Bachelor of Science in Microbiology

The Bachelor of Science in Microbiology at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln provides strong hands-on preparation through laboratory courses, independent research, internships, and other experiential learning opportunities. Students learn to design and conduct experiments, practice safe laboratory procedures, use computer tools to analyze microbial data, and work with faculty across multiple departments. The program also offers access to modern research facilities and opportunities to connect classroom learning with biotechnology, health, food, agriculture, environmental science, and other applications:

• Microbiology laboratories: Students complete BIOS 314 Microbiology Laboratory and can pursue advanced laboratory experiences such as Food Microbiology Laboratory, Microbiology of Fermented Foods Laboratory, Intermediate Plant Pathology Laboratory, or MBIO 498 Independent Research.
• Independent research: MBIO 498 Independent Research allows students to conduct a laboratory or field investigation of a specific scientific problem under the guidance of a microbiology faculty member, with up to 12 credits applicable toward the degree.
• Research facilities: Students can engage with research laboratories in the Beadle Center, which houses modern biological sciences research facilities, and with faculty research labs across the university. Research areas include microbial genetics, infectious disease, virology, microbial physiology, microbial diversity and ecology, genomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics.
• Computational skills: The program specifically develops computer skills for studying microbes and analyzing microbial data, while electives include Bioinformatics and Molecular Evolution and other computationally focused courses.
• MARVEL program: Microbiology Achievement through Research and Valuable Experiential Learning (MARVEL) provides research- and career-focused workshops covering topics such as networking, science communication, and mentor–mentee relationships, along with participation in the Annual Microbiology Research Symposium.
• Internships: Students can pursue local, national, and international internships, gaining practical experience relevant to microbiology careers and professional development.
• Microbiology Club: Students can participate in the Microbiology Club, which provides opportunities for industry and facility tours, teamwork, leadership development, and hands-on activities such as the annual Agar Art event.
• Learning community: The Experience the Lab: Forensic Science, Microbiology & Biochemistry Learning Community connects first-year students through shared introductory science courses, hands-on laboratory training, local company visits, research symposium participation, and community activities.
• Field-based learning: Students can select courses such as Field Epidemiology and Earth and Environmental Microbiology, while the university also offers experiential learning through research, education abroad, service learning, and other activities.
• Collaborative research environment: The UNL Microbiology Initiative connects faculty and research programs across disciplines, with collaborations involving the Nebraska Center for Virology, food safety, energy sciences, plant sciences, and other research areas.
• Professional and research networking: The UNL Microbiology Research Symposium brings together students, faculty, staff, and alumni, giving students opportunities to communicate scientific work and build professional connections. 

The Bachelor of Science in Microbiology at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln prepares graduates for careers across clinical microbiology, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, food science, environmental science, and government agencies. Recent UNL graduates have moved into roles such as clinical research associate, laboratory technician, plant research biologist, scientist, and science writer, while others have continued into medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physical therapy, and graduate research.

Career and Employment Opportunities:

• Career services: UNL’s College of Arts and Sciences Career Coaches help students explore career options, gain relevant experience, prepare for internships and employment, and develop resumes, applications, and interview skills. Microbiology students can also receive dedicated academic and professional guidance through the program’s advisors and Academic Success Coordinator.
• Typical career roles: Clinical research associate, laboratory technician, biological scientist, plant research biologist.
• Employment and salary: UNL reports that more than 71% of its Class of 2025 graduates were employed or enrolled in continuing education six months after graduation, with a $60,000 median starting salary across undergraduate graduates. UNL does not publish a separate employment rate or median salary specifically for B.S. Microbiology graduates on the program page.
• University–industry connections: The program provides access to internships and research experiences, with recent microbiology students reporting internships at organizations including Estee Lauder Companies, Monsanto, Cargill, and LI-COR Biosciences. The Microbiology Club also offers industry and facility tours, while the MARVEL program develops networking, mentoring, communication, and professional skills.
• Professional alignment: The microbiology curriculum is aligned with recommendations from the American Society for Microbiology (ASM), helping students develop core knowledge and laboratory, research, scientific communication, and computational skills relevant to professional microbiology.
• Graduation outcomes: UNL’s documented graduate destinations include positions at Benchmark Biolabs, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Neogen Corporation, LI-COR Biosciences, and Midwest Research Inc., as well as advanced programs such as M.D., D.D.S., Pharm.D., D.P.T., M.S., and Ph.D. programs.

Further Academic Progression: After the B.S. in Microbiology, students can progress into master’s or Ph.D. study in microbiology, molecular biology, biomedical sciences, bioinformatics, ecology and evolution, and related disciplines. UNL specifically offers graduate training in microbiology and molecular biology, with its Ph.D. normally taking 5–6 years and emphasizing independent research; the undergraduate degree can also serve as preparation for professional programs in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, and other health-related fields.