There are three different ways to be admitted into the M&I PhD program:
1. Through application to the M&I graduate program (applications due
December of each year)
2. Through the interdepartmental Bioscience PhD Programs comprised of the
Molecular Biology (MB) and Biological Chemistry (BC) programs
3. Through the MD/PhD program
1. Through application to the M&I graduate program (applications due December of each year)
Online Application System
Applications Now Open until Dec 1stApplying to the M&I program is for candidates who are committed to follow a research path in the area of immunology or microbiology.
The first year curriculum is focused on microbiology and immunology and includes up to 3 rotations.
2. Admission through the Bioscience PhD Program [Molecular Biology (MB) or Biological Chemistry (BC) track]
The Bioscience PhD Program is an interdisciplinary program across 11 departments at the University of Utah. Admission through MB or BC allows students who have not yet decided to focus on immunology or microbiology to undertake a broad curriculum. This allows for exploration of topics other than those focused on immunology or microbiology and includes 3 lab rotations. After the 3rd lab rotation you will chose your lab for your thesis research. Upon completion of the capstone exam at the end of the first year, you will directly transfer into the M&I PhD program for your further courses and thesis research. For more information and application procedure please visit the Bioscience PhD Program website.
3. Admission through the MD/PhD program
MD/PhD students can apply for the M&I PhD program after successfully completing the courses for the first two years of Medical School, USMLE Step 1 and an on-topic Capstone Examination. MD/PhD students do 4 rotations (2 during the summer before starting medical school and 2 during the summer between 1st and 2nd year of medical school).
Once a lab has been chosen, they may directly contact Janet Bassett to facilitate admissions. Email: janet.bassett@hsc.utah.edu
Phone: 801-585-6408
Once a student has been admitted into the program, they will need to choose a Thesis Lab Mentor (PI). After choosing a mentor students must obtain the Thesis Lab Mentor / Department Agreement completed and signed by the mentor, the student, the Division Chief of Microbiology and Immunology (Dr Brian Evavold) and, if applicable, the Chair of the mentor’s department if the mentor is an Adjunct member of the M&I Graduate Program with their primary appointment outside of the Department of Pathology.
Once a Mentor/Advisor has been chosen, the student and the Mentor should download and fill out the Advisor-Advisee contract form. This form will also require the signatures of any Co-Advisors, the Director of Graduate Studies (Dr Tracey Lamb), the Division Chief of Microbiology and Immunology (Dr Brian Evavold) and if the Advisor does not have their primary appointment in the Department of Pathology, the Chair of the Advisor’s primary department. This form should be turned into the Program Administrator, Kim Springer to be added to the student’s file.