Microbiology (Medical Microbiology) ,BS
Biomedical Science, Immunology, Medicine, Microbiology, Pre-Med, Pre-Medical, Premedical, Virology, approved for STEM-OPT extension, bacteriology, med school, medical, microbes
Are you passionate about understanding the way in which the tiniest organisms impact our lives? Are you eager to make a difference in science, health care or biomedical research? Build a strong foundation of coursework, competencies and critical thinking skills that prepare you to take on the changing world of medicine.
The Bachelor of Science program in microbiology with a concentration in medical microbiology is tailored for students who wish to pursue careers in medicine, other health professions, medical microbiology or biomedical research.
The curriculum aligns with the broad scientific competencies recommended for premedical students. Program participants delve into microbiology, chemistry, biochemistry, math and physics, cell biology, animal physiology, and human biology and society, making them well versed in the core concepts, competencies and critical intellectual skills necessary for the MCAT and medical school admission.
Students gain hands-on experience with distinguished faculty, and they have opportunities to engage in independent research projects or internships.
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 experience when studying abroad. Those pursuing a medical microbiology concentration are able to expand their knowledge of how human biology is impacted by a variety of societies and cultures, and they 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 specific interests and skill sets, and gain experience that enhances their resumes. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recommends these study abroad programs for students majoring in medical microbiology.
Graduates of the medical microbiology concentration within the microbiology major have gained mastery of the competencies and prerequisite requirements valued by graduate programs in medical, dental and optometry fields, as well as other programs that prepare students to become physician assistants or physical therapists.
Graduates of this program have an understanding of the process of science and knowledge of foundational concepts in biological sciences, chemistry, physics and statistics, and they have gained the ability to understand and apply core microbiology concepts. Through this groundwork, graduates are prepared for direct entry into biology research careers in a vast number of areas, including cellular biology, immunology, bacteriology and virology.
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 |
|---|---|---|
|
4.9%
|
$57,380
|
|
|
4.4%
|
$155,040
|
|
|
4.9%
|
$57,380
|
|
|
4.9%
|
$57,380
|
|
|
2.5%
|
$214,460
|
|
|
5.2%
|
$81,990
|
|
|
8.8%
|
$125,590
|
|
|
1.6%
|
Not available
|
|
|
2.6%
|
$132,750
|
|
|
26.5%
|
$126,010
|
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.
