The primary goals of the Master of Science degree in Bacteriology are to develop students’ understanding of the scientific process and to provide advanced training in bacteriology. Students tailor a curriculum of advanced coursework and/or research, following either a coursework track or a research track. Students acquire a general overview of bacteriology and may focus on a specialized subject area such as bacterial physiology, molecular microbiology, food microbiology, environmental microbiology, biotechnology or medical microbiology.
News and Events
Life Sciences Career Day, April 29, 2023
Life Sciences Career Day 2023 is almost here! Life Sciences Career Day (LSCD) is a symposium for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers at UW–Madison that provides them with some perspectives about career choices after obtaining …
Welcome New Students!
The Bacteriology Master of Science program welcomed three new coursework track students this spring!
Welcome 2022 Fall Cohort
This fall we welcomed 15 new students to the Bacteriology Master of Science Program. The students arrived from all over the world. We are looking forward to the great things they will do!
Student Highlights

Lexy Halloran
Lexy is a second year Bacteriology Master's student in the coursework track. She is a teaching assistant for Microbiology 304 and has an internship with Epividian; Where she works with data pertaining to chronic diseases, specifically HIV. She is interested in chronic diseases and how microbes, specifically bacteria, affect certain chronic conditions. When she isn't thinking about science, she enjoys growing her small business, CoastLineChic Designs, where she can let her creative side thrive. Lexy also enjoys hiking, spending time with friends or family, and reading a good book.

Ana Cruz
Ana Cruz is a Bacteriology master's student in the research track. As part of David Hershey's lab, she seeks to understand the mechanisms of surface colonization in bacteria by characterizing a novel Caulobacter crescentus flagellar protein. She is specifically interested in the flagellum's fascinating ability to facilitate motility and surface-sensing. During her free time, Ana enjoys traveling, hiking, and exploring new restaurants with her friends.

Alex Chang
Alex is a second year Bacteriology Master's student on the Research Track from Austin, TX. In Dr. Tim Donohue's lab, he studies the alpha-proteobacteria, Novosphingobium aromaticivorans, to understand how aromatics from deconstructed lignin can be microbially funneled into the production of PDC, a sustainable and biodegradable alternative to conventional plastics. On campus he enjoys participating in Badger Volunteers and the Art Club when he can. Some of his favorite things to do are exploring new cafes, drawing, and learning new skills; he is currently learning to knit and hopes to make a sweater for his family dog.
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