The degree program offers students knowledge in physics, biology, and chemistry so students can understand principles of microbiology.

Degree Benefits:

  • Average annual salary for Microbiologists is $84,400*
  • Job growth rate of 5% for Microbiologists*

Career Options Include:

  • Biotechnologist
  • Food technologist
  • Microbiologist
  • Nanotechnologist
  • Technical Brewer

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Microbiologists, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/microbiologists.htm (visited March 24, 2022).

Find an online bachelor's or master's degree:

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

In most cases, a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology degree requires 120 credits. As a full-time student, you can complete 30 credits per year, meaning you would earn your degree over the course of four years. If you are a motivated student, there are a few options available to help you earn your degree sooner.


Some schools have accelerated Microbiology programs that put students on the fast track to earning their degree. This can reduce the four-year time frame by up to 30%. If an accelerated program is too much to handle, you may be able to benefit from year-round learning. Year-round learning is continuous schooling all year long, with no summer break. This type of education allows you to finish your degree earlier and get started in your career faster. If you took AP courses in high school, you may be able to count them toward your college credits, which can in turn, reduce your time and the costs of schooling.

Before choosing a major there are some important facts you should know about.


It is important to align your career goals with the school and program that you select. If you wish to enter a field like Microbiology, then you should select a school that offers coursework in Microbiology. Further, you can look for schools that provide hands-on experiences like internships and projects with real-world companies.

A Microbiology degree will certainly require to consist of some really particular training courses. Generally, a bachelor's degree in Microbiology looks like an associate level doubled, but associates courses (the first two years) focus more on general studies. While the 3rd-5th years focus more on specific studies related to Microbiology. Below is a sample of online bachelor's degree courses so you can see the kind of curriculum that will be typically found. Universities will differ in their specific studies needs. Compare colleges very carefully on the courses they will require you to take to gain your bachelor's degree in Microbiology. Sample courses you may need:

  • Microbiology – A Complete Guide to Microbiology
  • Infection Prevention and Control
  • Care Certificate Standard 15 - Infection Prevention & Control - Online CPD Course
  • Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences
  • Mastering Microbiology - Level 2
  • Training for Biomedical Science Graduates
  • Human Biology Diploma
  • Basic Biology Diploma
  • Infection Prevention and Control

If you're concerned about the specific graduation rate at each school you're most interested in, the Office of Institutional Research at each university should have that information. Nationwide, only 41% of university students finish within the four year timetable. The remaining 59% tend to stay in school for five years or more.


This can get very expensive. Students have to pay for additional terms of tuition. Universities and colleges may also penalize students who are taking too long to graduate. So, you need to have a plan that enables you to graduate within four to six years. See an advisor for your major every semester. Take the classes that they tell you are required. Try to take more than just the 12 minimum full-time credits per semester—instead, take 15; if you don't have to work more than 10 to 15 hours a week, try to take 18 credits. Take summer classes to get ahead (or catch up if you fail a class).


Don't change majors too often. If you're not sure of your major, take just your general education credits and try a few majors you're interested in—take an introductory class for each major and find the one that fits you best.

We recommend that students make a specific inquiry about job placement assistance programs at any school they consider for a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology degree program. Advanced institutions incorporate career planning into the two or four-year course of study for a bachelor's or master's degree in Microbiology. The school may host job fairs, business community awareness communications, and host interviews for employers from across the region.


The school of Microbiology, college, or university is a broad community of alumni, business sponsors, and corporate partners. Both new and established schools often have extensive local, regional, and national networks. The overall resources of the Microbiology school and the larger schools can potentially assist in producing high levels of job opportunities and hires for recent graduates.


Some schools pair students with advisers, career counselors, and job coaches at various stages of their academic careers. Observers can see the results in annual satisfaction surveys, and the numbers of students that get interviews and offers of employment.