Bachelor of Science in Microbiology Scholar

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Iowa State University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Microbiology Scholar Track at Iowa State University provides a strong foundation in microbial biology, genetics, molecular biology, medical microbiology and microbial ecology, with a curriculum that combines classroom study with laboratory experience. It is well suited to students interested in microorganisms and their roles in human health, agriculture, the environment, food safety and biotechnology, as well as those considering research, professional or graduate study.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students begin with the fundamentals of microbiology and biological science through MICRO 1010: Microbial World, BIOL 2110: Principles of Biology I, and CHEM 1770: General Chemistry I, alongside MICRO 1100: Professional and Educational Preparation in Microbiology, which introduces curriculum planning, research opportunities, professional portfolios and résumé development. The spring semester progresses into MICRO 3020: Biology of Microorganisms, MICRO 3000L: Introductory Microbiology Laboratory, and BIOL 2120: Principles of Biology II, building the scientific foundation for advanced microbiology.

Year 2: Students move into more specialized study with MICRO 3100: Medical Microbiology and MICRO 3100L: Medical Microbiology Laboratory, while CHEM 3310: Organic Chemistry I and CHEM 3320: Organic Chemistry II strengthen their understanding of the chemical processes underlying biological systems. BIOL 3130: Principles of Genetics and BIOL 3130L: Genetics Laboratory further develop knowledge of heredity, genetic mechanisms and laboratory methods.

Year 3: The third year introduces advanced microbiological and physical-science concepts through MICRO 3200: Molecular and Cellular Bacteriology, together with physics and molecular-cell biology coursework. Students can also select a microbiology environmental course or elective, allowing them to develop interests in areas such as microbial diversity, ecology, food microbiology, immunology or microbial genetics and genomics.

Year 4: Students complete advanced laboratory and capstone work through MICRO 4400: Laboratory in Microbial Physiology, Diversity, and Genetics, where they use experimental approaches involving microbial isolation, physiological characterization, genetic manipulation, gene-expression analysis and phylogenetic characterization. The final year also includes MICRO 4500: Undergraduate Capstone Colloquium, where students discuss current microbiology and immunology literature, scientific conduct and bioethics, while gaining experience presenting papers and writing and reviewing grant proposals.

Focus areas: Microbial biology, medical microbiology, molecular and cellular bacteriology, microbial genetics and genomics, microbial ecology, food microbiology, immunology, virology, mycology, bacterial-plant interactions, soil and environmental microbiology.

Learning outcomes: Understanding microbial physiology, genetics, diversity and ecology; applying laboratory and molecular techniques; analyzing microbial genomes and gene expression; communicating scientific findings; evaluating scientific literature; and developing professional preparation for employment or graduate and professional education.

Professional alignment (accreditation): A program-specific professional accreditation is not stated on the official Iowa State University Microbiology B.S. curriculum page; therefore, no specific accreditation should be assumed. The curriculum does, however, include professional preparation, laboratory training, a capstone experience and career/application preparation.

Reputation (employability rankings): Iowa State University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences reports that its agriculture and forestry programs ranked No. 7 globally among 475 institutions in the 2026 QS World University Rankings and No. 4 among U.S. institutions in the same subject area. This is a college-level agriculture and forestry ranking rather than a specific ranking of the B.S. Microbiology program.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The B.S. in Microbiology at Iowa State University is strongly laboratory-based, giving students extensive hands-on experience that develops problem-solving and technical skills used in professional microbiology careers. Students work with microbiological laboratory techniques and equipment including microscopy, biochemical tests, serological assays and genetic manipulation, while courses such as Introductory Microbiology Laboratory, Medical Microbiology Laboratory, Genetics Laboratory, and Laboratory in Microbial Physiology, Diversity, and Genetics progressively build practical expertise. The program also connects students with faculty across multiple departments and provides opportunities to participate in research for academic credit.

Program-specific opportunities include:

Research Experience: Students can earn MICRO 4900 Independent Study credit for conducting research or assisting in a laboratory or classroom, with program guidance available for developing a research plan with a supervising instructor.
Undergraduate Research Assistantships: Iowa State's Undergraduate Research Assistantship (URA) Program gives eligible juniors and seniors hands-on experience in a formal research environment and develops technical and research skills.
Laboratory Training: Students develop skills using microscopy, biochemical tests, serological assays and genetic manipulation, alongside laboratory protocols, data interpretation and laboratory-notebook practices.
Microbiology Laboratories: Core practical courses include MICRO 3000L Introductory Microbiology Laboratory, MICRO 3100L Medical Microbiology Laboratory, MICRO 4400 Laboratory in Microbial Physiology, Diversity, and Genetics, and BIOL 3130L Genetics Laboratory.
Bioinformatics: The eight-semester plan includes MICRO 1160 Bioinformatics, giving students exposure to computational approaches used within microbiology.
Research Across Disciplines: Microbiology students can interact with professors from Animal Science, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Biology, Veterinary Microbiology, Veterinary Pathology, Food Science, Plant Pathology, Entomology, and Geology, creating opportunities to explore different areas of microbiological research.
Collaborative Learning: Iowa State identifies collaboration across disciplines as a student learning outcome, while the program also offers learning-team classes within its four-year plan.
Microbiology Club: Students can participate in the Microbiology Club, which provides opportunities to learn about careers, connect with other microbiology students and use microbiology skills through outreach activities.
Library & Research Skills: LIB 1600 Library Instruction is included in the program plan, helping students develop information and research skills alongside their scientific coursework.
Research Infrastructure: Iowa State describes its microbiology research environment as having state-of-the-art facilities and instrumentation across individual laboratories and university-wide service facilities.
Research & Career Preparation: The program's learning outcomes emphasize researching and critically evaluating microbiology topics, communicating scientific results, interpreting data and collaborating across disciplines.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The B.S. in Microbiology Scholar Track at Iowa State University prepares students with strong laboratory, technical and problem-solving skills for careers across biotechnology, biomedical research, food safety, public health and environmental microbiology. Graduates can enter professional roles directly after the bachelor's degree or use the program as preparation for medical, veterinary, graduate and other professional programs.

Career roles: Biomedical Research Scientist, Forensic Scientist, Microbiologist, Food Safety Specialist.
Career services: CALS Career Services provides career-outcomes information and employment resources, while the Microbiology program supports career planning and connects students with faculty and real-world experiences.
Employment outcomes: For Microbiology bachelor's graduates from Summer 2023 through Spring 2024, 15 were employed, all 15 in major-related positions, and 11 continued their education; reported employers included Corteva Agriscience, Harvard Medical School, USDA ARS, Veolia Water Technologies & Solutions and Iowa State University.
Salary information: The official 2023–24 CALS Microbiology placement report does not publish a starting-salary figure for the major; therefore, a program-specific salary figure is not stated in that report.
Industry connections: Graduates have moved into organizations including Corteva Agriscience, ETS Laboratories, Nucleus Network, Phibro Ethanol, USDA ARS, US Geological Survey and Veolia Water Technologies & Solutions, demonstrating the range of industries connected with microbiology careers.
Research opportunities: Students can earn Micro 4900 credit for research experience or laboratory/classroom assistance and can interact with professors across Animal Science, Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Biology, Veterinary Microbiology, Veterinary Pathology, Food Science and Geology.
Professional preparation: The curriculum follows core courses recommended by the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) and provides preparation for medical, veterinary, dentistry, pharmacy, medical laboratory science and other professional programs.
Accreditation value: Iowa State University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, with accreditation reaffirmed through the 2035–36 academic year; a separate specialized accreditation for the undergraduate Microbiology program is not stated on the university's official accreditation information.
Graduation outcomes: The program's 2023–24 outcomes show graduates moving into major-related employment as well as continuing education at institutions including Cornell University, Des Moines University, Drake University, Kansas City University, the University of Georgia and the University of Iowa.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.S., students can progress to Iowa State's M.S. or Ph.D. in Microbiology, with graduate study focused on areas such as microbial diversity, bacterial molecular genetics, pathogenic microorganisms, virology, fungal biology, and microbial ecology. The bachelor's degree also provides preparation for professional education in medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, medical laboratory science and related health fields.