Overview

The doctoral program in Immunology at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus trains students in diverse areas of immunology that includes innate and adaptive immunity, host-pathogen interactions, tumor immunity, autoimmunity, immune deficiencies, and vaccine development.

The Immunology Graduate Program at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is amongst the most prominent basic Immunology graduate research training Programs in the country. Since its founding in 1989, our Program has conferred over 150 PhD degrees to students from a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Our curriculum combines formal coursework with mentoring by an engaged faculty in a collaborative environment. The Program draws from the academic strengths of three institutions that contribute significant resources and house our training faculty and students – The CU Denver | Anschutz, National Jewish Health, and the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes.

Students in the program receive comprehensive training in diverse areas of immunology and gain the intellectual foundation and technical expertise necessary for performing cutting-edge basic and translational research. Trainees also gain skills in data analysis, technical writing, and oral presentation to further prepare them for making impactful contributions throughout their careers – whether they pursue careers within or outside of academia.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants with proven scientific ability, indicated through performance in a college level science program and/or in a research laboratory. Prior research laboratory experience ensures that students have basic skills and are familiar with the laboratory research environment. We strongly encourage applications from qualified underrepresented minorities. The Program and members of our training faculty have a strong commitment to inclusivity and a solid history of success in training minority and other under-represented student populations.

Applications will open September 1.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS DECEMBER 1st.

There are 3 ways to enter the Immunology Program:

• Apply directly to the Immunology Graduate Program.
• Apply to the Biomedical Sciences Umbrella Program and join the Immunology Graduate Program after your 1st year.
• Those interested in pursuing an MD/PhD with research interests in Immunology may apply to the Medical Scientist Training Program and complete their PhD portion through Immunology. Note: the MSTP follows a separate application process with different deadlines. Please visit the MSTP website for more information.

Applications will open September 1, and all application and supplemental materials are due no later than December 1. Applications received after December 1 may not be considered.

To apply for admission applicants must submit the following:

• Online Graduate School application
• A $50.00 domestic and $75.00 international non-refundable application fee.
• One (1) official transcript of all academic work completed to date. To be considered "official", the transcripts must come directly from the issuing institution.

Electronic Transcripts should be sent to graduate.school@cuanschutz.edu

OR

Mail a physical copy to:

University of Colorado Denver
Graduate School
Mail Stop C296
13001 E. 17th Place
Aurora, CO 80045

• Three to five (3-5) letters of recommendation. Letters should be from individuals such as college professors or faculty mentors who are familiar with your academic and/or laboratory achievements. Such letters should be submitted electronically through the on-line application.
• GRE scores are no longer required for admission.
• International Applicants only: Students whose native language is not English or who have completed their studies at an institution where English was not the language of instruction, must demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting scores of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or its equivalent. Visit International Admissions for more information.

Degree Requirements

First Year

Second Year

Courses

Learning Objectives

Graduate education in general | Post-baccalaureate education is an essential component in the development of future leaders, academicians, and scientists. The influence of graduate education on society reaches essentially all aspects of our lives including our safety, economy, health, and overall quality of life.

Immunology program in specific | The immune system has evolved to defend host organisms against the vast number of foreign agents that may be encountered throughout life and that are capable of compromising health and leading to possible death. A doctoral education in Immunology specifically trains individuals to not only define the mechanisms by which the immune system accomplishes this task but also to establish possible interventions that preclude, attenuate or neutralize these threats.

The PhD program in immunology trains graduate students to become proficient and successful investigators who are able to:

• Demonstrate a basic knowledge of central concepts in the biomedical sciences.
• Understand the current concepts in immunology.
• Read and critically evaluate the scientific literature.
• Formulate hypotheses based on current concepts in the field and design, conduct, and interpret their own research projects.
• Present research results in peer-reviewed publications and in a dissertation.
• Communicate research results effectively through oral presentations at scientific seminars, conferences, and other venues.
• Write a competitive application for research funding.
• Develop ancillary skills, where necessary, to obtain positions outside of scientific research.

Policies

Please refer to the Graduate School Policies page.

Program Calendar

August – Department of Immunology & Microbiology Scientific Conference & Retreat

October – Immunology Program & Microbiology Program Student (only) Retreat

October – MPID T-32 Mini-symposium

Weekly – Research in Progress Seminar with the Microbiology Program

Weekly- Immunology Student Journal Club

Weekly – Speaker Series with Microbiology Program

Twice per year – Student Invited Speaker Seminar and meetings

Contact Us

Beth Tamburini, PhD
Associate Professor
Co-Program Director
Beth.Tamburini@cuanschutz.edu

Ross Kedl, PhD
Professor
Co-Program Director
Ross.Kedl@cuanschutz.edu

Sabrena Heilman
Program Administrator
Sabrena.Heilman@cuanschutz.edu
IMMU@cuanschutz.edu

Immunology Graduate Program
Mail Stop C290
13001 E. 17^th Place
Aurora, CO 80045