Degree Program Bachelor of Science in Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease
Diagnose, prevent, and treat infectious disease.
Fascinated by how diseases spread and how we fight them? Turn your curiosity into a career and prepare to address the world’s most critical health challenges via careers in human or veterinary medicine, public health, biotech, diagnostics, and more.
In this major, you don’t just learn about microbes. You study what happens when microbes interact with a host – at the general, cellular, and molecular levels.
Master core skills like:
Critical thinking and problem-solving: learn to analyze complex biological systems, design and interpret experiments, and identify patterns within microbial life and infectious diseases.
Research and data analysis: learn how to conduct experiments, collect and interpret data, and draw meaningful conclusions.
Laboratory techniques: develop proficiency in various lab techniques and general laboratory practices used in biomedical research and clinical settings.
Science communication: learn how to effectively translate data and research findings into consumable, relatable information that influences and motivates others.
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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The only standalone microbiology major in the state of Colorado
Gain specialized technical skills, targeted career preparation, and a pre-health advantage.
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Small class sizes, a supportive culture, and a strong career planning pipeline
Join a community with engaged advisors and faculty, volunteer opportunities, mentorship and shadowing, active professional organizations, and industry connections.
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Rigorous curriculum
You'll be fully prepared for M.D., D.O., P.A., dental, pharmacy, veterinary, and Ph.D. programs or careers in the public or private sector or research.
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Guaranteed research opportunities and superior professional training
Access these opportunities your first semester through course-based undergraduate research experiences (CURE).
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Elite-level specialization
Dive deep in areas like pathology, immunology, and microbial pathogenesis – core medical school subjects often lacking in other undergraduate degrees.
Research Opportunities
We offer undergraduate research opportunities in more than 40 specialty labs, with faculty and students at the forefront of discoveries transforming the health and well-being of humans, animals, and our planet. These and other opportunities can fuel your passion, strengthen your work ethic, and build skills necessary for professional success: teamwork, critical thinking, leadership, communication, and more.
Research is also built into our curriculum. Our course-based undergraduate research experiences (CURE) program combines academic learning, scientific training, and research. Courses span all class levels, starting your first semester.
Within the department, there are resources to connect and support students pursuing research with research labs.
Additionally, the college’s Maximizing Access to Research Careers program, or “MARC,” offers eligible sophomores a grant-funded, biomedical research training experience, funded by the National Institutes of Health.
Career Opportunities
Approximately 40 percent of medical microbiology and infectious disease graduates continue their education via graduate or professional school, including M.D., D.O., and D.V.M. programs. More than half, however, transition directly into the workforce. Armed with foundational knowledge and a specialized, in-demand skill set, our graduates work in fields that help diagnose, prevent, and treat infectious disease.
Common career paths include:
- Veterinarian
- Physician or physician assistant
- Bioinformatics specialist
- Biotechnologist
- Clinical microbiologist/immunologist
- Clinical research coordinator
- Environmental microbiologist
- Industrial microbiologist
- Forensic scientist
- Genetic counselor
- Infection control practitioner
- Laboratory technician (MLS)
- Quality control analyst
- Pharmaceutical/research and development
- Pharmacist
- Public health specialist
- Research assistant
- Writer/science communication
Build your community
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.