The purpose of a Microbiology major is to produce graduates with a fundamental knowledge of the major fields of microbiology. Graduates with a Microbiology degree are qualified to be employed as technicians in academic or industrial research laboratories or pursue advanced degrees in graduate or professional schools.
Microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, archaea, fungi and protozoa. This discipline includes fundamental research on the biochemistry, physiology, cell biology, ecology, evolution and clinical aspects of microorganisms, including the host response to these agents. (Nature, 2019)
For more information, contact Dara Young, Academic Coordinator.
Undergraduate research honors is available for this program!
Job Outlook
Employment of microbiologists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 1,700 openings for microbiologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Where Do Graduates Work?
Top Biotech Jobs
Other Employment
- Agricultural and Food Science Technicians
- Animal Scientists
- Biochemists and Biophysicists
- Food Scientists and Technologists
- Natural Sciences Managers
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products
- Veterinarians
- Editors
- Technical Writers
- Graduate Teaching Assistants
- Coroners
- Anesthesiologists
- Audiologists
- Biologists
- Biomedical Engineers
- Clinical Research Coordinators
- Dentists
- Exercise Physiologists
- Family and General Practitioners
- Genetic Counselors
- Internists, General
- Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
- Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
- Medical and Health Services Managers
- Medical Lab Technician
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
- Obstetricians and Gynecologists
- Optometrists
- Pediatricians, General
- Pharmacists
- Physical Therapists
- Physician Assistants
- Forensic Science Technicians
- Physicists
