About The Program
The Immunology, Microbiology, and Virology (IMV) Program is designed for students interested in obtaining a Ph.D. in Microbiology & Immunology. As such, the program represents a group of faculty that may mentor a student pursuing thesis research toward the Microbiology & Immunology Ph.D. Students interested in a Ph.D. in Microbiology & Immunology should apply to the IMV Program for admission to graduate studies at the University of Rochester Medical Center.
We offer in-depth coursework and diverse research opportunities that focus on immunology, microbiology and virology.
The flexibility of our training program allows students to train in a number of exciting research areas including: cancer, autoimmune disease, respiratory pathogens and often allows students to develop highly effective interdisciplinary collaborations, resulting in cutting edge thesis projects.
More than 60 faculty members with varied research interests contribute to the activities of the program.
The program is “home” to first year students; at the end of the first year, students choose a Ph.D. program (usually Microbiology & Immunology) and permanent advisor.
Advisors and Ph.D. Programs
- In the first year of study, students complete 3 or 4 research rotations before choosing a permanent advisor.
- Students matriculate into the Ph.D. program in Microbiology & Immunology or may choose another program at the end of the first year of study.
Financial Aid
PhD Applicants
Fellowship Package for Full-time Students
- Full tuition scholarship, including all fees. Tuition and Fee Schedule
- A competitive stipend for 2024-2025 of $33,660 per year for 12 month programs or $28,050 per year for 10 month programs.
- Single coverage AETNA student health insurance policy.
- Refund Schedule
Health Insurance
The University Health Service (UHS) provides a full range of confidential, high quality primary health care services for full-time students and other members of the University community.
Full-time students participate in the Student Health Program, which covers primary care visits to UHS, time-limited therapy at the University Counseling Center (UCC), and health promotion services.
UHS offers health insurance for individual full-time University of Rochester students and their spouses/domestic partners through AETNA. Full-time students are required to participate in this plan unless they complete the Health Insurance Selection Process indicating they are waiving the insurance plan because they have other insurance. Insurance for spouses/partners and families is available for a fee payable by the student.
Childcare Program
The University of Rochester is implementing a pilot childcare grant program for full-time PhD students, on University appointments, who are parents of children, newborn through age 6 (“student-parents”). The objective of this program is to provide some financial assistance to Rochester PhD students with childcare expenses. Additional details can be found at https://www.rochester.edu/graduate-education/phd-students/childcare-grant/.
Related Departments
The Bursar’s Office
Financial Aid Office
Training Grants
The Department of Microbiology and Immunology has been awarded several highly competitive, institutional training grants from the National Institutes of Health. These grants provide funds for stipend support, educational and training opportunities for Ph.D. students working in the areas of immunology, microbial pathogenesis (including bacteria, fungi and viruses), HIV/AIDS research, and oral biology. Upper level students that have fulfilled coursework and qualifying exam requirements are eligible for consideration, and suitable candidates are selected by the faculty.
Predoctoral students in Microbiology and Immunology may also receive support from additional training grants that include the following:
Completed applications must be received by December 15th for consideration for Fall semester admission (new students are only admitted for Fall semester).