Bachelor in Microbiology (Major)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Michigan Ann Arbor

Program Overview

The Microbiology Major at the University of Michigan gives students a strong understanding of microorganisms and their roles in health, disease, the environment, and biological systems. It is a great fit for students interested in biotechnology, medical and industrial laboratories, biomedical research, or graduate study, with a curriculum that combines microbiology, genetics, biochemistry, laboratory work, and research.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students begin by building a strong foundation in biology and chemistry through courses such as BIOLOGY 171, BIOLOGY 172 or 174, BIOLOGY 173, CHEM 210, CHEM 211, CHEM 215, and CHEM 216. They also develop quantitative skills through options such as MATH 115, MATH 116, physics, statistics, or computer programming, creating the foundation needed for more advanced microbiology study.

Year 2: Students move into the main subjects of the major with BIOLOGY 207 Microbiology and BIOLOGY 305 Genetics, developing a deeper understanding of microorganisms, heredity, and biological processes. They also study biochemistry through MCDB 310, BIOLCHEM 415, or CHEM 351, connecting the chemistry of biological molecules with microbial and cellular processes.

Year 3: Students gain more hands-on experience through advanced laboratory courses such as MCDB 429 or EEB 447, while options such as MCDB 306, BIOLCHEM 416, EPID 504, or independent research allow them to strengthen their research skills. Students can also begin exploring specialized areas through courses such as MICRBIOL 405, MICRBIOL 415, MICRBIOL 430, MICRBIOL 440, and MICRBIOL 460.

Year 4: Students use advanced electives to focus their studies around their interests in areas such as infectious disease, environmental microbiology, cellular biology, and bioinformatics. Courses such as EARTH 413 Geomicrobiology, EEB 315 Ecology & Evolution of Infectious Diseases, and EEB 416/MCDB 416 Introduction to Bioinformatics provide opportunities to connect microbiology with wider biological and scientific challenges.

Focus Areas

Microbiology, microbial genetics, biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, microbial physiology, infectious diseases, environmental microbiology, virology, immunology, microbial ecology, bioinformatics, biotechnology, quantitative biology, laboratory research

Learning Outcomes

Students develop a strong understanding of microorganisms, genetics, biochemistry, and cellular and molecular processes while learning how microbes interact with biological systems. They also build practical laboratory, research, quantitative, analytical, and problem-solving skills that can be applied to biotechnology, healthcare, laboratory science, research, and further study.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Microbiology Major is an academic biological sciences program offered through the University of Michigan's College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, rather than a professionally accredited engineering program. The program can prepare students for entry-level positions in medical, industrial, and government laboratories, as well as graduate study in microbiology, biochemistry, food science, agricultural science, and related biological fields.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Students benefit from studying microbiology within the University of Michigan's research-focused academic environment, with opportunities to gain research experience and work closely with faculty. The university also provides extensive career and academic support through LSA, helping students prepare for employment, graduate school, professional programs, and research careers.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Microbiology Major at the University of Michigan gives students plenty of opportunities to gain practical experience alongside their academic studies. Through advanced laboratory courses, independent research, and undergraduate research programs, students can work with faculty, use modern laboratory equipment, and explore real research questions in microbiology and related biological sciences. These experiences help students build confidence with laboratory techniques, scientific analysis, and research while preparing for careers or further study.

Students can gain hands-on experience through:

Advanced laboratory courses: Courses such as MCDB 429 and EEB 447 provide opportunities to develop practical laboratory skills and apply concepts learned in microbiology, genetics, and molecular biology.
Independent research: Students can complete research through options such as MICRBIOL 399, MCDB 400, EEB 400, INTMED 400, and EPID 399, allowing them to work on research projects under faculty guidance.
UROP: The Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) gives first- and second-year students opportunities to work with faculty researchers and gain early experience in laboratory and scientific research.
Modern laboratory equipment: University of Michigan biological science facilities provide access to equipment including electron microscopes, controlled-environment rooms, centrifuges, and spectrophotometers, giving students exposure to tools used in biological research.
Microbiology and biological research: Students can explore research areas including microbiology, biochemistry, cell biology, developmental biology, neurobiology, animal physiology, and plant molecular biology, depending on their research interests.
Honors research: Students in the Honors program complete two semesters of independent research, prepare an Honors thesis, and present their research, providing valuable experience in planning, conducting, and communicating scientific work.
Bioinformatics and quantitative learning: Students can take EEB 416/MCDB 416 Introduction to Bioinformatics and choose quantitative courses involving statistics, computer programming, mathematics, or related areas, allowing them to combine computational approaches with biological research.
Interdisciplinary research opportunities: The program connects with research and coursework across areas such as Microbiology and Immunology, Epidemiology, the Medical School, and the School of Public Health, giving students opportunities to explore microbiology from different perspectives.

Facilities and Research Resources: University of Michigan biological sciences teaching and research facilities, including student research resources and laboratory facilities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Microbiology Major at the University of Michigan gives students a strong foundation for careers in laboratory science, biotechnology, healthcare, research, and other life-science fields. The program can also prepare students for graduate study in microbiology, biochemistry, food science, agricultural science, and related areas, with research experience providing an especially useful advantage for students planning postgraduate study.

Typical career directions include Microbiologist, Laboratory Researcher, Biotechnology Researcher, and Clinical Researcher. Students can strengthen their career prospects through the following opportunities:

Career and academic advising: Students receive support from Undergraduate Biology Office staff and faculty advisors on course planning, research, honors, graduate school, and career decisions.
LSA Opportunity Hub: Students can access career coaching, employer connections, mentorship, internships, career fairs, and job-search support through the LSA Opportunity Hub.
Research experience: Students can gain valuable experience through independent research, UROP, and other research opportunities. The University specifically recommends that students planning to attend graduate school gain at least two terms of research experience.
Honors pathway: Students who pursue Honors complete significant independent research, produce an Honors thesis, and present their work publicly. This provides strong preparation for students interested in research-intensive careers or graduate programs.
Employment opportunities: A Microbiology degree can prepare graduates for entry-level positions in medical, industrial, and government laboratories, while also providing a foundation for careers in biotechnology and biological research.
University research environment: Students can benefit from the broader University of Michigan research community and explore opportunities across biological sciences, microbiology and immunology, epidemiology, medicine, and public health.
Employment outcomes: The University of Michigan reports strong overall outcomes for LSA graduates, with more than 78% of 2025 LSA graduates accepting a job or continuing to graduate school within six months of graduation. The University does not publish a specific starting-salary figure for Microbiology graduates, so a program-specific salary should not be assumed.
Long-term value: The Microbiology Major is an academic biological sciences degree rather than a professionally accredited engineering program. Its combination of microbiology, genetics, biochemistry, laboratory science, quantitative study, and research provides a strong foundation for scientific employment and further specialization.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates can move into laboratory and research positions or continue their education through graduate and professional programs. Students interested in research can strengthen their profile through independent research and the Honors program before graduation.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the Microbiology Major, students can continue into master’s or Ph.D. programs in microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology, food science, agricultural science, public health, or related biological sciences. Students interested in healthcare can also use the degree as preparation for medical, dental, veterinary, or other professional health programs, while research-focused students can progress toward doctoral study and careers in academic, government, medical, or industrial research.