The IU Microbiology Program provides students with the outstanding training and research experience necessary to pursue careers in academic research, industry, university-level teaching, and other biology-related areas. Realizing that students enter graduate school with very different career goals, we offer personalized advising and help achieving those goals. Career options are discussed in a Research Ethics and Career Development Course, and each student's thesis advisory committee works with the student to define clear graduate school and career goals and design strategies to meet them. Virology research emphasis includes mechanisms of viral infection, morphogenesis, and replication. New students participate in "lab rotations" to sample the interests, approaches, and styles of three different laboratories. This allows informed decisions about what area of research to pursue and which laboratory to join. All doctoral students are fully supported with assistanceships or fellowships for at least five years. Master's students are supported for up to two years.