We will be accepting 7-10 new students each year during the 5-year program.  You are encouraged to follow our website as the program develops and new calls for applications come out.

U.S citizenship and permanent residency are required for National Science Foundation IGERT Traineeships. However, because of the international relevance inherent to M-EID we encourage international students in the M-EID program. Funding opportunities for international students can include international Traineeships, funded research projects, and Traineeships for study abroad from their home country.

The M-EID program is primarily for training Ph.D. students, but has limited postdoctoral funding available. This would be awarded to someone that is interested in both interdisciplinary research and education. The person in that role would be expected to contribute to research projects and to help develop and implement some of the novel, multidisciplinary curriculum for the program.

This is a strategic and individual decision. As indicated elsewhere on the website, your existing degree does not need to be in the same discipline as the program that you enter for M-EID, but should be related to, and in support of, your Ph.D. aspirations. For example, if you are trained as an ecologist with a very strong background in computer-based modeling, you may choose to enter in pursuit of the Ph.D. in Computational Biology through the Individualized Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Program (IIP). If your background is in chemistry with a focus on biological molecules, you may elect to enter through the Integrative Microbiology and Biochemistry program. You are advised to carefully consider the admissions and graduation requirements of the entry programs that you are considering to maximize your chances for admission and success in the M-EID program, while minimizing the amount of coursework required to overcome deficiencies in the particular degree program.

No, that isn’t necessary.  You need only to select the relevant Ph.D. program to which you will apply.  You will receive information and guidance regarding possible opportunities and mentors throughout the application and orientation process.  However, some individuals may already have a specific mentor(s) in mind, and can contact them early on in the application process regarding research interests. See link for list of M-EID faculty participants in the past.

Absolutely.  We are interested in training students from relevant backgrounds in the ecology of infectious diseases.  Students with (or soon to receive) either Master’s or Bachelor’s degrees are encouraged to apply.

Yes. Students currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program at UM are eligible to apply to the M-EID program and should follow all of the procedures outlined on the website in submitting their application. Students from other institutions can apply as transfer students and, if admitted, would work with the M-EID Graduate Education Committee and the relevant program committee to assess which prior coursework or other activities would apply to degree requirements at UM.

Due to the orientation process and structured curriculum during the first year, all students are required to enter the program in the fall semester.

Out of state students pay non-resident tuition and fees. Click here to see the fee table.

Summer commitments include:

• Attend summer institutes
• Attend summer writing workshops
• Participate in scholar-in-residence activities