All students entering the program must complete a core curriculum of graduate courses. Two tracks of advanced study are then available to candidates. One track involves a Molecular Biology orientation with additional coursework in Biochemistry and Cell and Molecular Biology. The other track has an Immunology orientation and involves completion of Medical Pathology and Advanced Immunology. Students are encouraged to rotate through three labs during their first year to decide the direction they wish to take in their thesis work.
Research makes up the majority of the second year through the end of the graduate studies.
Teaching is also seen as an important part of the students' education and during the third or fourth years, students will help teach the laboratory sections of the Medical Microbiology course for the Medical students. A seven year program is available that leads to the M.D. and Ph.D. degrees. D. program requires acceptance by both the College of Medicine Admissions Committee and the Graduate Program Admissions Committee. The following brief summary of requirements must be met for students who are seeking the Ph.D. degree. All students are required to take core curriculum and at least 3 electives.