Research is the most important aspect of the Ph.D. and M.S. degrees offered by the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. Students are expected to actively participate in the departmental research program, contributing new information about infectious diseases and immune defenses. Usually during the second semester of graduate school, students choose a faculty adviser and select a research project in the adviser's laboratory. The Department is currently well funded with research grants from the National Institutes of Health.
Research assistantships as well as teaching assistantships are available on a competitive basis.
Applicants must first be admitted to the Graduate School of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and then be approved by the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. Applicants should have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited university or college in a biological science or a related field with strong biological background. The applicant must have satisfactorily completed courses in physics, mathematics and chemistry both inorganic and organic. A good command of the English language is essential. The applicant should submit two letters of recommendation, preferably from former teachers, and before final acceptance, a personal interview is requested when practical.