Microbiology
Bachelor of Science in Microbiology
Overview
Related Topics
The study of microbes
Microorganisms influence nearly every aspect of life, from human health and agriculture to biotechnology, environmental sustainability and food production. University of Idaho’s Bachelor of Science in microbiology prepares you to understand the biology of bacteria, viruses, fungi and other microorganisms while developing the laboratory and analytical skills needed to solve some of today's most important scientific challenges. You'll study genetics, physiology, ecology, biochemistry and infectious disease while gaining practical experience through laboratory research and scientific investigation.
As you advance through the microbiology major, you can tailor your studies to the areas of microbial science that interest you most. Upper-division options include microbial physiology, virology, immunology, pathogenic microbiology, genomics, prokaryotic molecular biology, microbial ecology, food microbiology, medical parasitology and the cellular and molecular basis of disease. This flexibility allows you to explore microorganisms at scales ranging from molecules and cells to populations and ecosystems while connecting microbiology to medicine, environmental science, food systems and biotechnology.
As Idaho's only Carnegie R1 research university, University of Idaho gives you opportunities to move beyond coursework through laboratory investigation, faculty mentorship and undergraduate research. Your senior experience can include undergraduate research, a senior capstone or field work, giving you opportunities to apply scientific methods, analyze evidence and communicate your findings.
You’ll graduate prepared to integrate biology and chemistry to understand microbiological systems and apply that knowledge to real-world questions in areas such as medicine and environmental microbiology. The program emphasizes designing and analyzing biological experiments, evaluating scientific literature and communicating scientific information — skills that support careers in research, biotechnology, public health and other microbiology-related fields, as well as graduate study and professional health programs.
A B.S. in microbiology could be a good fit if you:
- Want to understand how bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms affect human health, ecosystems, food systems and the environment
- Are interested in genetics, microbiomes, virology, immunology, infectious disease or molecular and cellular biology
- Enjoy hands-on laboratory work, scientific research and designing experiments to answer biological questions
- Want to prepare for a career in microbiology, biotechnology, public health, environmental science or biological research
- Plan to pursue graduate study or a professional health program and want a strong foundation in microbiology, biology and chemistry
Study the unseen
Curriculum
The B.S.Microbiol. in microbiology is a 120-credit program combining coursework and applied learning experiences. Students build technical expertise while gaining hands-on experience. Required coursework includes:
- Biology courses like Cells and the Evolution of Life, Microbiology, Genetics, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Biochemistry and Microbiomes
- General and organic chemistry
- General or engineering physics
- Calculus and statistical methods or probability
- A written communication course like Technical Writing or Science Writing
- Additional electives that allow you to customize the degree to your interests and career goals
- Seminars and opportunities for undergraduate research that help you apply what you learn in the classroom to real-world scenarios
Explore program requirements in the University Catalog
Class format
Many biology courses are taught with accompanying labs. This means students have several sessions a week learning scientific concepts in a traditional classroom setting plus a weekly lab section to conduct experiments related to that week’s content. Lab sections are smaller, so you get personalized support from your instructor to help you succeed.
Research opportunities
Over 75% of undergraduate students at U of I do undergraduate research, often for academic credit or as paid lab assistants. You will gain lab experience in your regular classes, but you can also work with individual faculty in their research labs. For undergraduates in microbiology, that includes projects like:
- Studying how species adapt to new or changing environments
- Studying the gut microbiome to support earlier diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes
- Exploring the role of “killer yeast” strains in preventing fungal growth, with applications to everything from the microbrewing industry to human health care
Students working in research labs use scientific equipment like quantitative PCR instruments, fluorescence and confocal microscopes, kinetic plate readers, flow cytometers, and microbe plating robots. This gives you hands-on experience that can set you apart when applying for jobs.
Career outcomes
Current job openings
2,006 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and mid-career salaries
- Natural Sciences Managers • Clinical Research Coordinators • Water Resource Specialists
$153,637 - Bioinformatics Scientists • Molecular and Cellular Biologists • Geneticists • Biologists
$99,386 - Medical Scientists
$104,035 - Biological Technicians
$55,143 - Postsecondary Biological Science Teachers
$87,482
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Clubs and involvement opportunities
- Phi Sigma Honor Society – Join the Beta Eta chapter of Phi Sigma, an honor society devoted to the promotion of research and academic excellence in the biological sciences.
- College of Science Ambassadors – Expand the world of science by supporting current and prospective College of Science students, representing the college at recruiting events, and planning fun on-campus events for current science majors.
- Women in Science Society – Attend workshops, networking sessions and social events that promote the academic and professional success of collegiate women pursuing degrees in the sciences.
- Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) – Participate in professional development activities that help promote diversity in STEM by creating spaces in which everyone is welcome and diverse voices, experiences and talents are celebrated.
- Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society – Become a member of this international, multidisciplinary community of science professionals dedicated to research excellence.
- Society for Conservation Biology – Join if you are interested in conservation, ecology or environmental sciences and enjoy being outdoors, volunteering or getting involved with the scientific community.
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
While paying for college can feel overwhelming, University of Idaho is committed to affordability and clarity about tuition and financial aid. Here are a few key resources to help you understand the cost of your degree and explore available financial support:
- Submit your FAFSA: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to accessing federal, state and institutional financial aid.
- Estimate your cost of attendance: Use U of I’s Cost Calculator to estimate tuition and other expenses associated with earning your degree.
- Discover scholarship opportunities: When you apply to University of Idaho, you’re automatically considered for scholarships. Additional awards are available based on your previous experience, background and anticipated program of study.
If you have any questions about financial aid, scholarships or cost, U of I’s experienced financial aid counselors can help you make informed financial decisions and navigate each part of the process. Reach out to our Financial Aid Office for assistance.
Idaho LAUNCH
This degree is approved for Idaho LAUNCH, a grant that supports Idaho students pursuing high-demand careers. Students enrolling under the 2026–27 Academic Catalog may be eligible for up to $4,000 per year / $8,000 total in scholarship funding through the Idaho LAUNCH program.
Learn about eligibility and application deadlines at nextsteps.idaho.gov/launch, or see our full list of approved U of I programs on the in-state scholarships page.
Recognized STEM Program
This program is recognized as a STEM program by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and may be eligible for the 24-month STEM optional practical training extension for international students.
Application information
Undergraduate applications open each September, and admissions are processed on a rolling basis. Qualified students are admitted and considered for scholarships and financial aid as applications are received.
Explore admission requirements and apply on our Admissions website.
Have questions?
Not sure if this program is the right fit? Connect with your admissions counselor or request more information to get personalized guidance on program details, requirements and next steps.
Find your admissions counselor
Request more information
Connect with program faculty
Explore microbiology in action
See how microbiology students and researchers investigate viruses, fungi, microbiomes and other microorganisms to address challenges in human health, agriculture and the environment.
Peek inside a microbiology lab
Learn what goes on behind the scenes from an unlikely tour guide
The microbiology program has presented me with an abundance of opportunities while creating a community that I know I can rely on. The professors are fantastic, my peers are supportive, and I feel encouraged as I continue to grow as a student.
Rebecca B.
Boise, ID
What can I do with a microbiology degree?
A Bachelor of Science in microbiology opens the door to careers studying the microscopic organisms that shape our world — from the bacteria that keep ecosystems healthy to the viruses and fungi that impact human health. Microbiology graduates help develop new medicines and vaccines, improve food safety, monitor environmental quality and advance research in biotechnology and infectious diseases. They build careers as microbiologists, clinical laboratory scientists, quality assurance specialists, public health professionals, biotechnology researchers and environmental scientists, while many continue into medical, dental, veterinary, pharmacy or graduate programs.
If you're fascinated by the invisible world and want to use science to improve lives, microbiology offers endless opportunities to make a difference. You'll gain hands-on laboratory experience while developing skills in research, critical thinking, data analysis and scientific communication that are valued across healthcare, biotechnology, agriculture and environmental science. Whether you're investigating emerging diseases, engineering beneficial microbes or helping create the next breakthrough in medicine, a microbiology degree prepares you to turn curiosity into discovery.
See microbiology at work
Explore how students use laboratory research, technology and collaboration to investigate microorganisms and tackle challenges in health, agriculture and the environment.