Veterinary Microbiology

Scientist working
Our faculty promote the understanding of causes of infectious disease in animals and the mechanisms by which diseases develop at the organismal, cellular and molecular levels. Veterinary microbiology also includes research on the interaction of pathogenic and symbiotic microbes with their hosts and the host response to infection.
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Faculty members in other ISU departments and at three local USDA facilities participate in the graduate education and research programs of VMPM. And VMPM faculty have integral roles in teaching and extending research opportunities to graduate students pursuing interdepartmental majors.


A broad range of basic and applied research is represented by the faculty who participate in our graduate programs. These include: immunomodulation, vaccine development, infectious diseases, microbiology, microbial genetics, microbial pathogenesis, molecular virology, diagnostics, epidemiology, food microbiology, and food safety.
 


Degrees Offered:

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
  • Master of Science (M.S.)

Area(s) of Specialization: 

(may appear on ISU transcripts after graduation)

  • Preventive Medicine (Ph.D.)

How long does it take to earn a degree?

  • Median time to earn the doctorate: 4.9 years (Methods)
  • Median time to earn the master’s: 3.0 years (Methods)

Tammy Krock

takrock@iastate.edu
515-294-3386
Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine
2182 Vet Med
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-1250

Learning Goals

  • Discipline knowledge: Graduates should demonstrate a depth of knowledge in the topics relevant to the area or discipline or area of study, including but not limited to microbiology, immunology, molecular biology and genetics, microbial pathogenesis, epidemiology and microbe-host interactions.
  • Research skills: Graduates are expected to demonstrate competency in design and implementation of experiments to generate data to test specific hypotheses or to develop new experimental approaches. In addition, students should be competent in identifying and using appropriate methods of data analysis and interpretation.
  • Communication skills: Graduates should demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills ideally though opportunities made available through professional societies and closely related to the area of study.
  • Contribution to knowledge: Graduates are expected to make original and substantive contributions to knowledge in the area of study and this knowledge should be disseminated by way of peer-reviewed publications and other presentations.

Admission Requirements

Graduate College Requirements:

  • 4 year Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
  • Academic Records/Transcripts
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA (Program may alter requirement.)
  • Proof of English Proficiency.

Program Specific Requirements:

  • Program Requires GRE: Yes
  • Program Requires GMAT: No
  • Program Will Review Without TOEFL or IELTS: No

International Requirements:

  • Financial Statement:  Application
  • English Proficiency Minimum:
    TOEFL Paper (PBT) 550
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 79
    IELTS 6.5
    PTE 53
    Duolingo (approved through spring 2025) 105

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

February 1 for fall assistance consideration (applications considered throughout the year)

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Application Instructions