under-represented in higher education, and who meet various other academic standards, may also wish to apply for the Future Scholars Visitation Program, hosted by the UGA office of Outreach and Diversity. This program is held in the fall and the application deadline is much earlier than that for graduate admission. See: http://gradschool.uga.edu/outreach&diversity/visitation.html |
