Microbiology ,BS
Antibiotics, Biotechnology, Disease, Genetics, Histology, Illness, Immunology, Laboratory Technician, Microbiologist, Microbiology, Microcellular Biology, Science, Virology, approved for STEM-OPT extension, life sciences, pre-health
Are you fascinated by the incredible way the tiniest organisms can impact our lives? Are you eager to make a difference in science, health and medicine? Dive in and explore the wonders of microbiology, and set yourself up for success in your future career.
In the Bachelor of Science program in microbiology, students develop an understanding of microorganisms, their interrelationships with other organisms, and their influence in biomedicine and biotechnology.
They investigate the fundamental nature of microbes, explore the role of microbes as model experimental subjects, and examine the significant portion of medical research that employs microbiological and immunological methods in order to understand basic genetic and biological phenomena.
Students gain hands-on laboratory and field experience by working with distinguished faculty and have opportunities to engage in independent research projects and internships, complementing their coursework.
This program is available as an accelerated degree program.
In addition to reviewing the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, students interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are advised to visit The College's website for more information and requirements.
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe
- Second language requirement: No
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
- First required math course: MAT 251 - Calculus for Life Sciences
- Math
intensity: Moderate
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. 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.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.
ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:
- 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.
Students gain valuable, resume-enhancing experience when studying abroad. Microbiology students are able to expand their knowledge of how microbes impact people and society in a variety of cultures, and 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 distinct interests and skill sets. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recommends these study abroad programs for students majoring in microbiology.
Graduates with a BS degree in microbiology have gained critical thinking skills in a diverse discipline, giving them a solid platform for advanced research, graduate study and other professional programs, including dentistry, medicine, veterinary medicine and pharmacy.
The program also prepares graduates for direct entry into a variety of careers and positions, including in government, hospital, and research or industrial laboratory settings, and to pursue projects in the areas of food, dairy, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, environment, biotechnology and public health.
Example job titles and salaries listed below 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.
| Career | *Growth | *Median salary |
|---|---|---|
|
8.6%
|
$81,650
|
|
|
4.8%
|
$144,440
|
|
|
4.9%
|
$57,380
|
|
|
7.5%
|
$79,860
|
|
|
16.1%
|
$89,990
|
|
|
10.1%
|
$57,970
|
|
|
4.9%
|
$57,380
|
|
|
9.8%
|
$99,930
|
|
|
5.2%
|
$81,990
|
|
|
3.9%
|
$87,300
|
School of Life Sciences
|
LSC 104
sols.advising@asu.edu
480-727-6277
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
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. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. 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.
