PhD in Microbiology in USA: Top Universities, Requirements & Salary

PhD in Microbiology in USA: Top Universities, Requirements & Salary

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Highlights:

  • Program Availability: Over 90 PhD in Microbiology in USA programs are available in US, spanning 4 to 6 years.
  • Tuition Fees: The cost of studying PhD in Microbiology in US ranges from INR 6.43 lakhs to 67.03 lakhs.
  • Career Opportunities: Graduates can pursue careers in research and teaching with an average salary of $93,000 per year.
  • Salary Range: The average salary of a microbiologist in the USA is approximately 206,000 USD per year (1.71 Crore INR).
  • High Demand: Microbiology is in high demand in the USA, especially at the doctoral level, with many PhD holders working as professionals or faculty in top institutions.

PhD in Microbiology in USA is a 2-4 years full-time degree, also available in part-time mode with a duration of 4 to 5 years or more in some US universities. PhD in Microbiology mainly involves the study of microorganisms and the effects of diseases produced by them. For international students, the tuition fee for a Ph.D. in Microbiology in USA is typically between 7,719 USD - and 80,390 USD per year. The PhD in microbiology graduates have a range of career opportunities in the USA with the majority of them working as microbiologists, researchers, forensic scientists, biomedical scientists, administrators, and science advisors. The average salary after PhD in Microbiology in the USA is around INR 77.54 lakhs per annum.

Top Universities for PhD in Microbiology in USA

Tabulated below are the top universities in USA for PhD in microbiology with the programs they offer and their admission deadlines.

University Programs Duration Admission Deadlines Total Annual Fees (USD)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Ph.D. in Microbiology 5-6 years December 2024 131,561
Stanford University Ph.D. in Microbiology | Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology | Ph.D. in Microbiology - Biomedical Sciences 5.0-5.5 years December 2024 58,746
Cornell University Ph.D. in Microbiology - Food Science and Technology - Food | Ph.D. in Microbiology 4-5 years December 2024 20,800
Yale University Ph.D. in Microbiology - Biomedical Sciences 2-3 years December 2024 48,300
University of California - Los Angeles Ph.D. in Microbiology - Microbial Pathogenesis 5 years December 2024 34,696
Arizona State University Ph.D. in Microbiology 5 years December 2024 62,698
Texas A and M University-College Station Ph.D. in Microbiology 7 years December 2024 40,824
California Institute of Technology Ph.D. in Microbiology - Biomedical Sciences 5-6 years December 2024 65,706
University of Pittsburgh Ph.D. in Microbiology | Ph.D. in Infectious Diseases and Microbiology | Ph.D. in Microbiology - Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology 4-6 years December 2024 44,242
University of Texas at Austin Ph.D. in Microbiology 5-6 years December 2024 17,682

Why Study PhD in Microbiology in USA

International students from all over the world come to study in USA for many reasons. Some of the major reasons are listed below:

  • The United States houses the most prestigious universities in the world. More than 150 US universities are listed among the world's top universities in QS and Times Higher Education. Some universities offering PhD in the USA are listed among the top universities across the globe.
  • Though top US universities are some of the most expensive universities in the world, some are highly affordable. The cost of PhD in microbiology in USA typically costs between 7,719 USD - 80,390 USD (6.43 lakhs - 67.03 lakhs INR).

The universities in the USA have the most vibrant and lively student life. Apart from studies, the students may take part in various clubs and organisations responsible for cultural activities, sports, and events on campus.

PhD in Microbiology in USA Course Details

The Ph.D. in microbiology course involves the study of metabolic processes and genetics in microscopic organisms as well as non-microscopic organisms. The program combines practical and theoretical learning. The practical part focuses more on human activity, agriculture, nutrition, and medicine. While the theory consists of molecular and cellular biology, nuclear physics, and microbiology logistics. The program also covers other areas like Biomedicine, chemistry, public health, human health, and environmental impact. Some of the major topics discussed in PhD in microbiology are:

  • Genetics of microbiology
  • General virology
  • Microbial pathogens
  • Infectious diseases
  • General parasitology
  • Microbial ecology

PhD in Microbiology in USA Admission Requirements

To be eligible for pursuing a PhD in microbiology, the students must fulfil the below admission criteria:

Basic admission Requirements for PhD in Microbiology:

  • A minimum GPA of 3.0 - 3.5 in Bachelor's degree
  • A GPA of 3.0 or above in a Master's degree in microbiology or a relevant field
  • GRE score between 300 - 320
  • English language proficiency
    • IELTS- 90 - 100
    • TOEFL IBT- 6.5 - 7.5

Documents Required for PhD in Microbiology in USA:

  • An unofficial record of all qualifications achieved, including scores achieved
  • Official transcripts will be required after acceptance to the university
  • Personal Statement
  • Research Statement
  • 3 LORs
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae
  • Passport copy
  • Financial statement
  • Visa

PhD in Microbiology in USA without GRE

Some colleges in USA waive the GRE requirement for admissions to PhD in Microbiology in USA. These are -

  • University of Iowa
  • University of California, Los Angeles
  • Iowa State University

PhD in Microbiology: University-Specific Requirements

University Application Fee PA Required ELP Scores GRE Score Documents Checklist
Massachusetts Institute of Technology 75 USD 3.0 GPA IELTS: 7.0 | TOEFL iBT: 100 Not required 3 LORs
Stanford University 105 USD 3.96 (Average) IELTS: 7.0 | TOEFL iBT: 90 Not required SOP | 3 LORs | Resume
Cornell University 125 USD 3.3 IELTS: 7.0 | TOEFL iBT: 90 Not required Academic SOP | LOR
Yale University 105 USD 3.0 GPA IELTS: 7.5 | TOEFL iBT: 100 155 in Verbal, and 165 in Quantitative Academic SOP | 3 LORs | Resume or CV
University of California - Los Angeles 140 USD 3.5 GPA IELTS: 7.0 | TOEFL: 87 Not required LORs | SOP | Resume
Arizona State University 115 USD 3.0 GPA IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL: 80 Not required Personal statement | 3 LORs | CV or Resume
Texas A and M University 90 USD 3.0 GPA IELTS: 6.0 | TOEFL: 80 146 in the GRE Verbal section Dissertation proposal
California Institute of Technology 100 USD 3.5 GPA IELTS: 7.5 | TOEFL iBT: 100 Not required LOR | Resume or CV
University of Pittsburgh 50 USD 3.2 GPA IELTS: 7.5 | TOEFL iBT: 100 Not required 3 LORs | Personal statement
University of Texas at Austin 90 USD 3.0 GPA IELTS: 6.5-7.5 | TOEFL iBT: 80 Not required 3 LORs | Personal statement | CV or Resume

PhD in Microbiology in USA Tuition Fees

A PhD degree is generally less expensive than a master's degree in USA. The tuition fee for PhD in Microbiology can be as low as 19,000 USD (15.42 lakhs INR) and can go beyond 60,000 USD (48.69 lakhs INR) in some universities. Apart from tuition fees, the students are also required to meet living costs in the USA which involve the cost of accommodation, food, transportation, and books & supplies. The cost of living may vary depending on the university and location.

Tuition Fees

Tabulated below is the tuition fee in the United States for Ph.D. in Microbiology at top universities.

University Annual Tuition Fee(USD) Tuition Fee(INR)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology 80,390 67.03 lakhs
California Institute of Technology 63,402 52.86 lakhs
Stanford University 56,487 47.10 lakhs
Yale University 48,300 40.27 lakhs
University of Pittsburgh 44,242 36.89 lakhs
Arizona State University 34,290 28.59 lakhs
Cornell University 20,800 17.34 lakhs
University of Texas at Austin 7,719 6.43 lakhs
Texas A and M University 18,084 15.07 lakhs
University of California - Los Angeles 12,264 10.22 lakhs

Cost of Living

Estimated cost of living in USA for international students while pursuing a PhD or other graduate degree in top US universities.

Expenses Total Cost of Living (USD) Total Cost of Living (INR)
Housing 9,180 - 23,820 7.65 lakhs - 19.86 lakhs
Health Insurance 3,237 2.69 lakhs
Transportation 1,682 - 3,428 1.40 lakhs - 285 lakhs
Personal Expenses 4,482 - 9,000 3.73 lakhs - 7.50 lakhs
Books and Supplies 776 - 1,400 64,705 - 1.17 lakhs
Food 8,395 - 9,460 7 lakhs - 7.88 lakhs

PhD in Microbiology in USA Scholarships

International students may avail of scholarships while pursuing PhD degree in USA either on merit basis or as financial assistance. Some of the popular scholarships available in the USA for studying PhD in Microbiology funded by top universities:

Scholarship Name Eligibility Criteria Award/Benefit
Fellowships/Assistantship - Stanford Department of Biology The student must register at least 10 units during the winter, spring, autumn and summer terms

Apply for PhD funding online via AXESS

36,162 USD

25% + Fellowship (Year 1)
50% Salary (2 - 4)
25% fellowship + 25% (Year 5)

Long-Term Financial Hardship Assistance - MIT Biology For doctoral/PhD students with financial hardship

The students must be admitted to a PhD program at MIT
Demonstrate satisfactory academic performance

Varies
PhD Fellowship by Yale University PhD students with financial need Cover full tuition cost + minimum stipend of 38,300 for 12 months
American Society for Microbiology (ASM) - Robert D. Watkins Graduate Research Fellowship - CalTech Research fellowship for PhD students during the last year

The applicants must prepare themselves to complete dissertations during the period of fellowship

Varies

Learn More: Scholarships to Study in USA

USA Scholarships


PhD in Microbiology in USA Job Opportunities

The average salary of a microbiologist in USA is recorded to be around 206,000 USD (1.71 Crore INR) per annum. The annual microbiologist salary in USA ranges between 107,000 USD to 315,000 USD (89.22 lakhs - 2.62 Crore INR). Following are some of the top recruiters in USA for PhD in microbiology:

PhD in Microbiology in USA Top Recruiters

Tabulated Below are the Top Paying Job Profiles in USA for PhD in Microbiology Graduates:

Job Profile Average Salary(USD) Average Salary(INR)
Senior Research Scientist Biotechnology 105,422 87.90 lakhs
Staff Scientist 97,831 81.57 lakhs
Bioinformatics Scientist 92,427 77.06 lakhs
Project Manager/ Pharmaceuticals 91,148 76 lakhs
Research Scientist 85,559 71.34 lakhs
Research Scientist Biotechnology 81,613 68 lakhs
Microbiologist 80,910 67.46 lakhs
Assistant Professor Post-secondary/higher education 67,709 56.45 lakhs
Postdoctoral Research Associate 55,212 46.03 lakhs

PhD in Microbiology is an ideal choice for those having relevant research experience and interest in this field. The demand for professionals in microbiology is quite high in the United States and many top recruiters prefer PhD graduates to fill such positions in a variety of high-paying job profiles with an average salary of 206,000 USD per annum (1.71 Crore INR).

FAQs

Ques. How many years does it take to get a PhD in Microbiology?

Ans. In USA, those who get admitted to a PhD in Microbiology after a master's degree may receive their degree after 2 to 3 years while those admitted after completion of bachelor’s usually receive a PhD in 3 to 4 years. However, in some universities, it may take longer than 4 years. Mentioned below are the duration of PhD in Microbiology programs in top US universities:

University Duration of PhD in Microbiology Program
Massachusetts Institute of Technology 5-6 years
Stanford University 5.0-5.5 years
Cornell University 4-5 years
Yale University 2-3 years
University of California - Los Angeles 5 years
Arizona State University 5 years
Texas A and M University 7 years
California Institute of Technology 5-6 years
University of Pittsburgh 4-6 years
University of Texas at Austin 5-6 years

Ques. Is microbiology in demand in USA?

Ans. Microbiology is one of the most in-demand courses in USA, especially at the Doctoral level. The majority of the PhD holders with microbiology are either working as microbiologists or teaching as professors in top schools and universities across the United States.

Ques. What is the highest-paying job in microbiology?

Ans. Microbiology Research Scientist is likely the highest-paying microbiology job in the USA. Here's the breakdown:

  • Job Title: Microbiology Research Scientist
  • Salary Range: While data varies across sources, some report a range of $90,000 - $174,000 per year, with a median around $81,792 

Ques. How much is a microbiologist paid in USA?

Ans. In the United States, the average salary of microbiologists is 206,000 USD per year. The lowest salary for microbiologists in USA is seen to be around 107,000 USD per annum while the highest salary can go beyond 315,000 USD per year. 

Ques. How can international students apply for PhD in microbiology in USA?

Ans. Students seeking admission to PhD in microbiology in USA must follow the below steps to apply:

  • Shortlist universities in USA offering PhD in microbiology.
  • Review the eligibility requirements and course guidelines.
  • Select the university of your choice and apply before the deadline
  • Upload required documents
  • Wait for the admissions decisions
  • Confirm your admission offer if admitted

Ques. What are the entry requirements for PhD in microbiology in USA?

Ans. The entry requirements for a Ph.D. in Microbiology in the USA:

  • Academic Background: Master's degree in Microbiology or a closely related field (e.g., Biochemistry, Immunology).
  • GPA: Strong academic record, typically a minimum GPA of 3.0 (out of 4.0) is required, often focusing on the last 60 credits of your bachelor's degree or entire master's program.
  • Standardized Tests: GRE scores are common, but some programs may waive this requirement. Check with each program for their specific policy.
  • Supporting Documents: Letters of recommendation from professors familiar with your research experience are crucial.
  • Research Experience: Prior research experience in microbiology or a related field is highly recommended by most programs.

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