Majoring in Molecular and Medical Microbiology gives students a detailed understanding of microorganisms and their roles in human health, agriculture, industry and the environment. Students explore microbial diversity, genetics, biochemistry, virology and immunology while developing practical skills through a strong laboratory-based curriculum. Graduates are prepared for careers in biotechnology, healthcare, clinical laboratories, government and research, as well as advanced study in medicine, dentistry, allied health and the biological sciences.
Why Study Molecular and Medical Microbiology?
- Understand the microbial world
Explore the biology and diversity of microorganisms and their beneficial, neutral and harmful interactions with humans, animals, plants, other microbes and the environment. - Connect molecules to microbial function
Learn how genetics, biochemistry and cellular processes shape the growth, function, adaptation and behavior of microorganisms. - Build practical laboratory skills
Gain hands-on experience using standard microbiological methods to investigate scientific questions, generate data and test hypotheses. - Choose the degree that fits your goals
Pursue a Bachelor of Science with additional training in mathematics, biochemistry and laboratory methods or an Bachelor of Arts with greater flexibility to study the liberal arts and other fields. - Prepare for a wide range of careers
Develop scientific, analytical and quantitative skills applicable to biotechnology, healthcare, food science, pharmaceuticals, government, research and other fields. - Build a foundation for advanced study
Prepare for graduate education as well as professional programs in medicine, dentistry, allied health and related disciplines.
What You’ll Learn
As a Molecular and Medical Microbiology major, you will learn to:
- Explain how microorganisms function at the molecular, cellular and organismal levels.
- Describe how microbes interact with humans, animals, plants, other microorganisms and their environments.
- Use genetics and biochemistry to understand microbial cellular processes and their roles in natural environments.
- Explain how evolutionary processes and environmental factors generate microbial diversity over time.
- Apply standard laboratory practices to investigate microbiological questions safely and effectively.
- Generate and analyze quantitative and qualitative data to test scientific hypotheses.
- Communicate microbiological concepts, evidence and conclusions to scientific and public audiences.
Where Can a Molecular and Medical Microbiology Degree Take You?
The Molecular and Medical Microbiology major prepares students for opportunities across science, health, industry and government. Whether you are interested in understanding infectious disease, developing new technologies, protecting public health or pursuing advanced study, the major provides a strong scientific foundation and extensive laboratory experience.
Graduates pursue careers and advanced study in areas such as:
- Biomedical and Biotechnology Research – Biomedical science, microbiology, molecular biology, biotechnology, nanotechnology and laboratory research.
- Clinical and Healthcare Sciences – Clinical laboratory science, immunology, infectious disease, diagnostics and other healthcare-related fields.
- Medicine and Allied Health – Medical school, dental school, pharmacy, public health and allied health programs.
- Pharmaceutical and Industrial Science – Drug development, pharmacology, biomanufacturing, quality control and product development.
- Food, Agriculture and Environmental Science – Food technology, food safety, agricultural microbiology, environmental monitoring and microbial ecology.
- Graduate Study and Academia – Master’s and doctoral programs in microbiology, molecular genetics, immunology, virology, biochemistry and related biological sciences.
- Government and Public Service – Public health laboratories, regulatory agencies, scientific policy and government research.