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What is Immunology?

Immunology is an exciting field of study that is rapidly growing around the globe.  It is a branch of biology emphasizing the study of an organism’s immune system.  In other words, immunology is a specialty field that charts, contextualizes, and measures the following: malfunctions of an immune system, immunological disorders (immune deficiencies, transplant rejections, autoimmune diseases, and hypersensitivities), characteristics of an immune system (chemical, physical, physiological), and immune system functioning in all states.  The work of immunologists has a variety of medical applications in oncology, virology, bacteriology, psychiatry, dermatology, and organ transplantation.  The field of immunology is over a century old after groundbreaking work by Mechnikov observing what is known as phagocytosis in which an organism works to defend itself against a foreign entity.

The study of immunology is closely tethered to a variety of sciences.  In fact, this particular field of study builds on a number of foundational sciences and adjacent disciplines of study to advance the understanding of human immune systems.  Areas of study that are tightly knit to the human immune system include:

  • Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Histology
  • Cellular Biology
  • Anatomy
  • Biochemistry
  • Biomedical Science
  • Biophysics
  • Molecular Biophysics
  • Developmental Biology
  • Embryology
  • Anatomical Science
  • Oncology
  • Structural Biology
  • Radiation Biology

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$66,850

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

44.56%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

22,400

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Immunology Degree

This private Ivy League research university was established in 1701 initially to educate the Congregational ministers of theological doctrine. Otherwise, it had expanded into graduate and professional instruction by the 19th century. One of the nine colonial colleges before the American Revolution, this university consists of fourteen schools and colleges. It is currently governed by the Yale Corporation with its 1015 acre main campus situated in New Haven, Connecticut. Prominently a liberal arts university, it admits over 12,000 undergraduate and graduate students with a highly selective acceptance rate of 6.9%. A highly regarded university, notable alumni from this institution include 65 Nobel Laureates, five field medalists, and three Turing award winners. 

The Department of Immunobiology offers a postdoctoral program in immunobiology for well-qualified students who excel in academics and leadership during their undergraduate and graduate studies in Biological and Biomedical Sciences. Nonetheless, it's one of the seven tracks that could be taken from the said science program. The immunology track of BBS could be finished for at least five years.  Studying in one of the largest integrated training programs in immunology, this program focuses on research with molecular, cellular, and genetic underpinnings of the immune system. Its facility includes six floors of laboratories for disease-oriented research as related to immunology. 

Acceptance Rate

6.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

This private Ivy League university was chartered by the General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1636. It was named after the clergyman, John Harvard who first funded the establishment of the university. This prestigious school is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts with the main campus spreading at 109 acres. It has three available campuses offering ten academic faculties with various interdisciplinary programs being given to its prospective students. The institution with the largest endowment in the USA, it's profoundly known for biomedical research and has been one of the best schools in the world. For more than three centuries, Harvard had been incorporated with a huge alumni database with notable people who graduated including eight US presidents, 188 living billionaires, 79 Nobel laureates, and 108 Olympic medalists. 

The top ranked immunology degree is just one of the programs administered by the Committee on Immunology at Harvard. It constitutes 135 faculty members who gained expertise in various medical fields including transplantation, stem cell biology, and tumor immunology. Talking about four to five years for Ph.D. or MD status, it provides awareness of immunological research and how it affects the overall health of society. Its curriculum consists mostly of research lab work with medical training and rotation to affiliated hospitals or clinics partnered by the university. During the final year of study, a dissertation will be presented to a group of panels and experts including one outside of the university. Currently, the program has a total of about 80 students admitted. 

Acceptance Rate

4.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

UChicago is a private research university founded in 1890 by the American Baptist Education Society. It was initially donated by the oil magnate, John Rockefeller which had expanded as a highly regarded university throughout the years. Located in Chicago, Illinois, its main campus occupies about 217 acres divided into eight professional schools and five graduate research divisions. Moreover, it has additional campuses and centers located in cities including Paris, Beijing, London, and Hong Kong. It played an important role in major developments in various fields of metallurgy, carbon dating, and nuclear reactivity. It’s the home of the largest university press in the USA and might as well, former President Obama’s offices of foundation. 

The Committee on Immunology consists of a graduate program leading to a Ph.D. in immunology. The program incorporates an integrated approach that includes the foundations of biological, clinical, and molecular sciences. It provides an extensive opportunity towards attending various seminar pieces of training, internships, and clinical symposia being held by faculty from the Biological Sciences Division. This four-year curriculum comprises medical coursework, research, thesis work, and rotational work in research labs or medical institutions partnered by the university. Graduates of this program pursue a medical or a research career with various medical-related companies. 

Acceptance Rate

6.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

This private university was founded in 1891 in memory of the 15-year-old deceased son of Leland and Jane Stanford. Its main campus spans about 8100 acres situated in Stanford, California of which 60% is still undeveloped. Campus sights include the Main Quad, the Dish, and the Stanford Memorial Church. It's organized into seven schools consisting of more than 40 academic departments focusing on different academic disciplines. It’s a highly selective institution admitting about 17,000 students per semester. Notable alumni from this university include 84 Nobel Laureates, 28 Turing Award Laureates, 74 living billionaires, and 17 astronauts. 

The immunology doctoral program provides a strong foundation in immunology and other related sciences. This program is available at two specific tracks or concentrations for which the student is free to choose one. Its curriculum is highly versatile forms of courses, training, and internships with intensive research work in various partnered laboratories by the institution. Its 135 credit hour graduate and research work could be accomplished for five years of which at the last year of study should be ended with a presentation of the dissertation work. Driven by top-notched faculty, the immunology department consists of highly diverse academic backgrounds including 11 National Academy of the Science Members and a Nobel Prize Laureate. 

Acceptance Rate

4.34

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

The fourth oldest higher education institution in the USA, the UPenn was erected in 1740 through a traveling evangelist named George Whitefield. It consists of a 1085 acre campus spread on a lot of parts of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania bordering Drexel University and along with the University of Sciences in Philadelphia. Its facilities and infrastructures are built with Collegiate Gothic-style architecture including a 24-acre site for park and recreation. Considered to be highly selective in terms of student admission, the university enrolls only about 8% of all student applications. Distinguished alumni from this university include 32 US Senators, two presidents of the USA, 26 Nobel laureates, 64 billionaires, and 16 Pulitzer Prize winners. 

The Immunology Graduate Studies is a three-year program for students who want to pursue a medical or doctoral degree program. Its entire course consists of lectures, research, and rotational work. Moreover, a dissertation work is a requisite before graduation with an emphasis on medical research in immunology. The program also offers a combined degree for VMD/Ph.D. or MD/Ph.D. that could be taken at least for five years of study. Upon admission, the students will be assessed according to his/her undergraduate training and research experience. During the program, the students will receive a twelve-month stipend of living expenses. Thus, students need to seek scholarship funding to finance education. 

Acceptance Rate

7.66

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

This private research university was founded in 1838 by the Union Institute Society, a group of Methodists and Quakers. In 1924, the university changed its name to what’s now inspired by the major endowment of James Duke. Its 8600-acre campus is located in the suburban area of Durham, North Carolina of which includes more than 256 buildings. Ranked fifth among top universities in the USA, it offers over 46 arts and sciences majors, four engineering majors, and 24 certificate programs. It enrolls more than 15,000 students with highly selective admission at 10%. Duke alumni include 50 Rhodes Scholars, Marshall Scholars, and 8 Mitchell Scholars. 

The Department of Immunology and Graduate Program focuses on research works with the immune system through its medical laboratories designed for undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate programs. Through the Duke-Davidson program, the department accommodates undergraduate students willing to undergo ten-week intensive research experience in its laboratories. Moreover, its graduate program facilitates broad coursework in immunology including elective courses and other areas including molecular biology, biochemistry, and genetics. Students are also trained upon laboratory rotations for preparation on the theses or dissertation work. Students after graduation from this program are expected to pursue advanced degrees in post-doctoral programs or intensive medical training positions. Also, an option is to be employed in other company positions involving clinical researches and biotechnology studies. 

Acceptance Rate

7.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Caltech is a private research university established by some local businessmen and a politician named Amos Throop. Later on, it changed its name in 1910 to what its now upon a California legislature mandated by Theodore Roosevelt. Located in Pasadena, California, the university spans 124 acres with highly diverse research facilities operated mostly in space, technology, and medical studies. Governed by a 46 member board of trustees, its programs are organized into six academic divisions offering a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs. One of the best ranking universities in the world, it’s a highly selective program with student admission at 6% from its applicants. 

The Immunology and Microbiology research is a unique interdisciplinary program led by Caltech’s Center for Environmental Microbial Interactions. It incorporates over forty faculty from four divisions of Caltech’s medical science department. It goes over four research emphases including immunology, microbial molecular and cellular biology, and environmental and microbial interactions. Students admitted into this program explore to understand the basic biology and biochemistry problems with future research applications through engineering studies. To be qualified for this program, one should be able to enroll in any related undergraduate and graduate degree options including biology, neurobiology, or bioengineering. 

Acceptance Rate

6.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

3:1

Founded in 1865, this private Ivy League university is a land grant institution offered through an endowment of Ezra Cornell of his farm in New York. Its main campus located in Ithaca, New York is a 2300 acre spread overlooking the city and Cayuga Lake. Other than that, it has satellite campuses in New York and an international center in Qatar. It comprises seven undergraduate colleges and three contract colleges under the State University of New York (SUNY). A member of the land, sea, and space grant certified programs, the university had been long involved in unmanned missions in Mars, advanced computing, and automotive studies. It has a very wide alumni directory including influential positions in politics, media, and science. 

The Graduate School of Medical Sciences offers a doctoral program in Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis which involves many facets of biology and medicine. Its curriculum is designed with rich training in immunology focusing on microbial immunity, tumor immunology, leukocyte biology, and inflammation. Its comprehensive study comprises dissertation research, seminars, discussions, and laboratory rotations with a favorable one on one to student and mentors advising. To be fully admitted, applicants should possess a strong academic background in any biological sciences and molecular genetics courses. A research laboratory experience is an advantage for applicants. 

Acceptance Rate

10.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

WashU is a private research university that was established through an initiative of 17 different businessmen and religious leaders in the St. Louis region. Formerly called Elliot Seminary, the institution changed its name upon expansion to offering undergraduate and graduate programs. Upon discussion, the university was renamed in honor of the late George Washington. The Hilltop main campus located in the Greater St. Louis, Missouri area spans over 300 acres. Moreover, it has a research institute that’s sized at 1900 acres. Organized into seven graduate and undergraduate programs, the university takes pride in its highly acclaimed programs ranking 22nd in the world rankings. 

The Immunology major examines an opportunity to analyze defense mechanisms against pathogenic agents. It provides complex multicomponent system analysis on molecules and cells with documented physiologic relevance. The program spectrum includes studying wide-ranging clinical researches and developing potential solutions to existing health problems. Its graduate program comprises two years of required courses consisting of electives and lectures. In the third and fourth year, students will be able to proceed to masters or doctoral programs where students will be able to finish the study through a dissertation and various research works. It currently partnered with more than 50 research laboratories surrounding the Washington area and outside the state as well. 

Acceptance Rate

13.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Founded in the 1840s, this private university started through a 20-acre land donation by Charles Tuft. Otherwise, this land is still part of the 150-acre campus sitting on the overlooking hills of Medford and Somerville, Massachusetts. It partnered with international schools and currently offers study abroad programs in London, Paris, and Hongkong. Tufts provides more than 90 undergraduate and 150 graduate programs including those offered in the France and Boston area. Apart from that, the university is largely affiliated with nearby universities including Harvard and MIT. It currently admits over 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students. 

The Department of Immunology is committed to focusing on relevant areas of human disease. The department deeply interests in immunological, physiological, and metabolic pathways that produce interactive responses to a wide array of diseases. Home of the Tufts University Core Facility of which centering Genome core and DNA synthesis, the program is a world-class institution with updated facilities and instrumentation. The minimum two-year graduate program is completed with hands-on training, laboratory rotations, and a thesis dissertation for immersion through the practical course of study. Before graduation, students are required to submit at least two author papers based on their research. 

Acceptance Rate

14.95

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Initially, a public medical college in 1834, the institution was made private through endowments of prominent businessmen in Louisiana. This shift or change had been acted through the Louisiana legislature of which the university was named after the philanthropist Paul Tulane.  Located in New Orleans, Louisiana, this university is divided into ten schools or colleges offering various undergraduate and graduate programs. It sits on a 110-acre campus with architecturally historic building sites and large live oak trees. It possesses satellite campuses in various states across the USA and international centers in Cali, Santiago, Shanghai, and Taipei. It approximately admits more than 14,000 students per semester with extracurricular activities to enjoy during the stay. 

Tulane’s School of Medicine offers a one-year master's degree in Microbiology and Immunology for students who want to deepen their educational experience in the particular field of study. Class size limited to only 20 students, the curriculum is designed to apply knowledge and develop skills on research in microbiology and immunology study. Further, the program will help prepare students for a career in biomedical sciences and gaining admission to any post-graduate medical program. For admission, the students must present proof of credentials of graduation on any undergraduate degree of the related field for evaluation. 

Acceptance Rate

12.87

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

UMich was founded in 1817 through the efforts of the Catholic clergy, politicians, and several businessmen in Michigan. Occupying an initial 40-acre land, this public non-denominational university had grown into a college town spanning 20,000 acres including the widely spaced arboretum. Apart from its main campus in Ann Arbor, it has two other regional campuses in Dearborn and Flint. Denoted as one of the ‘Public Ivies’, the Ann Arbor campus is organized into 19 schools and colleges with highly acclaimed research work on a variety of interdisciplinary fields.  Notable alumni from this university include 26 Nobel Prize winners, 6 Turing Award winners, and 1 Mitchell Scholar. 

The Graduate Program in Immunology will prepare students in advanced research focusing on immunology with emphasis on areas including allergy, autoimmunity, transplantation, host defense, and inflammation. Its two-year curriculum comprises 8-month research rotation, seminar series, and a thesis dissertation on an emphasis of choice. Otherwise, the students will present their research work in the annual immunologist retreat to which renowned people on the field will be invited.  Moreover, students could opt to teach during the study. A lot of students engage in tutoring activities or teaching assistants as an additional opportunity to gain a teaching certification.  

Acceptance Rate

22.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

This public land grant university was established in 1868 as an agricultural school through the Morrill Land Grant Act. However, through the years, the institution had expanded and begun offering more programs. Organized into four colleges, currently, the university has 102 undergraduate majors and 101 graduate programs. Considered one of the Public Ivy schools in the USA, it has been ranked 11th on the list of best public universities in the United States. Its 7300-acre campus sits as part of the Sacramento Valley in Davis, California. Part of the University of California system, it’s the third-largest university within the system in terms of student enrollment at approximately forty thousand. 

Part of the Department of Medical Biology and Immunology, the Immunology graduate degree will focus on gaining advanced knowledge with the cells and tissues of the mammalian immune system, host immune responses to infection, and immune signaling and regulation. Moreover, students will be able to more understand vaccine development and diagnosis and treatment of disease. The master's studies in Immunology consist of 30 or 36 units depending on the area of emphasis the student could choose. Other than that, the doctoral program consists of a 17 credit hours curriculum with combined courses incorporating work rotations and lectures. Both graduate programs require students to complete a research work or thesis dissertation before finishing the program. 

Acceptance Rate

38.87

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

U-Dub is a public research university that was opened in 1854 upon the recommendation of the former governor of Washington. The oldest university in the American west coast area, it has expanded into 700 acres from the initial put up at 10 acres. Its main campus is situated in Seattle, Washington by the shores of Union and Portage Bays with views of the Cascade Range and the Olympic Mountains. Its programs are organized into 18 schools or colleges with about 140 departments incorporating undergraduate and graduate programs. A research-centered institution, it’s a flagship university in Washington state with long historic collaborations with technology giants including Amazon, Microsoft, and Nintendo amongst others. 

The Department of Immunology offers an Allergy and Immunology Fellowship degree allowing aspirants the opportunity to obtain the highest quality of clinical and research training program to assess comprehensively core clinical rotations and electives. This three-year program includes work rotations, research work, and a few lectures or seminars that students must attend or work to finish the program. It partnered or affiliated with major research training sites including South Lake Union and Seattle Allergy and Asthma Research Institute. The ERAS program opens every September 1st each year succeeded with interviews with eligible students who passed the initial assessment. 

Acceptance Rate

51.76

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

This private research university was chartered in 1821 upon the vision of the first president of the USA, George Washington of the establishment of a university in the capital. Formerly the Colombian College, it changed its name in 1904 to honor the late president who first believes in the importance of it. It currently has three existing campuses in the Washington DC area. The main Foggy Bottom campus spans 43 acres, only a few miles from White House and World Bank. GW is divided into fourteen schools and colleges with more than 71 academic disciplines being offered. Consistently ranked as the ‘Most Politically Active School’, a lot of its graduates take government positions with over 1,100 alumni in the US Foreign Service. 

The Ph.D. degree Immunology offers rigorous training for students to become professionally equipped on a career pathway in molecular virology, molecular parasitology, and immunology. This three-year or beyond program studies inflammation and vaccination with key developments in the HIV epidemic. Moreover, students will have an opportunity to access GW’s Biorepository and high-grade technology equipment for best resolution on imaging, computational biology, and flow cytometry.  The curriculum comprises interdisciplinary coursework in related studies including biology and immunology, laboratory work rotations, and scientific and research writing through a thesis or any related works. 

Acceptance Rate

40.84

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

This public land grant university was founded in 1887 initially to provide education focusing on military tactics, agriculture, and mechanical arts. The largest university in the Carolinas region, it is part of the 17 institutions of the University of Carolina system and one of the Research Triangles in the Raleigh, North Carolina area. Its urban campus spans 2100 acres administering about eleven schools and colleges. Consequently, it offers nine associate degrees in agriculture, 102 bachelor degrees, 108 areas of master's study, and 60 areas of doctorate degrees. This highly selective university admits about 36,000 students yearly of which 25,000 are taking undergraduate studies. Most notable alumni include tech CEOs, politicians, NASA astronauts, musicians, and entertainers. 

Under the College of Veterinary Medicine, the Ph.D. degree in Immunology emphasizes cellular and molecular studies in infectious diseases correlating immunology and inflammation. This area of emphasis is structured to prepare students in professional research and teaching careers applying cellular and molecular biology techniques to animal and human health. Its 26 credit immunology concentration consists of core lectures and research work in the related immunology field. Other than research careers, graduates could potentially be employed in pharmaceutical companies and government institutions as well. 

Acceptance Rate

45.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

This public university was established in 1787 by Hugh Henry Brackenridge as Pittsburgh Academy. It currently spans 132 acres situated in Pittsburgh’s historic Oakland neighborhood with combined classical and modern architecture on its infrastructures. It consists of 17 undergraduate and graduate schools with international study programs partnered with various universities across the world. One of the best research universities in the USA, it has historically developed the polio vaccine, and continuously studies cancer treatment, supercomputing, and plant sciences. It has a student population of 28000 of which more than half are taking undergraduate programs. Alumni and faculty from this institution include six Nobel Prize Laureates, three Pulitzer winners, and three Academy winners. 

The Immunology Graduate degree in Immunology provides doctoral and master's tracks for those medical students who want to pursue a career path in immunology. Awarded by the National Career Institute, this program is an excellent training ground on research with basic cellular and molecular immunological mechanisms in humans. Its combined master's and the doctoral program consists of more than 34 credit units accomplished in at least three years of study. The study focuses on lab rotation and research works with elective courses as related to Immunology. Moreover, its 32 credit Ph.D. program focuses only on the research of which at the end of the study a thesis dissertation will be presented. 

Acceptance Rate

56.65

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Loyola is a private university founded in 1870 by the Society of Jesus. This Jesuit institution is amongst the biggest in the USA with more than 17,000 students enrolled per year. Apart from its main campus, the university has five campuses in the Chicago area and international centers in Rome, Beijing, and Ho Chi Minh City. It's committed to becoming environmentally sustainable with three LEED Silver certified buildings and four LEED Gold certified buildings. It's organized into eleven colleges and schools with over 80 undergraduate and 140 graduate or professional programs. Notable alumni from this university include athletes, actors, writers, businessmen, and politicians. 

The Department of Immunology provides existing graduate programs for students who want to pursue specialized training in research and lab work with microbiology and immunology. The master's program offers a two-year intensive technical expertise in biology, immunological techniques, enzyme assays, and cell culture. Moreover, the doctorate program focuses primarily on research coursework emphasizing scientific excellence in oral and written communication. A direct mentorship to a faculty will be given to both programs. This program is also open for recent graduates of medical students obtaining both an MD and Ph.D. degree along the way. 

Acceptance Rate

67.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

This public research university opened in 1883 upon the creation of the Department of Medicine and Surgery. It began to offer other programs in 1912 with its extension centers. As of now, its total 352-acre main campus is located in Denver and Aurora, Colorado with about 24,000 students enrolled. It comprises 13 schools and colleges with more than 140-degree programs being offered. One of the best medical schools in the USA, it features technology-grade facilities for research and medical work. It has a large alumni database of which renowned one includes various musicians, entrepreneurs, politicians, and filmmakers. 

The Department of Immunology and Microbiology offers a graduate program in immunology. Providing masters and doctorate programs, both explore the basic mechanisms of host immune responses and mechanisms of viral and bacterial pathogenesis. Its master's track is a two-year combined program in immunology and microbiology that features 21 credit core courses, 6 elective courses, and 11 credits intended for laboratory research and development thesis. Moreover, the doctoral program trains students mainly on research investigation and comprehensive lab work. It consists of lab rotations, various exams, and a thesis dissertation. For admission, one should be able to have completed an undergraduate study in any related medical course and should be able to pass the personal interview to be given by some of the department’s faculty. 

Acceptance Rate

67.31

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

This public university was established in 1819 as a medical college through the endowment of Dr. Daniel Drake. Later on, by 1863, it expanded to offer law studies and then, liberal art programs in 1968. Currently, its 202-acre main campus in Cincinnati, Ohio consists of 14 colleges and schools with over 40,000 student enrollment. Apart from this campus, the university has a 194 acre uptown campus comprising its medical programs and research centers. The university’s curriculum adapts the cooperative education model with a high emphasis on research and innovation. Important discoveries in this university that were taken include the first oral vaccine, heart-lung machine, electric organ, and antihistamine. 

The Immunology Graduate Program provides practical and rigorous coursework with an extensive graduate curriculum covering research and laboratory activities that will prepare students for a future career in immunology. Its MS program is available to full or part-time depending on one’s preference. Otherwise, the full-time track adds a thesis dissertation to gain an immersive experience in research. Admissions on this program require students to finish an undergraduate program on any biological sciences-related course. Moreover, if you’re an employee of Cincinnati’s Center, then you may be eligible for a financial grant and tuition discounts for this program. 

Acceptance Rate

76.67

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Founded by Anthony Drexel in 1891 for which it was also named, this private university is situated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania divided into three campuses respectively the University-Main Campus, Center City Campus, and the Queen Lane College of Medicine Campus. The 77-acre main campus is the largest with all of the university’s administrative offices and academic centers. It offers more than thirteen colleges and schools with over 70 undergraduate programs and more than 100 master's, doctoral, and professional programs. It adapts a cooperative-based education with a fully internet-based database where students could easily submit their resumes to thousands of companies offering job vacancies. It holds about 24,000 undergraduate and graduate students recognizing over 250 student clubs or organizations in any category. 

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology extraordinarily provides endless opportunities for students who want to pursue a career in the areas of immunology, virology, and molecular and human genetics. The MS in Immunology provides an on-campus and online training program in various aspects of research related to traditional, and clinical fields of immunology and inflammatory diseases. The curriculum of this program features discussions, lectures, seminars, and hands-on training which will be given in the last year of study. For admission, it’s a requirement to complete a four-year biology or chemistry-related program with an astounding GPA grade qualification. 

Acceptance Rate

74.7

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The oldest university established in the state of Iowa, this public institution is founded in 1847 upon chartered by the Constitution of the State of Iowa. It’s the first coeducational public university in the USA incorporated with historical sites and buildings that were preserved until now. It's organized into 12 colleges with more than 200 areas of study and seven professional degrees. It is located in Iowa City spanning about 1,800 acres in size with more than 32,000 students enrolled in this institution. It consists of more than 500 student clubs and organizations focused on different politics, lifestyles, academics, religions, and other activities. 

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology offers a graduate degree in immunology emphasizing research and scientific method on dealing with it. The minimum 72 credit hours curriculum comprises core courses in immunology, electives, and advanced courses in research writing and presentation. Moreover, it consists of laboratory rotation, an internship, and submission of a thesis dissertation to complete the study. After two years of study, the students will be given a comprehensive exam to assess their competency to proceed for the doctorate program. The department situated on the west bank of the Iowa River, the program promotes strong collaborations with other science-related departments to extend clinical studies and works. 

Acceptance Rate

82.55

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

This public land grant university is the largest in the state of Iowa spreading at 1800 acres. It’s a coeducational institution organized into eight colleges and two schools which offer more than 100 bachelor's degree programs, 112 master's programs, and 83 doctorate programs. Played a crucial role in the development of the first digital computer and the atomic bomb in history, its continued focus on research with a 230-acre Research Park connected with innovations in renewable energy, plant sciences, and atomic energy. It’s a highly sustainable university with an efficient composting facility that processes over 10,000 tons of organic waste every year. 

ISU’s Immunobiology program explores an integrative approach towards finishing a MS or Ph.D. study in Immunobiology. Its courses contain immense research opportunities in defining immune responses to certain pathogens and vaccines and improving function in humans and animals as well. The 72 credit requirement for the Ph.D. program consists of seminar training and courses in virology, mechanisms of pathogenesis, and immunogenetics. After finishing, the student may proceed on a research program wherein one will be immersed in laboratory and research studies. For non-English speakers, one should be able to pass the English requirement of the university. Additional exams should be taken before full admission. 

Acceptance Rate

92.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

This public research university is Michigan’s third-largest university encompassing about 203 acres. Located in Midtown Detroit, it comprises more than 100 education and research buildings with an extensive library system and a 6000 seating capacity football stadium. Apart from that, it has six satellite campuses which are mostly just located in the Detroit area. It currently consists of 13 colleges and schools offering approximately more than 350 programs. Study abroad programs are also being provided in over 16 countries. A student population of about 24,000, the university hosts chapters of active fraternities, sororities, and organizations built to develop bonds and share commonalities between its members. 

The Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology engages a graduate Ph.D. program in Immunology and Microbiology of which trains students for research careers in the related study. Its curriculum consists of interdisciplinary studies in cellular and molecular biology with journal clubs, seminars, and research rotations in faculty laboratories. After the first year of study, a preliminary examination will be given before proceeding into the dissertation research. At the end of the fifth year, the students will begin to defend and present their research to a set of faculty members before graduating and publishing the work. 

Acceptance Rate

73.14

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

USM is a public university that originated in 1878 as a teacher's college. It has three existing campuses scattered in the state of Maine in particular including Portland, Graham, and Lewiston. It offers 53 majors and 74 minor programs organized into several schools and colleges. It has a flexible academic curriculum with on-campus and online options. It’s a space-grant institution with few courses inclined in astronomy or space-related sciences. It admits more than 7800 students mostly taking undergraduate studies with a student to teacher ratio of 13:1. With thousands of alumni, renowned graduates have been prominently been involved in business, politics, arts, entertainment, and literature. 

The Department of Biological Sciences offers tracks in biology, human biology, and biotechnology. Nonetheless, it doesn’t have a specific track or program for immunology studies. Otherwise, it attends research and courses related to immunology. Undergraduate studies in biology offer four different concentrations touching genetics, functional biology, and evolution. Moreover, a tenure master's and a doctorate program in biology is offered to emphasize research with lab rotations and thesis dissertation as requirements upon finishing the program. The masters' curriculum consists of a minimum of 24 credits of coursework and 6 credits of research work. 

Acceptance Rate

80.9

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Top Immunology Degrees

Earning a degree in immunology can take the form of undergraduate or graduate degree programs. In either case, students will study the components that make up the human immune system and the factors that play into human diseases. Typical classes within the core of the program include: the basic elements of the human immune system, the building blocks of the immune system, the history of immunology, natural immunity, acquired immunity, molecular and cellular basis of T cell & B cell development, along with the clinical aspects of the immune system. Learn more about each program by connecting with accredited colleges and universities through this dedicated learning portal.

Various schools may provide students with the opportunity to study immunology in a general sense or via a defined area of specialization. Specializations will vary by degree level and institution but may include the following tracks:

  • Cardiovascular Biology
  • Disorders and Functionality of the Musculoskeletal System
  • Respiratory Biology
  • Functionality and Disorders of the Nervous System
  • Immunity & Pathogen Interactions
  • Inflammation
  • Infection and Virology
  • Allergens & Microbiomes
  • Disease Diagnosis & Treatment
  • Cancer Research

Educational Requirements for Immunologists

In terms of educational requirements, Immunology degree holders will have typically studied the following courses while in college:

Schools Other Students Requested Information From:

Employment Information & Degree Specializations

For students that earn a college degree in Immunology, there are several fields of specialization that one can pursue. The options range from high school teacher, post-secondary teacher, researcher, genomics, immunologist, toxicologist, virologist, biologist, biological technician, biomedical engineer, microbiologist, medical scientist, epidemiologist, food scientist, surgeon, and nutritional scientist to name a few possible career tracks.

Job Growth & Career Outlook for Immunologists

The job growth in this domain of science is above average.  For example, the rate of job growth for college professors is expected to rise 13% through 2024 and biomedical engineers an amazing 23% growth rate is expected during the same period.  Given the broad nature of the Immunology degree, compensation after graduation can vary greatly from career field to career field given prior experience and geographic location.  Related fields include teaching, research, genomics, immunology, radiobiology, neuroanatomy, pharmacology, botany, medical scientist, surgeon, and microbiology.

Additional Resources for Students

Students seeking additional resources in this area of study are encouraged to connect with domestic and international associations.  These associations provide resources, tools, research, and professional networking outside academia.  Organizations include the American Association for Immunologists (AAI) and the Clinical Immunology Society (CIS).

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