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Microbiology

A page within Microbiology

Professor and a student in a lab setting.

Why study Microbiology at UWL?

The master’s program in the UWL Department of Microbiology is unique because the MS is our focus - not a PhD program. 

  • Faculty mentors are focused on working directly with our master's students, both in the classroom and the lab. 
  • We offer courses not found at PhD-offering institutions.
  • Our faculty have a wide range of research interests spanning medical, environmental, and industrial microbiology so you can find a mentor whose interests match yours.
  • Our new Prairie Springs Science Center offers state-of-the-art research facilities to support our program and your research.

Graduate preparation and employment

The Microbiology Department offers a rigorous master’s program that produces highly sought graduates. Earning a master’s degree in microbiology will help set you apart from undergraduate degree holders.

  • Improve marketability for jobs and eligibility for promotion - many careers require a master's degree
  • Use your master's degree as a steppingstone to a professional or PhD program

IMPRESSIVE EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK

  • Overall employment of microbiologists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
  • As of 2023, the median salary for microbiologists is $85,470.

Which Track Is Right for You?

There are two options within the Microbiology Master’s Program:

Microbiology
Clinical Microbiology

And it's a great place to live!

A great place to live.

With accolades from publications including Forbes magazine and Outdoor Magazine, La Crosse offers a great cultural and natural environment that combines a small-town feel with ample cultural and recreational opportunities.

Situated on the Mississippi River in the geologically unique Driftless region, La Crosse offers four-season recreational and research opportunities on water and land.
Explore your housing options in this vibrant community.

Driftless region fall colors.

MEET OUR GRADUATE PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Paul Schweiger  Profile of Paul Schweiger  Office hours

Paul Schweiger's office hours

Monday
By appointment only
Tuesday
By appointment only
Wednesday
By appointment only
Thursday
By appointment only
Friday
By appointment only

Remote office hours offered: Virtual appointments are an option. Email me at pschweiger@uwlax.edu to set up a virtual meeting

Specialty areas:

Microbial Metabolism and Physiology
Synthetic and Molecular Biology
Applied Microbiology
Biotechnology
Contact me if you have any interest in undergraduate or graduate (MS) research in these fields!

The Microbiology Track:

  • A traditional Master's program in which students focus on coursework and original research with a faculty mentor. Both thesis and non-thesis options are available. 
  • Students plan coursework in consultation with a faculty committee, choosing from among 28 available classes.
  • Research options include environmental microbiology, food and industrial microbiology, bacterial physiology, genetics, immunology, infectious disease microbiology, and more. 

The Clinical Microbiology Emphasis Track:

  • The Clinical Microbiology MS emphasis is truly distinct - there is no other program like it in the United States. 
  • Unique and specialized training in the fight to control infectious disease.
  • Our focus is on diagnostics, but we also cover epidemiology, the life cycles and behaviors of infectious agents, and the interactions of infectious agents with the immune system.
  • The Program is a collaboration involving UW-La Crosse, Gundersen Health System, Marshfield Clinic, Wisconsin Diagnostic Laboratories and the Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene.
  • Students who complete the program can go on to receive American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certification in Microbiology or Molecular Biology.
  • Coursework is at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse and the clinical laboratory rotations are conducted at:
    • Clinical Microbiology Practicum I - 6 weeks at Gundersen Health System (La Crosse, WI).
    • Clinical Microbiology Practicum II - 6 weeks, two possible locations; Gundersen Health System or Wisconsin Diagnostic Laboratories (Milwaukee, WI).
    • Clinical Microbiology Practicum III - 2 weeks, Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (Madison, WI).

  • The combination of advanced microbiology coursework, clinical rotations and research experience prepares students for a wide variety of career opportunities.