Careers in Microbiology

Projections for the next 20 years suggest that there will be a demand for trained microbiologists to fill positions in all aspects of microbiology. You will have many career opportunities available to you upon graduation. These include positions in clinical, government, academic and industrial settings, such as:

• Health care delivery and management
• Industrial and pharmaceutical manufacturing and bioprocess systems development 
• Food processing and safety 
• Private or hospital laboratories
• Biotechnology companies
• Higher education
• FDA, EPA or state health departments

Additionally, a bachelor’s degree in microbiology is an excellent background for continuing studies leading to degrees in medicine, dentistry or veterinary science or other advanced academic degrees in public health and/or research based professional programs.

Rewarding Futures

Graduates of the Department of Biological Sciences earn competitive salaries immediately following graduation. According to a survey conducted by our Career Services Division, the department’s alumni from the Class of 2007 earned salaries ranging from $35,000 to more than $70,000 upon graduating.