Our Bachelor of Science in Microbiology (BSM) degree is excellent for: (1) preparing for professional programs, (2) pursuing graduate degree programs, or (3) seeking direct career entry as a microbiologist.
1. Professional Programs: A degree in microbiology is excellent preparation for professional school in the health sciences, including medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, nursing, optometry, and pharmacy. For BSM students who are admitted to the MU College of Veterinary Medicine prior to their senior year, the BSM will be awarded upon successful completion of the second year of veterinary school if all other degree criteria have been met.
2. Graduate Programs: In addition to job opportunities immediately upon graduation, the BSM prepares students for admission into a wide variety of graduate programs including biology, botany, microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, public health, and zoology. These degrees then lead to opportunities in academic, private sector, or government settings.
3. Direct Career Entry: A degree in microbiology provides inroads to a number of careers. Examples include biomedical research technician, science educator, food, industrial or environmental microbiologist, quality assurance technologist, forensic scientist, and medical technologist. College graduates with a degree in microbiology are prepared to work in food processing plants, plant or animal disease control agencies, biotechnology companies, human and animal health/pharmaceutical companies, the industrial fermentation industry, and basic science research laboratories.
Microbiologists – Quick Facts (per U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Median Pay: $81,990 per year (in 2022)
- Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Number of Jobs: 20,900 (in 2022)
- Job Outlook: 5% growth in employment by 2032 (faster than average growth, which is 3%)
Microbiologist Jobs: