Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

Department of Biological Sciences

Microbiology, Bachelor of Science


Academic Information

Ever since Van Leeuwenhoek described the “cavorting wee beasties” seen through his simple 1670s-style microscope, scientists have been fascinated by tiny life forms. This degree allows students to join those who explore the world of bacteria, viruses, mitochondria, neurons, and genetic material. A strong core of biology and chemistry anchors the program, which offers flexibility through a generous selection of approved electives.

More Information

Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

Department of Biological Sciences

Microbiology, Bachelor of Science


Careers

What Can I Do with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology?

Are you interested in infectious disease? Do you want to help conduct clinical trials for new drugs? Microbiology might be the career path for you. You can also use our program to prepare for graduate study, for admission to medical, dental, or veterinary school, or for other professional training.

You'll receive plenty of personal attention from faculty-in the classroom, in research laboratories, and in our Biology Advisement Center. You'll have numerous opportunities, even as an undergraduate, to do research-research that might get you a job in a lab or get you into medical school. Our graduates have exceptional placement rates in medical schools, government agencies, and graduate programs.

Career opportunities that might be pursued:
  • Medical corporations
  • Biological testing laboratories
  • Pharmaceutical companies
  • State or federal government agencies

With further education, one of these paths is possible:
  • Physician (MD)
  • Researcher (MS)
  • Crime lab analys (MS)
  • University professor (PhD)

More Information

Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

Department of Biological Sciences

Microbiology, Bachelor of Science


University Requirements

More Information

Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

Department of Biological Sciences

Microbiology, Bachelor of Science


Overview

In addition to University Requirements:

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

Minimum Units for Completion 120
Major GPA C
Highest Mathematics Required MAT 125
Fieldwork Experience/Internship Optional
Research Optional
University Honors Program Optional
AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-A Recommended
Progression Plan Link View Progression Plan

Purpose Statement

The Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology consists of a series of Life Science foundation courses followed by advanced courses that survey a range of microbiological sub-disciplines. These include courses focused on the interaction between microorganisms and human disease, such as infectious diseases, medical microbiology, and immunology but also courses that investigate the role of microbes in the environment including environmental microbiology, microbial ecology and industrial microbiology and biotechnology. From bioremediation to virology, students will develop an understanding of biological and chemical systems of microorganisms — and develop a foundation for a career in a range of professions that involve microbiology.
 
The Life Sciences Core is designed to provide the student with a strong grounding in biology, chemistry and mathematics. The student, in consultation with an academic advisor and using a basic course schedule as a guideline, may select from elective microbiology courses relevant to a range of disciplinary areas and career fields, such as Immunobiology, Medical Microbiology, Microbial Ecology, Bioinformatics, and Virology; or design his or her own set of electives approved by one of the program academic advisors. 
 
Numerous undergraduate research opportunities involve you in the process and application of science in research areas at NAU’s research centers and institutes, such as the Pathogen and Microbiome Institute (PMI) and the Center for Ecosystem Science and Society (EcoSS). Due to the rigorous nature of our program, our graduates are well prepared for medical schools, careers in government agencies, or graduate programs.

Student Learning Outcomes

More Information

Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

Department of Biological Sciences

Microbiology, Bachelor of Science


Details

Major Requirements
General Electives
Additional Information
More Information

Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

Department of Biological Sciences

Microbiology, Bachelor of Science


Campus Availability

More Information