Microbiology, BS
Explore the unseen world of microorganisms and their profound influence on human health, ecosystems and global systems. You'll get training that blends foundational biological science with hands-on laboratory training in modern molecular techniques.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
Microbiology degree description
The Bachelor of Science program in microbiology examines microorganisms and their vital roles in health, biotechnology and the environment. You study microbial genetics, physiology, diversity and ecology to understand how microbes interact with other organisms and influence biological and environmental systems.
Through laboratory and field experiences, you gain practical skills in experimental design, microscopy, molecular techniques, and data analysis. Coursework integrates microbiology, bacterial physiology, biochemistry, bacterial genetics, and advanced bacteriology labs to explore how microbes contribute to medicine and global society. You may work alongside faculty on research projects and may complete internships that connect classroom learning with applied experiences.
The program is available as an accelerated degree option. If you are considering pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, you should consult The College's website for additional requirements and opportunities.
Why study microbiology at ASU?
You'll learn from research-active faculty who bring current discoveries and methods directly into your coursework, studying how bacteria, viruses, fungi and other microbes shape disease, immunity, antibiotic resistance and emerging health challenges. The College supports an interdisciplinary life sciences structure that connects microbiology with related fields, giving you a broader scientific perspective than many traditional programs.
You'll gain early access to undergraduate research opportunities, working alongside faculty on active projects that deepen your technical skills and scientific thinking. These experiences prepare you for competitive graduate programs and professional careers.
The program's location in the Phoenix area connects you with industry partners in health care, biotechnology and biomedical research. These relationships create pathways to internships and career opportunities that extend your classroom learning into applied settings. This degree prepares you for high-demand careers in health care, biomedical research, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and public health, while also building a strong foundation for those interested in medical school, dental school, veterinary programs and research-based graduate study.
Additional details
You can participate in research programs across The College, exploring microbial genetics, physiology, diversity and ecology while developing skills in experimental design, microscopy, molecular techniques and data analysis. Visit the research programs page to learn more about current student opportunities.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| BIO 181 General Biology I |
| BIO 182 General Biology II |
| MBB 347 Molecular Genetics: From Genes to Proteins |
| MIC 220 Biology of Microorganisms |
| MIC 206 Microbiology Laboratory |
| MIC 401 Research Paper |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.
If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Demonstrate capacity for scientific thinking by applying relevant background knowledge to analyze and/or develop scientific explanations.
- Effectively communicate complex scientific concepts, ideas, and reasoning, with appropriate use of relevant sources and evidence.
- Demonstrate mastery in performing and interpreting results of microbiology lab tests.
Demonstrate capacity for scientific thinking by applying relevant background knowledge to analyze and/or develop scientific explanations. Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Students gain valuable, resume-enhancing experience when studying abroad. Microbiology students are able to expand their knowledge of how microbes impact people and society in a variety of cultures, and challenge themselves to adapt and persevere in a new and exciting culture.
With more than 300 programs available, study abroad enables students to tailor their experience to their distinct interests and skill sets. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recommends these study abroad programs for students majoring in microbiology.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biological Sciences Professor | 7.3% | $84,620 | Learn more |
| Clinical Trial Manager | 8.2% | $167,220 | Learn more |
| Cytotechnologist | 2.7% | $62,930 | Learn more |
| Food Scientist | 6.2% | $88,720 | Learn more |
| Genetic Counselor | 10.4% | $100,040 | Learn more |
| Health and Safety Technician | 19.4% | $61,560 | Learn more |
| Laboratory Technologist | 2.7% | $62,930 | Learn more |
| Medical Scientist | 12.6% | $103,410 | Learn more |
| Microbiologist | 6.2% | $87,990 | Learn more |
| Molecular Biologist | 4.7% | $98,920 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
Careers this microbiology degree prepares you for
Graduates are prepared for careers in research, biotechnology, environmental science, public health and the national STEM workforce. The degree also provides a strong foundation for graduate or professional study in microbiology, medicine and environmental studies. Graduates have scientific and technical skills valued across academic, government and industry settings.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Life Sciences
|
LSC 104
sols.advising@asu.edu
480-727-6277
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
