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Gain the in-depth knowledge, critical professional skills, and academic credentials you need to take the next step in your career.
Designed to be completed in as little as one year, this fully online, non-thesis master’s degree program will strengthen your understanding of theoretical and applied aspects of microbiology, immunology, molecular biology and virology, preparing you to pursue career opportunities in a variety of industries.
The Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology is a world-leader in infectious disease research and education, with robust biomedical research programs focused on understanding fundamental aspects of bacteriology, virology, and prion biology, improving diagnostics for infectious diseases, as well as developing effective treatments and vaccines for globally important infectious diseases, including the SARS-CoV02 coronavirus.
This online program allows you to earn your master's degree from a respected, regionally accredited public research university in Colorado without traveling to a campus. Balance your academic studies with your career, family, and personal obligations.
Although this program is entirely online, you will still have opportunities to interact closely with both your instructors and peers. You will also have access to many of the same resources and services as CSU’s resident students.
Students who have completed the Microbiology-Immunology Master’s program have successfully obtained positions in a wide range of industries and career paths, including biotechnology, governmental agencies, public health laboratories, academic research labs, as well as moving into terminal degree programs in veterinary and human health. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of microbiologists was projected to grow by three percent between 2019 and 2029. However, considering the massive economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, job opportunities will likely expand at a much faster pace as both governments and organizations seek to create better safeguards, diagnostic tools, vaccines, and treatments for future disease outbreaks.
Potential career opportunities for graduates of this program include:
Program Total Credits: 30
No. There is no required laboratory component to this online program. Students enrolling in this program are not required to have previous laboratory experience. Didactic coursework within this program will explore many different experimental techniques providing foundational knowledge of each technique that will allow you to be more effective in your career.
This program requires Official Transcripts for all post-high school education to be provided with your application. This includes completed and in-progress degrees, community college coursework that was transferred to other institutions, and study abroad coursework. Official Transcripts can be sent through a secure, electronic third party from US institutions (Parchment, eQuals, National Clearinghouse, or similar). Otherwise, paper transcripts can be mailed directly from your institution to CSU. Please visit this page for more information about Official Transcripts.
No, our program does not require the GRE, MCAT, DAT, or other graduate level entrance exam for admission.
Our goal is to keep the program small enough to allow effective instructor interactions and quality learning experiences, while also maintaining a critical mass of students for networking support and overall programmatic impact on the field. We take a holistic approach to our applications and evaluate each one to determine if a student will thrive here. We currently anticipate enrolling up to 100 students per year, but we do not have a set limit on enrollment.
At this time, our program does not offer assistantships, fellowships, or tuition waivers. Please consult the CSU Student Financial Services website for more information of federal student loans and other options that may be available to you.
The program is designed to be completed in one or two academic years (fall and spring semesters).
If you plan on completing the program in one year, we recommend the following course schedule:
If you plan on completing the program in two years, we recommend the following course schedule:
Yes, the program allows students the flexibility to complete courses asynchronously or synchronously over the span of one or two years. Please see the suggested course schedule for the one- or two-year program to help you assess what level of effort will be required. Students are also expected to prepare a scholarly paper as a key requirement for graduation in the final semester of the program.
No. Due to the anticipated volume of applications and the short turn-around time for making decisions, we do not hold interviews for the program.
"I was attracted to the wide range of backgrounds of the faculty and the flexible online model. During the program, I was exposed to many fields and occupations that led me to opportunities I didn’t even know existed. I apply things I learned every day in my job when I set up laboratories and train scientists in diagnosing pathogens in patients. The quality of education is beyond what I expected. Professors were extremely supportive and dedicated to student success."
"The biggest draw to CSU Online was the elite professors. They are actively engaged in research and doing the science you read about in textbooks. Many of the techniques I learned in the program are a vital part of my everyday work as a research associate. I would absolutely recommend this program. The education I received is unparalleled."
"When I saw I could complete a Masters in Microbiology in a year, there wasn't much debate. The program was highly recommended for its amazing classes, supportive professors, and professional development. I developed passions I had no idea I had and explored other aspects of myself, professionally and personally. I currently work as a Study Pathology Technician at Labcorp aiding in the preclinical stages of drug development for the health of animals and people. I learned about drug development in the program through classes and pathology through guest speakers, leading me to my decision to apply to a pathology related job. This program changed my professional and personal growth in ways I never imagined. The world of microbiology is vast and versatile, explore it, advocate for it, and contribute to it!"
“I’m proud that I was able to complete my degree while working full time!”
"I chose CSU Online because it offers me the flexibility to be able to take care of my four kids, work full time, and get my degree... If you're considering a CSU Online program and you're a mom like me, I just want to let you know that you can do it."
| Fall semester | June 15 |
| Spring semester | November 1 |
Start your application online and upload materials directly into the online system. You can save your progress and return any time.
Apply NowNote: Meeting the minimum department standards does not ensure admission to the program.
Prepare the materials below and upload when you apply online:
Complete the online graduate application and pay the nonrefundable application processing fee (payable online). As soon as you have completed the required information, please submit your application. Your application will not be reviewed until it is complete and all required materials have been received.
CSU's Graduate School offers several application fee waiver opportunities. Visit their website to determine if you are eligible for a waiver.
Online applications must be submitted before 5 p.m. (Mountain Time) on the deadline date.
Request one official transcript of all collegiate work completed from all institutions attended. Transcripts from Colorado State University are not required. Transcripts must be received directly from the originating institution to be considered official.
Electronic (preferred): Digital Transcripts must be submitted by the originating institution using a secure service such as parchment, eScrip-Safe, the National Student Clearinghouse, or e-Quals. Transcripts received via emails are considered unofficial. Use institution code 4075 for Colorado State University or gradadmissions@colostate.edu if the secure service requires an email address.
Mail (if necessary) Graduate Admissions Colorado State University – Office of Admissions 1062 Campus Delivery Fort Collins, CO 80523-1062
View your application status at any time to ensure your application checklist is complete or to check on updates.
Once your complete application, including supporting materials, is received, the department admission committee will review your application and notify you of their decision.
Proof of English language proficiency is required for applicants from countries or United States territories where there are official languages other than (or in addition to) English. This includes the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Puerto Rico.
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