BS in Microbiology

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Michigan State University

Program Overview

The BS in Microbiology at Michigan State University gives students a broad scientific foundation with a focused study of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, archaea, fungi, and protozoa, while preparing them for careers in microbiology, biotechnology, clinical laboratories, public health, or further professional study. Students build knowledge across cell and molecular biology, immunology and medical microbiology, microbial biology, and microbial biotechnology, with opportunities to complete independent research as part of the degree.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students establish the scientific foundation needed for advanced microbiology through subjects such as Cell and Molecular Biology, General Chemistry, and Physics for Scientists and Engineers. Mathematics and introductory biology also build the quantitative and biological knowledge required for later laboratory and microbiology courses.

Year 2: Students begin developing specialized microbiology knowledge through MGI 301: Introductory Microbiology and MGI 302: Introductory Laboratory for General and Allied Health Microbiology, while continuing supporting coursework in chemistry, biology, and related sciences. These courses introduce microbial structure and function, nutrition and growth, microbial control, and the importance of major microbial groups.

Year 3: The curriculum moves into advanced microbial science through courses such as MGI 421: Prokaryotic Cell Physiology, MGI 431: Microbial Genetics, and MGI 408: Advanced Microbiology Laboratory. Students develop deeper understanding of microbial physiology, genetics, laboratory methods, and experimental approaches while beginning to tailor electives toward areas such as medical microbiology, microbial biology, or biotechnology.

Year 4: Students consolidate their knowledge through advanced study and a capstone experience, with options including MGI 425: Microbial Ecology, MGI 491: Current Topics in Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology, MGI 499: Undergraduate Research, or MGI 493: Professional Internship in Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology. MSU encourages students to undertake mentored independent research for at least two, ideally three or more, semesters, culminating in a formal research presentation that fulfills the department's capstone requirement.

Focus areas:

Cell and molecular biology, immunology and medical microbiology, microbe biology, microbial biotechnology, microbial genetics, microbial ecology, genomics, and laboratory research.

Learning outcomes:

Microbial structure and function, microbial growth and control, laboratory techniques, microbial genetics, scientific research, experimental analysis, and application of microbiological knowledge to human health and environmental challenges.

Professional alignment (accreditation):

Professional preparation: The degree prepares students for microbiology careers and for advanced study in biological sciences, medicine, dentistry, forensic science, and clinical laboratory science; graduates may also apply for certification with the National Registry of Microbiologists of the American Society for Microbiology. Institutional accreditation: Michigan State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), with its most recent reaffirmation in 2024–25 and the next reaffirmation scheduled for 2034–35.

Reputation (employability rankings):

Employability: MSU's official program information reports alumni working in biotechnology companies, clinical reference laboratories, environmental and pollution-control companies, food-processing and dairy industries, pharmaceutical companies, and government agencies, including roles such as clinical microbiologists, laboratory analysts, medical researchers, microbiologists, and quality-control technicians.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BS in Microbiology at Michigan State University gives students substantial hands-on exposure to microbiological laboratory methods alongside coursework in cell and molecular biology, immunology, medical microbiology, and microbial biology. Students are encouraged to complete two, ideally three or more semesters of mentored independent research, culminating in a formal research presentation that can satisfy the program’s capstone requirement. The curriculum also includes dedicated laboratory courses such as Introductory Laboratory for General and Allied Health Microbiology and Advanced Microbiology Laboratory, allowing students to develop practical laboratory and research skills.

Research experience: Students can identify research areas such as virology, bacteriology, and cancer, match their interests with faculty research, and join an MGI faculty laboratory. The department specifically encourages undergraduate research as an integral part of the microbiology experience.
Laboratory training: MGI 302 Introductory Laboratory for General and Allied Health Microbiology provides early laboratory experience, while MGI 408 Advanced Microbiology Laboratory develops more advanced practical skills and also fulfills the Microbiology major’s Tier II writing requirement.
Internship option: Students can complete MGI 493 Professional Internship in Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology as one of the program’s capstone pathways, providing an opportunity to gain professional experience alongside their academic training.
Research project and presentation: MGI 499 Undergraduate Research or MGI 499H Honors Research, together with MGI 492 Undergraduate Research Seminar, can form the research-based capstone route. Students participating in mentored research are expected to culminate their experience with a formal research presentation.
Advanced microscopy: The Center for Advanced Microscopy (CAM) is MSU’s central microscopy laboratory and provides access to advanced technologies including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), laser capture microscopy (LCM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS).
Digital imaging and analysis: CAM facilities include digital imaging, 3D imaging, image analysis, and high-resolution electron microscopy, giving students involved in appropriate research projects exposure to sophisticated imaging and analytical techniques.
Research community: MSU’s Undergraduate Research Office/URCA supports undergraduate research across the university, while the annual University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum (UURAF) gives students an opportunity to present their research to faculty, peers, and external audiences.
Program-specific facilities and research resources: Students can connect with the Microbiology, Genetics & Immunology Department, which has more than 60 faculty members and approximately 500 undergraduate students, providing a broad research environment spanning microbiology, genetics, immunology, and related biological sciences.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The BS in Microbiology at Michigan State University prepares students for careers involving microorganisms, laboratory research, biotechnology, public health, food safety, pharmaceuticals, and environmental science. With opportunities for hands-on research and laboratory experience, graduates can enter scientific roles or build a strong foundation for advanced study in microbiology and related fields.

Typical job roles: Microbiologist, Biological Technician, Laboratory Technician, Quality-Control Analyst:

Career services: MSU’s College of Natural Science provides career advising, resume and cover-letter assistance, interview preparation, job and internship searches, networking guidance, and graduate/professional school preparation. Students can also use Handshake and the college’s career resources.
Research opportunities: Students can gain professional research experience through independent research, faculty laboratories, and undergraduate research programs, helping them develop laboratory and scientific communication skills.
Employment settings: Microbiology graduates can pursue opportunities in clinical laboratories, biotechnology, pharmaceutical companies, food and beverage industries, government agencies, public health laboratories, and research institutions.
Employment statistics and salary: MSU does not state a specific employment rate or median salary for BS Microbiology graduates on its official program pages, so a program-specific figure is not stated.
University–industry connections: MSU research connects microbiology and life-science expertise with biotechnology, pharmaceutical, agricultural, food, environmental, and healthcare applications, giving students exposure to research with practical industry relevance.
Professional development: Students can pursue professional experience through internships, research, laboratory work, student organizations, and career-development programming, strengthening their preparation for scientific employment or graduate school.
Accreditation value: Michigan State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), providing institutional accreditation and supporting the long-term academic recognition of the degree.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates leave with skills in microbiological techniques, laboratory research, molecular biology, scientific analysis, data interpretation, and scientific communication, preparing them for employment or further education.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can continue into master’s and PhD programs in microbiology, molecular biology, genetics, immunology, environmental science, and related biological sciences. MSU’s Department of Microbiology, Genetics & Immunology offers graduate study and research opportunities in areas including microbiology, genetics, immunology, and molecular biology, providing a pathway toward advanced research and academic or industry careers.