Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences Microbiology and Infectious Disease Concentration
Turn your curiosity into a career and examine how microorganisms – bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses – influence health and disease. The microbiology and infectious disease concentration within the biomedical sciences major equips students with a strong foundation in microbiology, immunology, pathology, and cutting-edge laboratory techniques, while also offering opportunities for hands-on research.
The microbiology bachelor’s degree is part of the biomedical sciences major, which is a competitive major. Competitive majors have additional admission requirements, such as a higher GPA or additional coursework.
Live and learn alongside your peers in a residence hall dedicated to first-year scientists! Learn more about the Align Scientific Learning Community.
Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology
With a focus on understanding internationally important infectious diseases, the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology is home to world-renowned scientists and leaders in laboratory research. Students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience by working alongside faculty with specialties in bacteriology, mycobacterial diseases, prion biology, vector-borne infectious diseases, virology, and computational biology.
Program Highlights
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Gain research and industry experience before graduation
Engage with a wealth of university research labs and the CSU Veterinary Health System, in addition to local scientific, biotechnology, and health care systems.
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Best learning practices and a tiered classroom support system in major courses assist your academic success
Dedicated faculty instructors, in addition to teaching and learning assistants, ensure application and mastery of scientific knowledge and skills required in the field.
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Optional accelerated pathways for degree completion support your goals
Choose to complete your bachelor's degree in three years while gaining industry experience and preparing for post-graduation. Or, earn a master's degree in one+ additional year via accelerated master's programs in microbiology or public health.
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Small-school feel with low student-to-faculty ratio and dedicated academic advisors
Connect with our diverse department community through personalized one-on-one advising and mentoring. Customize your college experience through student organizations, extracurricular service, and outreach activities.
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Prepare for success in veterinary and medical health professions
Undergraduate degree courses in medical microbiology, immunology, virology, genetics, and pathology establish a strong foundation for professional veterinary and medical health education.
Research Opportunities
All students can participate in their own real-world, hypothesis-driven scientific projects through course-based undergraduate research experiences (CURE). The courses offered in the departmental CURE program combine academic learning and scientific training at all class levels on a variety of infectious disease topics.
Mentored by lead researchers in their fields, students can conduct research in laboratories focused on understanding microbe-host interactions, improving diagnostics, and developing more effective treatments and vaccines for infectious diseases that impact human and animal health.
Annual opportunities allow students to practice science communication and showcase their research and industry experiences.
Get involved!
Career Opportunities
Our graduates work in fields that help diagnose, prevent, and treat infectious disease that threaten human and animal health worldwide. Many of our microbiology bachelor's degree students pursue further education in graduate programs and professional degree programs.
- Biodefense
- Biosafety
- Biotechnology
- Computational Biology
- Environmental Microbiology
- Food and Beverage Industries
- Food Safety
- Forensic Sciences
- Human Medicine
- Medical Laboratory Technologist
- Pharmacology
- Public Health
- Quality Control
- Research Scientist
- Science Education
- Veterinary Medicine
Tuition and Financial Aid
Explore the Cost and Financial Aid page to understand cost of attendance, learn how to apply for financial aid, explore scholarship opportunities, and get the most out of your investment in your college experience.
Visit the Office of Financial Aid to apply for financial aid opportunities like scholarships, grants, loans, and student employment, understand tuition, fees, and the billing process, and find other financial aid resources.
Fort Collins, Colorado
Fort Collins blends education and industry, hard work and outdoor recreation, tradition and progress. If you’re looking for a college experience with the perfect fusion of culture, opportunity and adventure, Fort Collins is where you’ll find it.
Located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Fort Collins provides extensive access to hundreds of miles of trails for biking and hiking, world-class fishing and rock climbing, and camping, all in an area with over 300 days of sun per year.