Welcome to the Department of Microbiology

We offer undergraduate programs Microbiology, Clinical Laboratory Science, and a Microbiology Master's Program. More than 95% of microbiology graduates are employed within the discipline.

Students working in a biological safety cabinet

Microbiology

We are the only independent microbiology department among the UW comprehensive universities.

CLS Degree

We offer a Clinical Laboratory Science degree (also known as a Medical Laboratory Scientist or Medical Technologist)

  • Use your lab skills to help physicians diagnose and treat patients!
  • Healthcare professionals that analyze body fluids, tissues, and cells
  • Identify and analyze disease-causing microbes.
  • Make a difference and help impact patient care.

MS Degree

Our masters program produces highly sought graduates.

  • Improve marketability for jobs and promotions 
  • A steppingstone to professional and Ph.D. programs.
  • Faculty research interest in medicine, the  environment, genetics, cell signaling, biotechnology,  metabolism, and physiology.
  • State-of-the-art research facilities support our program and your research.
Student loading a gel
Student using a microscope
Students explains to another student

Exploring Microbiology

A microbiology major provides a foundation for numerous employment opportunities and is excellent preparation for graduate school and professional schools.

Careers In:

  • Environmental microbiologist
  • Food and dairy microbiologist
  • Fermentation microbiologist
  • Hospital and public health microbiologist
  • Research and development microbiologist
  • Pharmaceutical sales person
  • Research technician
  • Hospital and Public Health labs
  • Waste Water Treatment 
  • Forensic labs
  • Quality control and quality assurance
  • Scientific writing

Prepare for Graduate & Professional School

  • Microbiology
  • Biochemistry
  • Epidemiology
  • Genetics
  • Immunology
  • Molecular biology
  • Medical school
  • Dental school
  • Pharmacy school
  • Physician assistant programs
  • Veterinary school
students in class
Student pipettes

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