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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.
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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) |
| 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 |
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

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:

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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