Why Study Microbiology? Microbiology Class

Are you interested in:

  • Studying, preventing and controlling infectious disease?
  • Tracking down agents of infectious disease?
  • Prevention and treatment of potential bioterrorist attacks?
  • Production of new products through biotechnology?
  • Production of fermented foods such as cheese and yogurt?
  • Understanding how elements are cycled in our environment?
  • Cleaning up toxic wastes in our environment?

If so, Microbiology may be the major for you. Microbiology is a diverse discipline with almost limitless applications in health, industry, biotechnology, environmental science, and basic research. With the increase in emerging infectious disease and antibiotic resistance, the threat of bioterrorism, the rapid advance in biotechnology, and numerous environmental problems, microbiologists are in higher demand than ever. Microbiology majors from UW-La Crosse have obtained jobs in:

  • Large pharmaceutical and chemical companies to small biotechnology firms
  • Hospital and Public health laboratories
  • Food production and fermentation industries
  • Numerous biotechnology companies
  • Medical diagnostic companies
  • Research laboratories at Universities, government agencies, and medical centers
  • Environmental testing laboratories and bioremediation companies

A microbiology major is also excellent preparation for medical, veterinary and other professional schools, and graduate school in any of the biological sciences. A survey of first medical students has recognized the Microbiology major as the best major to prepare students for the rigors of Medical School.

What is Unique about the Microbiology Program at UW-La Crosse?

The microbiology program at UW-La Crosse has earned a tremendous reputation over the years. A major in Microbiology is generally only available at large research Universities; however, UW-La Crosse offers this exciting major at a University with the small class size and individualized faculty attention found at smaller schools. The primary mission of UW-La Crosse is undergraduate education, and the Microbiology faculty take this mission very seriously in delivering the best possible education. Microbiology was recognized by the University System as a "Center of Excellence" in 1988 for the high quality program and is also identified as one of UW-La Crosses "High Tech Programs". Microbiology majors from UW-La Crosse are highly regarded by employers, professional schools, and graduate programs. We are very proud of the UW-La Crosse Microbiology major and feel that microbiology education at UW-La Crosse is second to none nationwide. If your career goals relate to any of the above areas, a microbiology major from UW-La Crosse will serve you well.

Please check out the various links on the Microbiology home page to learn more about the Microbiology major at this web site.

"The role of the infinitely small in nature is infinitely large"
-Louis Pasteur

For more information about the Microbiology major, contact:
Dr. S.N. Rajagopal, Chair
Department of Microbiology