Microbiology (Medical Microbiology), BS
Study infectious disease through a degree that prepares you to understand pathogens, diagnostics and disease mechanisms. Explore the biology of microorganisms and obtain training in clinical laboratory techniques used in health care and research settings.
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.
Microbiology (Medical Microbiology) degree description
In the Bachelor of Science program in microbiology with a concentration in medical microbiology, you focus on the biology of microorganisms and their roles in human health and disease. You examine bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites while exploring the mechanisms of infection, immunity and disease prevention. Coursework integrates microbiology, genetics, immunology, molecular biology, biochemistry and physiology to prepare you for professional and research careers.
The curriculum aligns with scientific competencies recommended for premedical and health-related fields, providing a strong foundation for success on the MCAT and admission to medical or graduate programs. You can gain hands-on laboratory experience, conduct research, and complete internships in clinical or research settings.
The program is available as an accelerated degree option. In addition to reviewing the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, if you are interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, you can visit The College's website for more information and requirements.
Why specialize in medical microbiology at ASU?
This concentration emphasizes infectious disease science from the start, giving you early experience in diagnostic microbiology and clinical applications that many traditional programs reserve for later coursework. You'll work with modern tools such as microscopy, aseptic technique and molecular diagnostics while learning to identify pathogens and interpret data the way health care professionals do.
The curriculum aligns with scientific competencies recommended for premedical and health-related fields, offering a strong foundation for success on the MCAT and admission to medical or graduate programs. You'll study host-pathogen interactions and immune responses in depth, preparing you to understand how microbes evade defenses and how infections develop and spread. You'll integrate immunology with molecular and cellular biology to learn how microbes cause infection and how the immune system responds, building a foundation for careers in clinical laboratories, public health, biotechnology or graduate programs in medicine, dentistry and pharmacy.
ASU's location in the Phoenix area connects you with research opportunities and industry partners in health care and biotechnology. You can conduct research, complete internships in clinical or research settings, and gain practical experience that strengthens your readiness for biomedical careers.
Additional details
You can participate in research programs through The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, working alongside faculty on projects that advance understanding of microbial biology and disease. Visit the research programs page to explore current opportunities and find a lab that matches your interests.
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 experience when studying abroad. Those pursuing a medical microbiology concentration are able to expand their knowledge of how human biology is impacted by a variety of societies and cultures, and they 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 specific interests and skill sets, and gain experience that enhances their resumes. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recommends these study abroad programs for students majoring in medical 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 receive 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cytotechnologist | 2.7% | $62,930 | Learn more |
| Dentist | 5.7% | $170,950 | Learn more |
| Histology Technologist | 2.7% | $62,930 | Learn more |
| Laboratory Technologist | 2.7% | $62,930 | Learn more |
| Medical Doctor (MD) | 4.0% | $256,560 | Learn more |
| Microbiologist | 6.2% | $87,990 | Learn more |
| Optometrists | 9.5% | $136,570 | Learn more |
| Orthopedic Surgeon | 4.0% | $358,550 | Learn more |
| Pharmacist | 5.2% | $140,910 | Learn more |
| Physician Assistant (PA) | 21.1% | $135,880 | 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 medical microbiology concentration prepares you for
Graduates are prepared for medical, dental and graduate programs and for careers in biomedical research, clinical microbiology, and public health. They are equipped with knowledge of microbiology, immunology and molecular biology that supports employment in hospitals, research institutes, government laboratories, and biotechnology or pharmaceutical industries.
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.
