Microbiology, BS

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Arizona State University Tempe

Program Overview

The B.S. in Microbiology at Arizona State University gives students the opportunity to explore the fascinating world of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi, and understand how they affect people, the environment and biotechnology. It is a great fit for students who enjoy biology and laboratory work and want to build practical skills in areas such as microbiology, molecular biology, research and scientific analysis.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students start by developing a strong foundation in biological and scientific concepts through courses such as BIO 181 General Biology I and BIO 182 General Biology II. They also build their knowledge of chemistry and mathematics through courses such as CHM 113 General Chemistry I and MAT 117 College Algebra, while developing essential academic communication skills.

Year 2: Students begin focusing more directly on microorganisms through MIC 220 Biology of Microorganisms and gain hands-on laboratory experience in MIC 206 Microbiology Laboratory. They also explore how genes and proteins work through MBB 347 Molecular Genetics: From Genes to Proteins, supported by further chemistry, statistics and science coursework.

Year 3: Students progress into more advanced areas of microbiology and learn how microorganisms function at a deeper level through courses such as MIC 360 Bacterial Physiology. Practical skills are strengthened through MIC 302 Advanced Bacteriology Laboratory, while students can explore subjects such as immunology, medical bacteriology, cell biology, evolution and genetic engineering.

Year 4: In their final year, students develop more specialised knowledge through courses such as MIC 441 Bacterial Genetics, MIC 442 Bacterial Genetics Laboratory, MIC 470 Microbial Diversity and Environmental Processes and MIC 485 General Virology. They can also gain valuable professional or research experience through MIC 484 Internship or MIC 495 Undergraduate Research, while completing MIC 401 Research Paper to demonstrate their ability to communicate scientific findings.

Focus Areas:

Microbiology, microbial genetics, bacterial physiology, molecular biology, bacteriology, virology, immunology, microbiology laboratory techniques, microbial diversity, environmental microbiology, biotechnology, health and disease.

Learning Outcomes:

Students develop scientific thinking and problem-solving skills, learn to design and conduct experiments, perform microbiology laboratory tests, use microscopy and molecular techniques, analyse scientific data and communicate scientific findings clearly.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

Arizona State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, providing institutional accreditation that supports the academic value of the degree. The program is also STEM-OPT extension eligible, which can be particularly valuable for eligible international students who want to gain additional practical work experience in the United States after graduation. The degree prepares students for opportunities in healthcare, biomedical research, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and public health, as well as further study in areas such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and graduate research.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

Arizona State University has a strong reputation for graduate employability. According to ASU, the university was ranked No. 2 among U.S. public universities for graduate employability in the Global Employability University Ranking and Survey and No. 37 globally in the 2026 ranking.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The B.S. in Microbiology at Arizona State University gives students plenty of opportunities to learn by doing, not just through lectures. From microbiology and bacteriology laboratories to undergraduate research and internships, students can develop practical skills in areas such as microscopy, molecular techniques, experimental design and scientific data analysis. The program also allows students to work with research-active faculty and explore real-world applications of microbiology in healthcare, biotechnology and biomedical research.

Students can gain practical experience through:

Microbiology laboratories: Students complete dedicated laboratory courses such as MIC 206 Microbiology Laboratory and MIC 302 Advanced Bacteriology Laboratory, where they develop practical skills in microbiology and bacteriology.
Microscopy and molecular techniques: Students gain hands-on experience with microscopy, molecular techniques, experimental design and data analysis, helping them understand how modern microbiological research is carried out.
Bacterial genetics laboratory: MIC 442 Bacterial Genetics Laboratory gives students practical experience in investigating bacterial genetics and applying laboratory methods to genetic studies.
Molecular biology laboratory: MBB 446/MIC 446 Techniques in Molecular Biology/Genetics Lab provides additional practical training in molecular biology and genetics techniques.
Undergraduate research: Students can take BIO 495, MBB 495 or MIC 495 Undergraduate Research, allowing them to work on research projects and develop laboratory and scientific problem-solving skills alongside faculty.
Research opportunities: Students can explore research areas such as microbial genetics, microbial physiology, microbial diversity and ecology, giving them the flexibility to develop experience in areas that match their interests.
Internships: MIC 484 Internship provides an opportunity to gain professional experience and apply classroom knowledge in a workplace setting. ASU also highlights connections with organisations and industries in healthcare, biotechnology and biomedical research.
Medical and professional experience: Students may take BIO 390 Medical/Dental Field Placement, which provides an opportunity to gain experience in a professional healthcare-related environment.
Scientific research communication: Through MIC 401 Research Paper, students develop their ability to research a scientific topic and communicate scientific information effectively.
Advanced research opportunities: Students looking for additional research experience can take options such as BIO 492/MBB 492/MIC 492 Honors Directed Study or continue with undergraduate research courses.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The B.S. in Microbiology at Arizona State University prepares students for a wide range of careers in research, biotechnology, healthcare, environmental science, public health and other STEM fields. It also gives students a strong foundation for further study, making the degree a good starting point for students who want to pursue advanced research or professional careers in areas such as medicine and microbiology.

Typical career options include Microbiologist, Medical Scientist, Molecular Biologist and Clinical Research Coordinator. Graduates can also explore roles related to food science, genetics, laboratory technology and biological research.

Career development and employment support:

Career Services: ASU’s School of Life Sciences Career Services helps students explore career options, work on their resumes, prepare for interviews, find internships and jobs through Handshake, and plan for graduate or professional school. Students can also access career workshops, advising and networking opportunities.
Internships and professional experience: Students can gain practical workplace experience through BIO/MIC 484 Internship, which allows them to earn academic credit while working in a professional environment. Internship opportunities can include laboratories, hospitals and biotechnology companies, helping students develop communication, teamwork, problem-solving and networking skills.
Employment and salary potential: ASU provides salary information for relevant careers. For example, Microbiologists have a median annual salary of $87,990, Medical Scientists have a median salary of $103,410, Molecular and Cellular Biologists have a median salary of $98,920, and Clinical Research Coordinators have a median salary of $167,220. Actual salaries can vary depending on experience, employer and location.
University–industry connections: ASU highlights connections with organisations and industries in healthcare, biotechnology and biomedical research. These connections can give students opportunities to gain professional experience and understand how microbiology is applied in real-world settings.
Research opportunities: Students can work with research-active faculty and take part in undergraduate research. Research opportunities can cover areas such as microbial genetics, microbial physiology, microbial diversity and ecology, helping students build valuable laboratory and research skills.
Professional networking: Through the School of Life Sciences, students can connect with the wider life-sciences community and access opportunities through organisations such as the Arizona Bioindustry Association (AZBio).
Long-term accreditation value: Arizona State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The program is also STEM-OPT extension eligible, which can be particularly valuable for eligible international students who want to gain additional practical work experience in the United States after completing their degree.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates can pursue opportunities in biotechnology, research, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, environmental science, public health and other STEM-related areas. The program also develops scientific thinking, laboratory skills, data analysis and scientific communication, giving students useful skills for both employment and further education.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the B.S. in Microbiology, students can continue into graduate programs related to microbiology, biology, molecular and cellular biology, computational life sciences and other related fields. ASU also provides accelerated bachelor's-plus-master's pathways that can allow eligible students to complete their bachelor's and master's degrees in as little as five years.

Students interested in research can progress toward advanced graduate study, including doctoral-level education. ASU’s Microbiology PhD provides further specialisation in areas such as bacteriology, virology, mycology, immunology and oncology, preparing students for research and development careers in universities, industry, government organisations and other scientific settings.