In recent years, the field of microbiology has had a major impact upon virtually all other scientific disciplines. For this reason, students who choose to major in microbiology often minor in biotechnology, chemistry or food safety. Students who choose to major in other fields may find it advantageous to minor in microbiology.

Career Opportunities

A career in microbiology offers many opportunities. The microbiology major is an excellent preparation for professional school (such as veterinary and human medicine) and graduate school, due to its emphasis on the pathogenesis of infectious disease, molecular biology, sterile techniques and laboratory skills. Graduates also may seek employment in the health sciences, biomedical industries, biotechnology, agricultural biosystems, food industries, pharmaceutical industries and government agencies. In these careers, graduates may identify new emerging diseases; develop diagnostic tests, new medicines and vaccines; work in departments of public health or hospital laboratories to insure a safe food supply; or work in academic or private research laboratories. Microbiologists work in government agencies such as the National Institutes of Health and the Environmental Protection Agency. Many microbiologists are teachers and professors.