Get Your Degree!

Get information on programs from our featured schools.

Related Areas of Study

What is Microbiology?

Microbiology is the study of the growth, development and behavior of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and algae. Microbiology is divided into several fields of study, which includes bacteriology, clinical microbiology, virology, and others. Individuals working in this field typically pursue research and development positions, or utilize microbiological research to apply to real world solutions to given problems. Individuals in this field will have a strong background in math and science, and must be prepared to log and analyze research from controlled tests.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$76,850

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

51.77%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

21,670

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Microbiology Degree

Columbia University in the City of New York's Microbiology & Immunology degree is distinguished by its emphasis on research that bridges the study of infectious microbes and the response of hosts to such pathogens. Their goal is to understand the molecular basis of infectious disease, and their research is focused on immunology, model systems, and pathogenesis. Offering a unique emphasis on integrating principles into a unified agenda of research into infectious disease. Students form a cohesive group with their own identity while taking advantage of the tremendous breadth of expertise and knowledge contained within another department. They pursue a set of core courses taught throughout the Medical Center, and in addition, can select individual courses and electives tailored to their interests and thesis research priorities.

Acceptance Rate

5.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

The University of Chicago's Department of Microbiology offers research and graduate programs. Their basic research in Microbiology underwrites their effort for the eradication of important pathogens, prevention of human diseases, development of gene therapies, and the evolution of new strategies for personalized medicine. Their graduate curriculum provides broad exposure to multiple disciplines in microbial science and supports specialized training in several areas of interest. Graduate students pursuing a Ph.D. in Microbiology take a minimum of nine courses. The philosophy of graduate coursework is to develop a foundation of knowledge for the first-year graduate student.

Acceptance Rate

6.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

California Institute of Technology's Microbiology and Immunology major is unique, benefitting from the interdisciplinary Center for Environmental Microbial Interactions. Utilizing microorganisms to explore basic biology and biochemistry problems, understand the physical principles governing biological systems, investigate mechanisms that underpin the robustness, stability, and design of complex networks, and explore the interactions among microbes in communities and between microbes and their environment. They also investigate interactions between microbes and the immune systems. Seeking to understand how the immune system develops, functions, and can be manipulated to maintain human health.

Acceptance Rate

6.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

3:1

Cornell University's research in the Department of Microbiology is internationally recognized and focused on diverse aspects of microbial biological processes with different specific expertise. Offering numerous specialized and advanced courses as well as undergraduate research experiences. Research on all aspects of microbial biology can provide a deeper understanding of basic cellular and evolutionary processes. Fostering sustainable and practical approaches to maintain healthy ecosystems, and inform better practices to promote plant, animal, and human health.

Acceptance Rate

10.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Washington University in St Louis' Department of Molecular Microbiology espouses an academic mission to provide an outstanding scientific environment for scientist interests in all aspects involving the roles of microbes in biology. Providing knowledge on how microbes interact with their hosts in ways that cause or avoid disease. Striving to bring cutting-edge methods from all disciplines and medical sciences. They take pride in the training of the next generation of scientists, including students and postdoctoral follows, and mentoring the careers of faculty as they emerge as scientific leaders.

Acceptance Rate

13.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

The Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology at Vanderbilt University is proud of their cutting-edge research carried out by their faculty and trainees. Their highly regarded educational programs include a highly sought-after residency program in anatomic and/or clinical pathology, Ph.D. Offering a highly innovative course for undergraduate students. They take pride in providing state-of-the-art pathology services to the patients of Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Beyond. 

Acceptance Rate

9.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's Department of Microbiology and Immunology is an inclusive community whose passion for discovery, service, leadership, and sharing of knowledge addresses global microbiology and immunology challenges. Graduate students and postdoctoral fellows work side by side with principal investigators to test hypotheses of medical importance. Laboratory training is supplemented with rigorous coursework, seminar series, journal clubs, and presentation of research findings at national meetings. Their faculty study many aspects of microbial pathogenesis, microbial communities, and the interactions with and functions of the immune system.

Acceptance Rate

22.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The University of California-Berkeley's Microbiology academic program and research offers unique approaches. It draws on the fields of biochemistry, physiology, molecular biology, genetics, cell biology, developmental biology, pathogenesis, ecology and evolution, and more. They are highly collaborative with Berkeley faculty engaged in research with other scientists in the Bay Area, throughout the nation, and the world. Providing each student with a breadth of understanding of microbial biology. Managing the Graduate Group in Microbiology, an interdisciplinary program that reaches across the UC Berkeley campus in collaboration with experts in a wide variety of fields. Providing access to diverse disciplines through an integrated program of study oriented toward each student's interests.

Acceptance Rate

16.25

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Boston University's top ranked microbiology degree program includes a highly interactive group of faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows. Their research focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying microbial infection and the host immune response. Their faculty investigate a number of areas integral to different topics that can be loosely grouped under different research themes. Students can undertake training in one of three graduate training programs. Their goal is to provide rigorous training to exceptional students in a supportive and collaborative environment and to prepare them for a career in research science.

Acceptance Rate

18.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

The University of California-San Diego's top rated microbiology major is designed to prepare students for graduate studies and professional careers in a variety of health-related programs. Providing the basic background for work in medical technology, or further training in public health or other health-related specialties. The program is also designed to provide a foundation for graduate studies in microbiology, virology, and a variety of allied fields as well as for medical and dental school. The institution is a top-ranking academic and research institution in the University of California system.

Acceptance Rate

31.48

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

New York University's Department of Microbiology conducts research and offers training programs in microbiology and immunology. Bringing together a variety of biomedical researchers united by the common goal of understanding the complex relationships. Ongoing research also focuses on several important areas of biomedical science. The research facilities at NYU include individual and shared laboratory spaces that make it easier for investigators to work with researchers in other departments and institutes.

Acceptance Rate

16.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The University of Texas at Austin's Microbiology Graduate program allows students to specialize in areas critical to informing research areas. Students learn and understand microbes and harnessing their power is the best chance to protect the biosphere and enhance the quality of life. A central component of the effort is the training of scientists in the field of microbiology and microbial pathogenesis. Microbiology students at UTA have the opportunity to research in areas like bacteriology, virology, fungal, biology, microbial genetics and evolution, microbial pathogenesis, cell biology, and immunology.

Acceptance Rate

31.82

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

The University of California-Davis' Molecular and Medical Microbiology prepares students for graduate studies and a variety of health-related careers. Advances in microbiology have had a great impact in areas such as agriculture, biotechnology, ecology, medicine, and veterinary science. Students start their studies with foundation courses in biological science, chemistry, mathematics, and physics. They may choose to pursue an A.B. degree, giving them greater opportunity to choose courses outside their major, or a B.S. degree, providing more rigorous training in biological science.

Acceptance Rate

38.87

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

The University of Maryland-College Park's Department of Microbiology and Immunology provides a stimulating environment for faculty scientists and trainees. Offering advanced molecular and cell biology and genetics has opened new approaches to the basic and applied aspects of infectious diseases and host defense. The graduate degree program at UM provides interactive, multi-departmental graduate education and research training. They receive a comprehensive education in the field.

Acceptance Rate

44.18

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

The University of Georgia's Department of Microbiology encompasses scientists studying a broad range of fields. Students learn the engines that drive the biosphere and shape the climate. Graduates of the program go on to jobs in a wide variety of fields. The program represents the intersection between biochemistry, biology, and geology.  The exciting field of microbiology continues to evolve and present new challenges for academia and medical professionals alike.  As the industry progresses, you can get UGA will be on the forefront of research and innovation. 

Acceptance Rate

45.3

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

The University of California-Santa Barbara's Department of Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology is a highly interactive community whose research activities bridge the broad spectrum of modern biology. Striving to apply experimental and theoretical approaches to illuminating the fundamental mechanisms. The department is characterized by a collaborative and collegial environment. The institution ranks among higher-education leaders in the United States and Canada.

Acceptance Rate

29.56

Student to Faculty Ratio

22:1

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's degree in microbiology explains fundamental concepts and principles in microbiology and general biology. Demonstrating proficiency in common lab and field techniques for microbiology. Students learn to locate, critically evaluate, and integrate scientific literature findings into the practice of microbiology. They learn to communicate microbiology principles and research findings effectively to diverse audiences. The program integrates statistics, math, physical sciences, and technology to answer microbiological questions.

Acceptance Rate

28.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

Ohio State University's Department of Microbiology offers one of the leading microbiology degree programs in the United States. The institution's microbiologists conduct their studies in real-world settings ranging from rural Ohio to the Arctic Circle to sub-Sahara Africa. the program offers a highly diverse approach to microbiology giving students the kind of skills they can apply to a range of situations by providing them a broad and integrative knowledge of different fields. The institution epitomizes a modern interdisciplinary STEM field in every sense.

Acceptance Rate

53.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

The University of Connecticut's Department of Molecular Biology and Biophysics (MBB) promotes excellence in research and education. The department is proud and committed to providing a supportive environment and a diverse scientific community for its multidisciplinary research efforts. It bridges molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, biophysics, and structural biology in the study of important biological and biomedical problems. Many of their research efforts build on basic efforts but focus on translational outcomes.

Acceptance Rate

49.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

George Washington University's Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine (MITM) conducts innovative, fundamental, basic, and translational research for HIV/AIDS and neglected tropical diseases. The institution has a strong tradition of training and policy advocacy for infectious and parasitic diseases. They created a sustainable foundation for long-term research and state-of-the-art training. They are highly committed to and are working towards accessibility for all.

Acceptance Rate

40.84

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

The University of Washington-Seattle Campus' Department of Microbiology offers world-class training in basic science. As an introduction to the microbiology degree track, the University of Washington offers a Bachelor’s of Science degree in addition to a minor in Microbiology. The program provides students the knowledge on the study of agriculture, industry, and medicine to antiviral medications and antibiotics, use in industries related to food and beverage production amongst other fascinating discoveries and uses. The program will lead students to understand the world around them more deeply and train them to think like a scientist.

Acceptance Rate

51.76

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

The microbiology major at Clemson University allows students the flexibility to take courses for minor in a different discipline. Helping students prepare for a career in their specific interest areas. General microbiology requires a course from a select list in each of the following areas: biomedicine, environmental, and food safety, industrial and technology microbiology. At Clemson, students can pursue a general microbiology degree or they can choose to do a major concentration in biomedicine.

Acceptance Rate

51.26

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

North Carolina State University at Raleigh's Microbiology Graduate program offers the non-thesis Master of Microbiology (M.M.) degree. It is frequently sought by individuals employed in the local biotechnology industry and by pre-professional students. Many students receive stipend and tuition support through research grants, teaching assistantships, industry internships, or other sources. Graduate Faculty in Microbiology conduct research in diverse areas across the NC State.

Acceptance Rate

45.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's Department of Microbiology developed and maintained the highest national and international reputation for more than 100 years. They have built upon their distinguished history by recruiting and retaining outstanding microbiologists who are making exciting discoveries in diverse fields while training students in cutting-edge research. Their research faculty are highly productive and impactful.

Acceptance Rate

59.03

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities' Department of Microbiology & Immunology is a community of scholars committed to discovering and disseminating knowledge about the microbial world. Their faculty's interests and expertise encompass some of the most exciting areas of contemporary microbiology and immunology. They are dedicated to providing a unified body of knowledge, stimulating curiosity about the enduring questions in microbiology and immunology, and addressing these issues through joint research projects. Providing the building blocks for the treatment of infections and other diseases.

Acceptance Rate

56.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Top Microbiology Degrees

With a variety of degrees to choose from in microbiology, how do you know which is best for you?  The key to determining which degree is best will be a function of your personal priorities as applied to school offerings.  To help you establish your unique priority list, take the time to read our Complete Guide to the College Admissions Process.  Pages three and four provide the foundations for the development of a priority list that will make the decision-making process far easier.  With your priority list in hand, simply request information from the best schools for you below and begin to gather admissions information on top colleges offering microbiology degrees.

Microbiology Bachelor's Degrees

Earning a bachelor degree in microbiology will take approximately four-years of full time matriculation.  Microbiology degrees will be conferred by colleges as a Bachelor of Science (BS) given the science-rich curriculum.  Programs will fuse general education courses such as history, communications, sociology, psychology, and philosophy with core courses.  A common set of classes in microbiology will include courses such as: fundamentals of microbiology, pathogenic microbiology & infectious diseases, molecular biology, physiology of microorganisms, ecology, cell biology, physics, water microbiology, organic chemistry, botany, chemistry, calculus, and biochemical methods.

Microbiology Master Degrees

The master’s degree track in microbiology is conferred as a Master of Science (MS) at most universities with a heavy emphasis on sciences.  The program will vary in length from 2-3 years of full time matriculation and longer for part-time student’s dependent upon course load and time taken to complete the thesis project.

Classes will be a function of the area of specialty chosen, electives, and research courses.  Upon program completion, students will either find work in the field of microbiology or continue on to earn a PhD in the field.

PhD in Microbiology

A doctorate degree in microbiology is conferred as PhD and will take students 3-5 years of full time study to complete.  The PhD program provides microbiology students with a number of distinctive features. Common elements of a PhD degree include:

  • Dynamic research environments
  • Platform of use-inspired and translational research
  • Leading-edge training opportunities
  • Opportunities to collaborate with top-tier research partners
  • Learning moments with highly qualified professors

Graduates from the PhD program will continue research for public or private organizations, teach at the college-level, or find employment in industry performing a variety of tasks.

Microbiologist Educational Requirements

Students pursuing a career in microbiology must have at least a bachelor's degree in microbiology or a related, similar field. Students will have an education that prepares students with the knowledge necessary to identify and utilize scientific principles, as well as to utilize various research methodologies in order to better understand and utilize information garnered from such projects.

Individuals are typically required to participate in laboratory work in order to gain the necessary experience to become eligible for employment. Independent research typically requires a doctoral degree, which in turn requires postdoctoral research position which may last as long as three years. A curriculum in microbiology may include:

  • Chemistry
  • Microbiology
  • Physics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Microbial Genetics
  • Physiology and Anatomy
  • Microbial Physiology
  • Cell Biology
  • Virology
  • Organic Chemistry

Employment Opportunities in Microbiology

Individuals in this field will typically work in laboratories or offices, conducting research or analyzing data from research projects. Such research programs are usually either looking for breakthroughs within the field for the purposes of medicine, food, or other related areas, or the application of existing research to provide solutions for problems.

A notable example is the use of genetics to create hardier and more productive strains of wheat. Individuals with higher levels of education will be able to pursue higher levels of research, with doctoral degree holders often working alongside colleges, universities, or government agencies to conduct independent research.

Microbiologist Salary & Job Growth

The mean annual salary of a microbiologist is currently sitting at $78,400.  The top ten percent of microbiologists average $130,000 while the bottom 25% earn $50,370 on average.  Top paying states for microbiologists include Maryland, California, and Georgia.  Biggest employers of microbiologists is research firms followed by pharmacy companies, universities, and architectural companies.

Microbiology is slated for an 8% growth in the coming ten year span of time.  The national average growth is expected to be around six percent making this niche discipline an attractive career.  Combining an above average income with a growing field can be an excellent recipe for success.  Individuals interested in microbiology may also be interested in virology, immunology, parasitology, toxicology, or forensic science.

Resources for Microbiologists

For additional information on a career path in microbiology, visit our Definitive Career Guide in Biology today.  Further research can be made via national associations such as the ASM or the Microbiology Society.  The resources and tools available in designated associations may be worthy of additional research for students interested in pursuing a career in microbiology.

Featured Rankings

Find Your College Match

Sort By
PHP Code Snippets Powered By : XYZScripts.com