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.
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.
Get involved!
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
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.