Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health
ScM in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
Baltimore, USA
MSc
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* April 15 for the training program
Key Summary
About: The Master of Science (ScM) in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health is a two-year research programme. It's for students preparing for PhD study or infectious-disease research roles. You do coursework, one or two lab rotations, a year-one comprehensive exam, and supervised original research culminating in a thesis and seminar.
Career Outcomes: Graduates move into roles as PhD candidates, entry to medical school, research scientists in academia, government, or industry, and science communication. They may also pursue clinical or translational research, biotech research roles, laboratory management, scientific writing, or outreach.
The two-year Master of Science Program (ScM) is designed for students preparing for Ph.D. programs or considering upper-level research positions in academia, government, or industry.
The degree is constructed to provide students with a capacity to perform independent research and a firm understanding of research principles and practices.
In addition to the required coursework, ScM students conduct one or two laboratory rotations, take a written comprehensive examination at the conclusion of the first year, complete original research under the guidance of a faculty mentor, write a research-based thesis, and present the research in a seminar.
Coursework
Required schoolwide courses:
- 550.860 Academic and Research Ethics
- Cells to Society Course Series
Select two of four core MMI courses:
- 260.852 Fundamental Virology
- 260.627 Pathogenesis of Bacterial Infections
- 260.635 Biology of Parasitism
- 260.650 Vector Biology
Required ScM immunology course:
- 260.631.01 Immunology, Infection, and Disease
Select one of the following literature courses:
- 260.852: Molecular Biology Literature
- 260.657: Vector Biology and Disease Ecology
- 260.854: Current Literature in Microbial Immunity
- 260.855: Pandemics of the 20th Century
The remaining credits are flexible and may be individualized based on the student’s interests and career aspirations. Students may take courses offered in MMI or in other departments within and outside of the School.
Credits may also be earned for Special Studies conducted one-on-one with Department faculty. Examples of courses taken by current and former students include:
- Malariology
- Statistical Reasoning
- Topics in AIDS Research
- Principles of Epidemiology
- Evolution of Infectious Diseases
- Immunogenetics
- Introduction to Molecular Biology
- Vaccine Development and Application
- Graduate Immunology
- Advanced topics in AIDS Research
Learning Outcomes
Key educational objectives for ScM students include:
- Develop knowledge through coursework in the areas of immunology and microbiology;
- Develop skills for the critical evaluation of scientific literature;
- Develop literature-based analytical and research skills; and
- Develop the ability to communicate scientific information orally and in writing.
Several scholarship options are available. Please check the school website for more information
- PhD Candidate
- Medical School
- Research Scientist in academia, government and industry
- Science Communication
