Virology

Overview

Virology programs teach people about various types of viruses. Students study viruses' roles in diseases and their genetics. They learn how to apply the knowledge to topics such as cancer biology.

Virology programs include topics such as:

• Virus taxonomy and systematics
• Viral structures
• Viral/host cell interaction
• Viral pathogenesis
• Applications to specific topics such as cancer biology

Schools

Few universities offer graduate degrees in virology. A master’s degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor’s degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master’s degree.

See schools that offer this program.

Graduate Admissions

Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores.

Additional requirements at some schools include:

• Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal statement
• Laboratory research experience
• Significant course work in calculus, biology, chemistry, and physics

In addition, some programs require you to have taken courses in genetics and microbiology.

Typical Course Work

Graduate Program Courses

This graduate program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

• Animal Viruses
• Bacteriology
• Biochemistry
• Epidemiology
• General Virology
• Genetics
• Human Viruses
• Immunology
• Infectious Diseases
• Molecular Microbiology
• Research Methods
• Viral Pathogenesis

Graduate programs that lead to a master's or doctoral degree typically also include:

• Laboratory rotations
• Thesis (master's degree)
• Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
• Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)

Things to Know

Many virology programs are in molecular biology or immunology departments.

In many cases schools offer combined MD/PhD programs. This means you become a medical doctor as well as a research scientist.

Most people with a degree in virology become professional scientists or professors.

As a virologist, you can work for private labs, drug companies, university labs, or medical and graduate schools. You can also work for government health agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control.

Schools

No information available.