Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Science – Immunology and Infectious Diseases

Degree Description:

The PhD program in Immunology and Infectious Diseases provides education and training in immunology and host-pathogen interactions of bacterial, parasitic, and viral infections of animals and humans. The academic research environment is enriched by integration of the Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, the Paul G. Allen School for Global Health, the School of Molecular Biosciences, and the USDA-ARS Animal Disease Research Unit. Dissertation research is carried out under the direction of highly collaborative research faculty who are internationally recognized for their research in infectious diseases. Graduate programs are tailored to the individual’s background and career goals, and include core formal course work as well as more specialized courses in a primarily literature review format. Laboratory research is the most critical part of the training and the strength of our program. The major advisor and student work in cooperation with the advisory committee to develop a directed course of research. All departmental faculty and students attend weekly research seminars given either by students, program faculty, and visiting scientists. Through these seminars, students are exposed to critical analysis of data, experimental design and discussion of research significance. Students also may participate in the activities sponsored by the Integrative Programs in Biomedical Sciences (iPBS, https://vetmed.wsu.edu/education/graduate-degrees/). Trainees are expected to conduct original research that will lend a significant contribution to knowledge in the area of emphasis and that will culminate in publication in peer-reviewed journals. Publication is required for and constitutes the PhD dissertation. The final examination consists of a public research seminar followed by an oral examination.