Close up of bacteria.
  • icon house

    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 charged during the first two terms of study. After that, a continuing fee applies in the third term and any subsequent terms. For details, visit the Graduate tuition and fees.

Additional requirements:

In addition to the minimum course requirements outlined by the Faculty of Graduate Studies, students must:

  • Complete at least 12 credit hours of coursework.
  • Maintain an overall GPA of 3.0, with no grade lower than C+.
  • Submit an acceptable thesis.
  • 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

Program overview:
The program requires a minimum of 21 credit hours in microbiology, biochemistry, or related fields. Coursework must be at the 3000 or 4000 level and completed in one full academic year (two consecutive terms). Course selection is done in consultation with the department head or designate.

Tuition and fees:
Tuition varies. Refer to the graduate tuition and fees section for details.

Eligibility requirements:
Students with a 3-year general bachelor’s degree typically must enroll in the pre-master's program. The study plan is arranged with a potential advisor and approved by the MMID GSC. A minimum of 12 credit hours of undergraduate coursework in microbiology is expected.

Important notes:
The pre-master's program is designed to enhance academic background to meet the requirements of a 4-year degree. It is not intended to raise an ineligible GPA (below 3.0 or its equivalent). Successful completion of the program does not guarantee 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.

  • Admission requirements for the Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases MSc

    • Degree requirements:
      You must have earned an honours or major in:
      • Science
      • Medicine
      • Dentistry
      • Veterinary medicine
        Additionally, you need at least 12 credit hours of microbiology coursework.
    • Additional requirements:
      All applicants must also meet the minimum admission and English language proficiency requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

How to apply

The Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (MSc) program accepts applications for fall, winter, and summer entry. Applications must be completed online and include several components:

  • Application fee: A non-refundable fee is required. More information can be found here.
  • Transcripts and degree certificates: Unofficial copies are required.
  • Supervisor support: This must be confirmed prior to applying.
  • Letters of recommendation: Two letters are needed, which must be requested from within the application.
  • Proof of English language proficiency: This is required if applicable. You can find more information here.

Interview requirement:
Applicants must conduct an interview (via email or virtually) with a potential supervisor before applying. You need to obtain confirmation from that supervisor that they will accept you if you are approved and offered admission by the Faculty of Graduate Studies. The potential supervisor must be a faculty member in the University of Manitoba's Department of Medical Microbiology.

NOTE: Please read the Faculty of Graduate Studies online application instructions before starting 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