Bachelor of Arts in Microbiology (B.A.)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Indiana University Bloomington

Program Overview

The B.A. in Microbiology at Indiana University Bloomington provides focused training in microbiology for students interested in laboratory careers or combining microbiology with another field such as business or environmental studies; it is specifically designed for students who do not intend to pursue an advanced degree in microbiology or medical, dental, or optometry school. Students build their foundation through subjects such as Foundations of Biology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Microbiology Laboratory, Medical Microbiology, and Microbial Evolution, developing an understanding of microorganisms and their biological significance.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students establish their biological foundation through Foundations of Biology: Biological Mechanisms and supporting science coursework, developing an understanding of core biological principles. The curriculum then prepares students for specialized microbiology study through courses such as Molecular Biology.

Year 2: Students move into dedicated microbiology study with Microbiology and Microbiology Laboratory, gaining knowledge of microorganisms alongside laboratory-based learning. Chemistry, mathematics and other supporting science requirements strengthen the scientific foundation needed for upper-level microbiology coursework.

Year 3: Students progress into advanced topics such as Medical Microbiology or Microbial Evolution, allowing them to explore microorganisms from medical or evolutionary perspectives. Additional upper-level science coursework can broaden their understanding and support individual career interests.

Year 4: Students complete advanced microbiology and supporting coursework that brings together their undergraduate training and prepares them for laboratory technician roles or applications of microbiology in other fields. The B.A. structure is particularly suitable for students combining microbiology with another major or professional interest.

Focus areas: Microbiology, molecular biology, microbial evolution, medical microbiology, laboratory science, biological sciences.

Learning outcomes: Build foundational microbiology knowledge, understand microorganisms and their biological processes, develop laboratory skills, and apply microbiological knowledge to laboratory or interdisciplinary career settings.

Professional alignment (accreditation): Indiana University Bloomington is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC); the official university information does not identify a separate specialized accreditation for the B.A. in Microbiology.

Reputation (employability rankings): The official IU program page describes the B.A. as preparation for careers such as laboratory technician and for students combining microbiology with fields such as business or environmental studies; a program-specific employability ranking is not stated on the official program page.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the B.A. in Microbiology at Indiana University Bloomington build practical laboratory skills alongside their study of microorganisms, genetics, cell biology and related biological sciences. The program's laboratory courses provide hands-on experience, while Bloomington's research environment gives undergraduates opportunities to work with faculty on microbiology-related research and use specialized scientific facilities and instrumentation. Students can also pursue independent research and experiential opportunities through the Department of Biology, connecting classroom learning with active biological research:

Microbiology Laboratory: The program includes dedicated laboratory-based microbiology coursework where students develop practical skills in culturing, observing and analyzing microorganisms and applying microbiological methods.
Research Experience: Undergraduate students can participate in faculty-led research through the Department of Biology, gaining experience with real research questions, laboratory methods and scientific data.
Independent Research: Biology students can pursue independent research opportunities with faculty mentors, allowing them to develop deeper expertise in an area of microbiology or another biological discipline.
Molecular & Cellular Research: Bloomington's biology research environment includes work in microbiology, molecular biology, genetics and cell biology, giving students opportunities to connect microbiology with modern biological research.
Advanced Instrumentation: Research laboratories within the Department of Biology provide access to scientific equipment and instrumentation used for molecular, cellular and microbiological research.
Research Institutes: Students benefit from Bloomington's wider life-sciences research community, including the Indiana Molecular Biology Institute, which supports research in molecular and cellular biology and provides an interdisciplinary research environment.
Internships & Experiential Opportunities: Indiana University provides undergraduate experiential-learning and career resources through Walter Center for Career Achievement, where students can explore internships, research opportunities and career preparation relevant to biological sciences.
Libraries & Research Resources: Students have access to Luddy Library and IU Bloomington's wider library system, providing scientific literature, databases and research resources that support microbiology coursework and research.
Field & Collaborative Learning: Biology coursework combines laboratory instruction with collaborative scientific learning, allowing students to apply concepts through practical investigation rather than relying only on lectures.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The B.A. in Microbiology at Indiana University Bloomington is designed for students who want focused microbiology training while keeping flexibility for complementary studies and career directions. IU specifically identifies laboratory technician roles and work in outside fields such as business or environmental studies as potential outcomes, while the degree can also support further academic study depending on the student's goals.

Career roles: Laboratory Technician, Microbiology Laboratory Assistant, Environmental Laboratory Technician, Life-Science Technical Support Professional.
Career services: IU Bloomington provides specialized career coaches, internships, job fairs and employer events; internships can provide professional mentorship and industry exposure, while undergraduate research allows students to work with faculty on in-depth projects.
Employment statistics & salary: IU's official B.A. Microbiology page does not publish a program-specific employment rate or graduate salary figure. Not stated rather than using an unrelated or estimated figure.
Industry connections: IU Bloomington connects students with employers through career fairs and recruiting events, while internships provide opportunities for professional experience and networking. The official B.A. Microbiology page does not identify a dedicated industry partner for this specific degree.
Research opportunities: Students can pursue undergraduate research with IU faculty, developing experience in analyzing complex topics and solving real-world problems; IU also has microbiology-related research across biomedical and life-science areas.
Long-term accreditation value: The official IU program page does not state a specific professional accreditation for the B.A. in Microbiology. Not stated, so no specialized accreditation should be assumed.
Graduation outcomes: The university states that this B.A. is intended particularly for students who do not plan to pursue an advanced degree in microbiology or medical, dental or optometry school, with laboratory technician and outside-field careers identified as appropriate pathways.
Program flexibility: The B.A. is suitable for double majors, allowing students to combine microbiology with another academic or career-focused area.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the bachelor's degree, students can build on their microbiology background through graduate study in microbiology or related life-science fields. IU Bloomington offers graduate-level microbiology training focused on bacteria and viruses, scientific research, academic biomedical research, biotechnology, government science and university-level teaching.