Bachelor of Science in Microbiology

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Oklahoma

Program Overview

The University of Oklahoma’s Bachelor of Science in Microbiology explores microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, protozoa, algae, and viruses, combining innovative coursework with hands-on laboratory experience. It is well suited to students interested in medicine, biotechnology, environmental sustainability, scientific research, and health professions, with study covering areas such as microbial physiology, infectious disease, molecular biology, bioinformatics, virology, and biotechnology.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students build the scientific foundation needed for advanced microbiology through subjects such as General Chemistry, Calculus I for Business, Life and Social Sciences, and introductory biological science. The chemistry and mathematics preparation supports later study in molecular, cellular, and microbial sciences.

Year 2: Students progress into core microbiology and supporting laboratory sciences, developing an understanding of microorganisms and the techniques used to investigate them. Courses include Fundamentals of Microbiology, Fundamentals of Microbiology Laboratory, and Organic Chemistry I: Biological, establishing the foundation for upper-level microbiology and molecular biology.

Year 3: The curriculum becomes more specialized, with students examining microbial disease, molecular mechanisms, physiology, and computational approaches. Key subjects include Pathogenic Microbiology and Infectious Disease, Introduction to Molecular Biology, and Physiology of Microorganisms, while Practical Bioinformatics can develop computational skills relevant to modern microbiological research.

Year 4: Students consolidate their knowledge through advanced laboratory work, specialized electives, and a culminating research or capstone experience. The official curriculum includes Biotechnology Applications, Cell Biology Laboratory, and Capstone in Microbiology or Senior Thesis–Capstone, allowing students to connect their scientific training with professional or postgraduate goals.

Focus areas: Medicine, global health, environmental sustainability, biotechnology, scientific research, microbial physiology, pathogenic microbiology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, virology, and microbial ecology.

Learning outcomes: Hands-on laboratory skills, scientific writing, scientific presentation, problem-solving, critical thinking, research experience, and technical skills applicable to microbiological employment and postgraduate study.

Professional alignment (accreditation): The University of Oklahoma does not state a specific professional accreditation for the BS in Microbiology on its official program page; not stated. The university does hold institutional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission, with OU reporting full reaffirmation of accreditation.

Reputation (employability rankings): OU reports that the university was ranked No. 1 in Oklahoma and No. 110 overall in the U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Colleges rankings, with OU also ranked No. 54 among public universities. These are university-wide rankings rather than rankings specifically for the BS in Microbiology.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The University of Oklahoma’s Bachelor of Science in Microbiology combines classroom learning with laboratory-based training and opportunities to participate in faculty research. Students can develop practical skills in microbiological techniques, molecular biology, genetics, and biotechnology while working in research laboratories and using facilities associated with the Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology.

Students can strengthen their practical experience through these program-specific opportunities:

Microbiology laboratories: Laboratory coursework gives students hands-on experience applying microbiological concepts and techniques rather than relying only on classroom instruction.
Undergraduate research: Students can work with faculty members on active research projects through the department’s undergraduate research opportunities, gaining experience in experimental design, laboratory methods, data collection, and scientific communication.
Research areas: Department research includes microbial physiology, microbial genetics, molecular biology, environmental microbiology, plant–microbe interactions, and biotechnology, giving students opportunities to explore different applications of microbiology.
Research facilities: Students benefit from the research infrastructure of the Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology, where faculty laboratories support research involving microorganisms, plants, molecular biology, and biotechnology.
Senior-level experience: Advanced microbiology coursework allows students to apply concepts and laboratory methods developed during earlier stages of the degree and prepare for research, graduate study, or laboratory careers.
Scientific resources: Students have access to the University of Oklahoma’s broader research environment, including scientific collections, laboratories, library resources, and research support available across the Norman campus.
Faculty interaction: Working with faculty researchers provides opportunities to learn directly from scientists whose research spans microbiology and related biological sciences.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A Bachelor of Science in Microbiology at the University of Oklahoma prepares graduates for scientific careers in environmental, industrial, food, clinical, and biotechnology settings, while also developing a strong foundation for postgraduate study. OU specifically highlights hands-on laboratory experience, research opportunities, and internships with local biotechnology firms and research institutes as preparation for employment and graduate or professional programs.

Career roles: Environmental Microbiologist, Industrial Microbiologist, Food Microbiologist, Clinical Microbiologist/Medical Technologist, Biotechnologist or Research Technician.

Career services: The OU Career Center supports students through career advising, job and internship fairs, on-campus interviews, and Handshake, where students can access full-time and internship opportunities. In 2024–25, the Career Center recorded 2,699 advising sessions, 1,320 on-campus interviews, 697 companies at career fairs, and 111,302 jobs on Handshake.
Employment statistics: OU publishes first-destination and post-graduation outcomes through its Career Center, including employment, continuing education, and other graduate outcomes. The university's current public outcomes dashboard does not state a microbiology-specific employment percentage in the material available on the program page.
Salary figures: The OU Microbiology program directs students to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for salary information rather than publishing a program-specific salary figure; therefore, a microbiology-specific salary figure is not stated by the university.
Industry experience: OU specifically states that Microbiology students can gain technical experience through internships with local cutting-edge biotechnology firms and research institutes, although the undergraduate program page does not name individual partner companies.
Research partnerships and facilities: The Institute for Environmental Genomics (IEG) provides an advanced research environment focused on microbial functional genomics, microbial ecology, metagenomics, single-cell technologies, and biotechnology development. OU's Stephenson Research and Technology Center also houses collaborative programs in microbiology, environmental genomics, supercomputing, and biomedical research.
Accreditation value: The university does not state a separate program-specific professional accreditation for the BS in Microbiology on its official Microbiology program page. The degree is offered through OU's School of Biological Sciences within the Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences.
Graduation outcomes: OU's Career Center collects graduate destination information through its First-Destination Survey, covering employment, graduate education, voluntary service, and military service. OU also provides career-path reports based on information collected through student surveys, academic departments, and follow-up with students and employers up to six months after graduation.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the BS in Microbiology, students can continue into graduate-level study at the University of Oklahoma, including the Master of Science in Microbiology and PhD in Microbiology. The program also identifies preparation for professional programs such as medical, dental, and pharmacy school, while OU's graduate School of Biological Sciences provides research training across microbiology and related biological-science fields.