Bachelor of Science in Microbiology (B.S.)

The B.S. in Microbiology at Indiana University Bloomington gives students substantial hands-on preparation through dedicated microbiology laboratory courses and opportunities to participate in undergraduate research. Students develop practical skills in cultivating and studying microorganisms, applying microbiological techniques, and conducting experimental work, while IU’s undergraduate research programs allow students to work alongside faculty, graduate students, and peers on active research projects.

Practical learning opportunities include:

• Microbiology Laboratory: The curriculum includes M315 Microbiology Lab, providing direct laboratory training alongside the core microbiology coursework.
• Advanced Laboratory Options: Students can complete an additional laboratory from options including M360, M435, M445, M465, or M485, allowing them to extend their practical microbiology experience.
• Molecular Techniques: Related laboratory coursework includes techniques such as gene cloning, library screening, gene amplification, disease diagnosis, gene mapping, and Southern blot analysis.
• Undergraduate Research: Students can begin research as early as their first year and work with faculty mentors on hands-on projects, with opportunities to contribute to active research and develop technical skills.
• Team-Based Research: IU specifically offers team-based research in which undergraduates work alongside faculty, graduate students, and peers while earning academic credit for meaningful research.
• Research Presentation: Students participating in research can present their discoveries at conferences, publish in journals, and showcase their work through research exhibitions and symposiums.
• Research Facilities: Microbiology students can connect with research taking place across IU Bloomington, gaining access to a broader network of faculty, laboratories, and research partners.
• Internships: IU Bloomington supports internships through career fairs, the Handshake job board, on-campus internships, micro-internships, and international internship opportunities; the university does not state that a specific internship is required for the B.S. in Microbiology.
• Collaborative Learning: IU emphasizes collaborative learning from the first semester, with students able to work with classmates and faculty in high-tech laboratories and other applied learning environments.
• Study Abroad: Students can complement their microbiology studies with IU's international experiential-learning opportunities, with the university offering hundreds of study-abroad programs.
• Software/Digital Tools: The official B.S. Microbiology information reviewed does not identify a specific software package or digital platform as a required program-specific tool, so no software should be assumed.

The B.S. in Microbiology at Indiana University Bloomington prepares students for professional microbiology careers across health, environmental, government and industrial laboratories, while also providing a strong foundation for graduate and professional education. The degree is particularly suited to students interested in applying microbiological knowledge in laboratory-based careers or continuing into advanced study.

• Career roles: Microbiologist, Laboratory Technician, Biological Technician, Research Associate.
• Career services: IU Bloomington provides career coaching, résumé and interview support, employer networking, career fairs and access to the Handshake job and internship portal. Students can also pursue undergraduate research and on-campus internships to build relevant experience.
• Employment & salary: IU provides program-level employment and earnings information through its Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes (PSEO) dashboard, using U.S. Census Bureau data by program, degree level and campus. The university does not publish a specific current salary figure for the Bloomington B.S. in Microbiology on the program page, so a program-specific salary figure is not stated rather than estimated.
• Industry connections: IU's career fairs and employer events connect students with recruiters from global companies and local organizations, while internships and research opportunities provide routes to professional experience.
• Research progression: The B.S. is explicitly designed to prepare students for professional or graduate training in microbiology and related fields, making research experience and advanced study important progression opportunities.
• Accreditation value: The B.S. in Microbiology program page does not state a discipline-specific professional accreditation. Therefore, no additional long-term accreditation benefit should be assumed from the official program information.
• Graduation outcomes: Graduates can enter professional microbiology positions in health, environmental, governmental and industrial laboratories or use the degree as preparation for graduate and professional training.
• Professional preparation: Students develop laboratory skills through courses such as Microbiology Laboratory, where they learn principles and techniques for manipulating microorganisms under aseptic conditions.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.S., students can pursue graduate training in microbiology or related fields, including advanced study in areas such as molecular biology, genetics and biochemistry. The degree can also support progression toward professional education where additional prerequisites and admission requirements are met.