Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences Microbiology and Infectious Disease Concentration

As you earn a microbiology bachelor’s degree, examine the structure and function of microorganisms – bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses – and their influence on health and disease. Engage in elective courses and laboratory research in bacteriology, immunology, mycobacterial diseases, prion biology, vector-borne infectious disease, and virology.

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.

about the department

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

  • 70% of undergraduates obtain working laboratory experience prior to graduation; research fellowship program helps students secure lab assignments

  • Prepares students for medical laboratory science programs

  • Students have the unique opportunity to work with live viruses in undergraduate virology lab

  • Opportunity to enroll in an accelerated program to complete a research thesis and earn an M.S. in microbiology

Research Opportunities

More than 70 percent of students in the microbiology bachelor's degree program conduct research in faculty laboratories, focusing on understanding the pathology, improving the diagnostics, and developing more effective treatments, vaccines and cures for internationally important infectious diseases. Paid on-campus student research opportunities are posted through RAMweb ​under the Student Employment tab.

Students have the opportunity to participate in real-world, hypothesis-driven scientific learning through course-based undergraduate research experiences (CURE). The CURE lab in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology offers teaching and training on a variety of topics, including developing novel antibiotic screens against Mycobacteria avium.

Training grants

Students may be eligible to earn grant funding and hands-on research experience in their sophomore year by participating in the Maximizing Access to Research Careers Program, a research training opportunity funded by the National Institutes of Health.

Career Opportunities

Many of our microbiology bachelor's degree students pursue further education in graduate programs and professional degree programs. Our graduates work in fields that help diagnose, prevent, and treat infectious disease that threaten human and animal health worldwide.

  • Bacteriology
  • Biodefense
  • Pharmacology
  • Disease Diagnostics
  • Food and Beverage Industries
  • Laboratory Careers
  • Public Health
  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Human Medicine
  • Science Teaching
  • Biotechnology

Contact Us

Have questions about the microbiology bachelor's degree program, application process, career interests, or tuition and financial aid? Fill out the contact form to get in touch with our program staff.

Tuition and Financial Aid

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Cost and Financial Aid

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