Close up of bacteria.
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    Faculty

    • Max Rady College of Medicine
    • Faculty of Graduate Studies

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    Degree

    • Master of Science

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    Expected duration

    • 2 years

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    Program options

    • Pre-master's program

Program details

The Faculty of Graduate Studies and the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences offer a two-year program of study leading to a Master of Science in Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases.

Master of Science in Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

Expected duration: 2-3 years

Tuition and fees: Program fees are assessed in the first two terms of study, followed by a continuing fee in the third and any subsequent terms. (refer to Graduate tuition and fees)

In addition to the minimum course requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, found in the Graduate Studies Regulations Section, students must:

  • Complete a minimum of 12 credit hours of coursework and maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 with no single grade lower than C+
  • Submit an acceptable thesis and pass an oral examination

Course offerings

  • MMIC 6010: Biological safety
  • MMIC 7012: Fundamental Virology
  • MMIC 7040: Clinical Bacteriology
  • MMIC 7050: Microbial Pathogenicity*
  • MMIC 7140: Clinical Parasitology
  • MMIC 7160: The Molecular Basis of Antibiotic Action
  • MMIC 7170: Molecular Biology of Animal Viruses
  • MMIC 7190: Readings in Infectious Diseases
  • MMIC 7210: Clinical Virology
  • MMIC 7220: The Ecology of Infectious Diseases

*Students must pass MMIC 7050 with a minimum grade of C+ in order to graduate. 

For full course descriptions, please visit the Academic Calendar.

Pre-Master's option

Expected duration: 1 year 

The Pre-Master’s program consists of a minimum of 21 credit hours of coursework in Microbiology, Biochemistry or related disciplines courses at the 3000 or 4000 level in one full academic year (two successive terms). Course selection will be pre-determined in consultation with the department head or designate.

Tuition and fees: Varies (refer to the pre-masters section in Graduate tuition and fees)

Students with a 3-year general Bachelor’s degree must usually enroll in a Pre-Master’s program of study which is arranged in consultation with the potential advisor and approved by the MMID GSC. It is expected all applicants will have a minimum of 12 credit hours of undergraduate coursework in Microbiology.

Please note that the purpose of enrolling in the Pre-master’s graduate program is not to raise an ineligible GPA (below 3.0 or it’s equivalent), but rather is intended to bring a student’s background up to the equivalent of the required 4-year degree and/or to take microbiology courses that may be lacking. Successful completion of the pre-master’s program does not imply automatic admission to the Master of Science program.

Admission requirements

The following are minimum requirements to be considered for entry into the Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases MSc program. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

How to apply

Applicants must interview (by email or virtually) with a potential supervisor prior to applying and obtain confirmation from that supervisor that they will accept the applicant (if the student is approved and offered admission by the Faculty of Graduate Studies). This potential supervisor must be a University of Manitoba, Department of Medical Microbiology faculty member.

The Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (MSc) program accepts applications for Fall, Winter and Summer entry. Applications must be completed online and include several parts:

  • $100 application fee (non-refundable)
  • Unofficial copies of transcripts and degree certificates
  • Supervisor support (must be confirmed prior to applying)
  • Two letters of recommendation (must be requested from within the application)
  • Proof of English language proficiency, if required

Please read the Faculty of Graduate Studies online application instructions before beginning your application.

Application deadlines

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Applications open up to 18 months prior to start term.

Canadian and US applicants

Term Annual application deadline
Fall (September) June 1
Winter (January) October 1
Summer (May) February 1

International applicants

Term Annual application deadline
Fall (September) March 1
Winter (January) July 1
Summer (May) November 1

Pre-master's applicants

Term Annual application deadline
Fall (September) March 1 (International applicants)
Fall (September) June 1 (Canadian and US applicants)
Winter (January) July 1 (International applicants)
Winter (January) October 1 (Canadian and US applicants)
Summer (May) November 1 (International applicants)
Summer (May) February 1 Canadian and US applicants)

Applicants must submit their online application with supporting documentation and application fee by the deadline date indicated.

Start or continue your application

Learn more

Contact us

Admission and application inquiries

Faculty of Graduate Studies
Room 500 UMSU University Centre
65 Chancellors Circle
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada

graduate.admissions@umanitoba.ca
Phone: 204-474-9377

Monday to Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Program inquiries

Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
Room 543, Basic Medical Sciences Building
745 Bannatyne Avenue
University of Manitoba (Bannatyne Campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9 Canada

GSMMID1@umanitoba.ca
Phone: 204-789-3444
Fax: 204-789-3299