Microbiology (Medical Microbiology) ,BS
Biomedical Science, Immunology, Medicine, Microbiology, Pre-Med, Pre-Medical, Premedical, Virology, approved for STEM-OPT extension, bacteriology, med school, medical, microbes
Learn how microbes influence human health and disease. Study the biology of microorganisms and the body's defenses while gaining hands-on laboratory and research experience. Develop analytical and technical skills that prepare you for your career.
In the Bachelor of Science program in microbiology with a concentration in medical microbiology, you focus on the biology of microorganisms and their roles in human health and disease. You examine bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites while exploring the mechanisms of infection, immunity and disease prevention. Coursework integrates microbiology, genetics, immunology, molecular biology, biochemistry and physiology to prepare you for professional and research careers.
The curriculum aligns with scientific competencies recommended for premedical and health-related fields, providing a strong foundation for success on the MCAT and admission to medical or graduate programs. You can gain hands-on laboratory experience, conduct research, and complete internships in clinical or research settings.
The program is available as an accelerated degree option. In addition to reviewing the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, if you are interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, you can visit The College's website for more information and requirements.
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe
- Second language requirement: No
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
- First required math course: MAT 117 - College Algebra
- Math
intensity: Moderate
This video provides an overview of the Microbiology (Medical Microbiology) degree program at ASU.
What If: See how your courses can be applied to another major and find out how to change your major.
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.
ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:
- Demonstrate capacity for scientific thinking by applying relevant background knowledge to analyze and/or develop scientific explanations.
- Effectively communicate complex scientific concepts, ideas, and reasoning with appropriate use of relevant sources and evidence.
- Demonstrate mastery in performing and interpreting results of microbiology lab tests.
Students gain valuable experience when studying abroad. Those pursuing a medical microbiology concentration are able to expand their knowledge of how human biology is impacted by a variety of societies and cultures, and they challenge themselves to adapt and persevere in a new and exciting culture.
With more than 300 programs available, study abroad enables students to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets, and gain experience that enhances their resumes. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recommends these study abroad programs for students majoring in medical microbiology.
Graduates are prepared for medical, dental and graduate programs and for careers in biomedical research, clinical microbiology, and public health. They are equipped with knowledge of microbiology, immunology and molecular biology that supports employment in hospitals, research institutes, government laboratories, and biotechnology or pharmaceutical industries.
Example job titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
| Career | *Growth | *Median salary |
|---|---|---|
|
1.7%
|
$62,930
|
|
|
4.1%
|
$170,950
|
|
|
1.7%
|
$62,930
|
|
|
1.7%
|
$62,930
|
|
|
3.3%
|
$256,560
|
|
|
4.1%
|
$87,990
|
|
|
8.0%
|
$136,570
|
|
|
4.1%
|
$358,550
|
|
|
4.6%
|
$140,910
|
|
|
20.4%
|
$135,880
|
School of Life Sciences
|
LSC 104
sols.advising@asu.edu
480-727-6277
Program term definitions
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
