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This question is about virologist education.
What degree do you need to be a virologist?
You will need an MD or Ph.D. to become a virologist. The path to a career in virology is lengthy and involves multiple academic degrees and specialized training.
Candidates working toward a career in virology begin by obtaining a bachelor's degree in biology or a related field. It is very difficult to find an undergraduate degree program focusing on virology.
Whatever the undergraduate degree, it should focus on biology, microbiology, immunology, and biochemistry coursework. This will best prepare you for graduate studies in virology.
A graduate degree in virology means that you have earned an MD and can become licensed and practice medicine, or you have earned a Ph.D. and will focus on the scientific research side of the profession.
Regardless of the degree, three to five years of post-graduate training is required. During this time, you will focus on work experience related to a specialty such as infectious disease or transfusion medicine.
Virology programs are limited in the United States. Doctoral programs in virology can be obtained from Harvard, Baylor, and Case Western Reserve University in Ohio. Combined, these three universities graduated 15 virology Phds in 2021.
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