Immunology Ph.D. Program

Students interested in joining the Immunology Ph.D. program should apply to the interdisciplinary umbrella program within the Division of Basic Science.

Basic Biomedical Sciences Umbrella Program; First-year students complete a core curriculum with: Core Course, 2+ Laboratory Rotations; Responsible Conduct of Research Training in Integrity, Ethics, and Excellence. Second-year students take a qualifying exam to enter the Ph.D. program: Collaborative and Cross-Disciplinary

About the Immunology Program

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The Immunology Graduate Program provides a broad-based education in immunological research that prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities. Faculty members, drawn from both basic science and clinical departments, offer research training opportunities in a variety of topics, including:

Molecular immunology
Cellular immunology
Immunology of infectious diseases
Autoimmune and inflammatory diseases
Tumor immunology
Neuroimmunology

Students work collaboratively across disciplines, which creates an environment for developing innovative strategies for researching complex health challenges.

“There truly isn’t any competition, and we’re all happy to provide whatever expertise or insight we can to help our colleagues. I just think it’s a lovely environment and I wouldn’t want to do science any other way.”

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Emma Parks

“The coursework is thorough and challenging, ensuring the students are well-prepared to tackle scientific questions in their research. The program also trains the students in effective science communication to scientific as well as non-scientific audiences.”

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Mridula Annaswamy Srinivas

“The Immunology Graduate Program at UT Southwestern has a well-established curriculum which grounds students in the basics of immunology and encourages students to develop research questions. The affiliated faculty includes experts in immunology, microbiology, cancer biology, and neuroimmunology, which offers a great opportunity for collaboration and teamwork.”

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Going Beyond Lab Research

In addition to extensive training in laboratory research, the Immunology Graduate Program student experience includes:

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Advanced Coursework

Our program offers advanced coursework in cellular and molecular aspects of immune system development, activation, and function, clinical immunology, and immunology of infectious disease.
Works-in-Progress Seminars, Journal Clubs, Grant Writing

Ample opportunities for students to hone their oral presentation and writing skills through Works-in-Progress seminars, journal clubs, and a course in grant writing.
Visiting Speaker Seminar Series

Students can interact with visiting speakers through the Excellence in Immunology Seminar Series.

Meet the Program Director

“The Immunology Program trains students to become critical thinkers who apply cutting edge, interdisciplinary approaches to address important scientific questions.”