PhD Virology Programs

Researching PhD Virology Programs?

The Immunology & Molecular Pathogenesis (IMP) program provides students with a unique opportunity to study all aspects of pathogenesis using a spectrum of cutting edge molecular and cellular techniques.

Participating faculty have a broad range of research interests, from basic immunology to the molecular biology of viral and bacterial pathogens. The program provides an opportunity to tailor course work and research activities to fit the career goals of individual students. Faculty members are affiliated with basic science and clinical departments in the School of Medicine, the Emory Vaccine Center, the National Primate Research Center, as well as the adjacent U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In the first year, students take courses in immunology, biochemistry, and cell biology, take three 10-week laboratory rotations and then select an advisor and laboratory for dissertation research. In the second year, students will spend the majority of time on their thesis research, but a wide range of elective courses is available, and teaching experience is also gained during this time. The third year and beyond are devoted almost entirely to completion of the thesis research project. Students typically complete this Ph.D. program in approximately five years.

Emory Resources

The highly supportive and collaborative environment within the IMP program provides many opportunities for innovative dissertation research. Today, the answers to important immunological questions can only come with the application of techniques derived from numerous disciplines. It is therefore critical that the over 280 faculty within the GDBBS give IMP students access to expertise in many areas of research, and the people in these many labs are Emory's greatest resource.

In addition, the Emory community has numerous facilities that provide reagents and expertise for immunological projects. Within the School of Medicine are numerous core facilities to support research projects. These include Flow Cytometry, Transgenic Mice, Microchemical and Proteomics, and Bioinformatics core facilities. State of the art animal facilities at several locations on campus house numerous species, including a large population of non-human primates at the Yerkes National Primate Research Center. The IMP program also has a close relationship with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, headquartered adjacent to the Emory campus.

In addition to these research resources, Emory also offers numerous student life resources. The campus life web page lists numerous programs, services, facilities, and activities designed to enhance the student experience and get everyone involved in the Emory community.

Financial Aid

All students admitted to the program receive health insurance, a tuition scholarship and stipend support. Stipend levels are highly competitive. For the academic year 2004-05 graduate student stipends are $21,500, and graduate tuition awards are $27,770.

Stipends and tuition scholarships, awarded to students on the basis of academic merit, are intended to cover basic living expenses and tuition. With the exception of special awards, such as the Woodruff Fellowship, stipend levels are set by the GDBBS based upon the availability of funds from Graduate School and university sources. The faculty also encourage and assist students in obtaining individual stipend support from extramural sources, such as federal agencies and private foundations. Financial support is provided to all full-time students working toward the Ph.D. degree.