Microbiology

Master of Science (M.S.) in Microbiology or Clinical Microbiology

Master's

Boost your career potential, broaden job prospects or prepare for advanced study with a Master of Science (M.S.) in Microbiology or Clinical Microbiology.

Whether you’re aiming for career advancement or improving your marketability for jobs, UW-La Crosse's graduate degrees in microbiology provide the strong foundation you need to take the next step.

As one of the few master’s-only microbiology programs in the country, UWL offers students direct access to research experiences and personalized faculty mentorship that are often reserved for Ph.D. candidates at larger institutions. Our rigorous, hands-on programs blend advanced coursework, clinical rotations and research opportunities — equipping you with the practical skills and academic depth employers value.

A program within Microbiology

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Microbiology program options

We offer two distinct degrees, so you can choose the path that aligns with your goals:

Master of Science in Microbiology

Designed for students interested in academic research, industrial microbiology or further graduate study
Customize your coursework and select either a thesis or non-thesis option, with guidance from a faculty committee
Work closely with a faculty mentor in areas including environmental microbiology, bacterial physiology, immunology, genetics, infectious disease microbiology, food and industrial microbiology and more

Master of Science in Clinical Microbiology

Nationally-distinctive program provides specialized training in the fight to control infectious disease through microbial diagnostics, epidemiology, and immunology.
Gain hands-on experience through six-week clinical rotations at Gundersen Health System (La Crosse, WI), Wisconsin Diagnostic Laboratories (Milwaukee, WI), and Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (Madison, WI)
Graduates are eligible to pursue American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certification in Microbiology or Molecular Biology

Career outlook

Why choose UWL’s Master of Science in Microbiology program?

Unique master’s-level focus

Because UWL does not offer a Ph.D. in microbiology, our graduate students benefit from individualized attention, direct mentorship and opportunities typically reserved for doctoral students elsewhere.

Distinctive clinical microbiology program

UWL’s Clinical Microbiology M.S. is one of a kind in the U.S.—offering specialized training in infectious disease diagnostics and control in partnership with leading clinical laboratories.

Hands-on learning that builds confidence

Students apply their classroom knowledge in real-world lab settings, gaining independence as researchers and positioning themselves for competitive jobs or further education.

Award-winning faculty

Our faculty are experts in a wide range of microbiology subfields — from environmental to medical microbiology — and many are recognized for their excellence in teaching and mentorship.

Explore faculty stories:

State-of-the-art facilities

Study and conduct research in our Prairie Springs Science Center, a cutting-edge facility equipped with advanced instrumentation and lab space.

Recognized as a ‘Center of Excellence’

The UWL Department of Microbiology is designated as a "Center of Excellence" by the Universities of Wisconsin — recognizing the department’s leadership in microbiology education and training.

Featured courses

Pathogenic Bacteriology
MIC 507 | 4 credits
The study of pathogenic bacteria and their relationships to disease; principles of infection and pathogenesis, and unique properties of pathogens. Laboratory emphasis is on techniques for isolation and identification of pathogenic bacteria. This course is taught largely at an undergraduate level. Graduate students will have additional course requirements/expectations. Lect. 2, Lab 4. Prerequisite: MIC 230. Offered Fall, Spring.
Industrial and Fermentation Microbiology
MIC 527 | 3 credits
A study of microbiology and biochemistry of food fermentations; bioconversions; production of antibiotics, vitamins, amino acids and organic acids. This course is taught largely at an undergraduate level. Graduate students will have additional course requirements/expectations. Prerequisite: MIC 230 and two semesters of college chemistry. Offered Fall - Odd Numbered Years.
Clinical Parasitology
CLI 540 | 1 credit
Course covers important parasites of humans including zoonoses and emerging parasitic diseases. Life cycles, clinical features and infective diagnostic stages will be included in the lecture component. The laboratory will include demonstrations and diagnostic procedures. This course will provide the necessary pre-clinical competencies required for advancement to the clinical education component of the Clinical Laboratory Science Program. This course is taught largely at an undergraduate level. Graduate students will have additional course requirements/expectations. Lect. 1, Lab 2. Prerequisites: MIC 230 and admission to the Clinical Lab Science Program, or graduate status. Not open to students who have earned credit in BIO 506. Offered Spring.

Career Opportunities

Learn more about Career Opportunities

Important dates

Application deadline

Applications are due by Jan. 10 (Jan. 3 for international students) for full consideration. Late applications may be reviewed if space remains, but are less likely to receive graduate assistantship offers.

Notification of acceptance

Decisions letters will be sent to the applicant by Feb. 12.