To become an immunologist, one must complete high school courses in math and science, obtain a bachelor’s degree in biology, microbiology, or immunology, and then pursue additional degrees in academic/research or clinical immunology. Clinical immunologists must obtain a medical degree, complete a residency in internal medicine or pediatrics, and then a fellowship in immunology.
A person can earn a degree in immunology by taking core math and science courses in high school, followed by applying to accredited universities and completing four years of coursework in biology, microbiology, or immunology. At that point, an immunologist can pursue additional degrees, but they need to decide whether they want an academic and research focus or clinical immunology. Those with an academic or research background can earn a regular master’s or doctorate in immunology, while those looking to do clinical work need a medical degree followed by a residency and fellowship.
To earn a degree in immunology, an individual starts by taking basic courses related to health and the body in high school. Examples of such courses include biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics. These classes provide a fundamental understanding of how the body is built, what affects it, and how to complete the necessary calculations and research.
After receiving a high school diploma or a graduate equivalence diploma (GED), the next step toward a degree in immunology is to research accredited colleges and universities that provide bachelor’s degrees. The number of schools that offer immunology-specific bachelor’s degrees is limited; therefore, it may be necessary for a student to major in biology or microbiology with an emphasis on immunology. In some schools, immunology is combined with the study of infectious diseases.
Curricula for an undergraduate degree in immunology vary by institution, but focus heavily on math and science courses. In addition to developing subjects such as chemistry and physics, students also complete laboratory studies. They take peripheral courses such as sociology and psychology to better understand the cause, spread and prevention of disease. The school may require classes like research methodology and statistics as well. All immunology students must meet the general liberal arts course requirements required by their institution, which usually requires courses such as history and English.
Upon completion of an undergraduate degree in biology, microbiology, or immunology, a student may pursue additional graduate study in immunology at the master’s or doctoral level, if desired. To get into a graduate school of immunology, colleges require an entrance exam. In the United States, students take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or an equivalent exam designed for international students. At the graduate level, course requirements include classes such as antigen effector mechanisms, cytotoxic responses, receptors, antibody formation, histocompatibility, disease markers, immunosuppression, immunotherapy, and microbial pathogenesis. These degrees qualify a person for teaching or research positions, as well as for independent projects.
To qualify for clinical immunology work, a person must obtain a medical degree. This means taking the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) or similar entrance exam. The advanced nature of the study of medicine and the limited number of medical schools make positions at these schools competitive. Medical school lasts at least four years. An immunologist must apply for a license upon receipt of their medical degree. In the United States, candidates do this through their state’s medical licensing board by registering for, taking, and passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).
Although an immunologist can work as a physician upon receiving their degree and medical license, they need additional training to focus on clinical immunology. Thus, immunologists desiring a clinical focus complete a three-year residency in internal medicine or pediatrics with a focus on immunology. The fellowship in immunology continues and lasts for two years.
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