The Microbiology and Immunology Master's Program (MIMS) provides students with a focused education in microbiology and immunology as well as laboratory skills.
The goal will be to enhance career advancement in education or industry or prepare a student for a career in research, including further training in graduate and professional programs
Importantly, this program will provide extensive hands-on research experience, where students will be trained in research laboratories located within the department of Immunology and Microbiology at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.
Students will complete 38 units that include core course work, electives and participation in cutting-edge research, as well as write and defend a thesis. Of these 38 credits, a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 6 credits have to be earned through thesis work.
LABORATORY RESEARCH
Students will perform 5-week rotations in 3 labs over the course of one semester, spending a minimum of 10 hours per week in the lab. Students will learn about the research and gain hands on experience in several laboratories. Following the rotations, the student will choose a lab to complete their thesis work for the remaining time in the program. Students will spend at least 20 hours/week working in the lab on a research thesis project. This project will be documented as a Master’s thesis and defended orally as a requirement for graduation.
Please see the Department of Immunology and Microbiology website to learn about specific research areas and laboratories.
Bacterial pathogenesis
Viral pathogenesis
Bacterial physiology
Microbial Genetics
Host response
RNA biology
Immune surveillance
Vaccine development
Autoimmune diseases
Allergy
Lymphocyte development
B and T cell lymphomas
CURRICULUM
The Microbiology and Immunology Master's requires 21 credits in core courses such as Foundations in Biomedical Sciences, Ethics, Scientific Writing, Microbiology and Immunology. 6 electives credits are chosen from various disciplines and 11 credits are devoted to laboratory research and development of a thesis.
APPLICATION AND ADMISSIONS
Recommended Prerequisites:
- Strong background in biological sciences. BA/BS in cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, immunology, microbiology or equivalent specialty.
- Course in Microbiology and/or Immunology
Admission Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Official General GRE or MCAT (Optional)
- Complete transcripts of undergraduate work and any previous graduate work
- A completed application to Graduate Studies
- Three academic letters of recommendation
- Letter of intent
Application Deadlines
MIMS only admits for the fall semester.
The application will open September 1 and close March 15. All materials must be received by March 15
Contacts
For questions about this program, please contact Director Dr. Kelly Doran.
Kelly Doran, PhD (she/her)
Professor of Immunology & Microbiology
Director, Microbiology and Immunology Masters (MIMS) Program
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
303-724-3539 | kelly.doran@cuanschutz.edu
Scott Thompson, PhD (he/him)
Instructor of Immunology & Microbiology
Curriculum Director, Microbiology and Immunology Masters (MIMS) Program
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
SCOTT.B.THOMPSON@CUANSCHUTZ.EDU
Nicole B. Ellis (she/her)
Operations Coordinator of Immunology & Microbiology
Program Administrator, Microbiology and Immunology Masters (MIMS) Program
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Nicole.B.Ellis@cuanschutz.edu
MIMS Student Orientation
|
10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Room Number: Room 1000
Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Building
12850 East Montview Boulevard
Aurora, CO
Room Number: Room 1000
Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Building
12850 East Montview Boulevard
Aurora, CO
Microbiology and Immunology Master’s (MIMS) Program Orientation
July 23, 2025 | 10 AM – 2 PM
Skaggs School of Pharmacy on the Anschutz Medical Campus
12850 E Montview Blvd, Aurora, CO 80045
Room 1000 & Room 1108
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