The Department of Microbiology offers the non-thesis Master of Microbiology (M.M.) degree. This degree is frequently sought by individuals employed in the local biotechnology industry and by pre-professional students. In general, those who who are interested in expanding their familiarity with Microbiology through courses and do not wish to pursue research training find this program of interest. Students who desire a research-intensive program are encouraged to apply to the department's M.S. or Ph.D. degree programs.

Requirements for the M.M. degree are as follows :

• Upon entering the program, the student meets with the Director of Graduate Programs (DGP) and selects a faculty advisor, who may be the DGP.
• At the start of the first semester, a Plan of Graduate Work is prepared by the student, in consultation with his/her graduate advisor and with the approval of the DGP. An advisory committee is formed consisting of three people, of which at least two are members of the Department of Microbiology, one of whom is the advisor.
• A total of 36 semester hours is required. Twelve credits from the core graduate curriculum (MB 714, MB 718, MB 751, MB 758 or MB 735) are required. Elective courses in Microbiology or other disciplines must be approved on the Plan of Graduate Work by the advisor and DGP. There must be a minimum of four semester hours in MB 600/800-level courses (S/U graded) on the Plan. When conducting literature or laboratory research studies, M.M. students may enroll in MB 620 Literature Research or MB 693 Supervised Research (laboratory).
• An annual "Graduate Student Progress" evaluation form is completed by the student with his/her advisor and submitted to the DGP.
• An overall grade point average of at least 3.00 on graduate course work at NCSU is required.
• An exit interview is held with the advisory committee during the last semester of the program, scheduled to meet the calendar established by the Graduate School.
• M.M. students must be continuously enrolled, and all degree requirements must be completed within six calendar years beginning with the date the student commences courses carrying graduate credit applicable to the degree program.