What it is
Microbiology is the study of microscopic life — bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites — and their roles in health, disease, the environment, and industry. Microbiologists study how microbes cause (and cure) disease, and how they're used in food, medicine, and biotech.
What you'll study
Coursework builds a strong biology/chemistry base plus microbe-specific study:
- Year 1–2General biology & chemistry, calculus/statistics
- Year 2–3Microbiology, genetics, organic chemistry, cell biology
- Year 3–4Immunology, virology, microbial genetics/physiology, and lab research
Programs are heavily lab-based, with sterile technique and culturing central to the training.
Concentrations & focus areas
- Medical / Clinical MicrobiologyInfectious disease
- Immunology & VirologyImmune system and viruses
- Environmental MicrobiologyMicrobes in ecosystems
- Industrial / Food MicrobiologyFermentation, safety, biotech
- Microbial GeneticsGenes in microbes
- Public HealthDisease surveillance
Skills you'll build
- Sterile lab techniqueCulturing and handling microbes
- Analytical skillsIdentifying and testing organisms
- Data analysisInterpreting results
- Attention to detailPrecise, careful work
- Scientific communicationReporting findings
Careers & job titles
- MicrobiologistHealth, pharma, environmental, food
- Clinical / medical lab scientistDiagnostics
- Research associateAcademia and industry
- Quality control / food safetyManufacturing
- Public-health scientistAgencies and labs
- Physician / pharmacistVia professional school
Job outlook & demand
Employment of microbiologists grows about as fast as average, with steady demand in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, food safety, and public health (heightened by infectious-disease and biotech needs). Some roles need only a bachelor's; research and specialized roles favor a graduate degree.
Pay: median, range & trajectory
Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, microbiologists had a median around $87,330 (May 2024). Bachelor's-level lab/technician roles start near $52,000; senior and PhD-level research roles pay well above the median.
Degree levels it's offered at
Offered across these levels — click a level to learn about it:
A bachelor's qualifies for many microbiology and lab roles; a master's or PhD opens research and leadership positions.
Is it right for you?
You might thrive here if you are fascinated by microbes and disease, enjoy meticulous lab work, and want a science career with clear industry demand (pharma, health, food, public health).
Note: microbiology has better direct-to-work prospects than general biology, but the highest roles still favor graduate study.
Explore further
Keep exploring:
Key facts
- FocusBacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites
- EmployersPharma, healthcare, food, environmental, public health
- StudyMicrobiology, immunology, virology, lab research
- CareersMicrobiologist, clinical lab scientist, QC, researcher
- Pay$87,330 median (BLS); ~$52k entry lab
Where to learn more
Authoritative sources for careers and pay: