Microbiology

B.S. in Microbiology

Maximize the power of microbes to make life-saving innovations.

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$85,470
Median Industry Pay (U.S. BLS 2023)

today
Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter
Entry Terms

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Tucson
COURSEWORK LOCATION

Harnessing microbes to save the world

The B.S. in Microbiology prepares you to protect our planet from microbial threats and discover new ways to prevent and treat disease. By studying bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa, you’ll explore how small things can make a big impact!

College is a big investment, but a University of Arizona education may be more affordable than you think. No matter your background or family’s financial situation, you have options to make it manageable.

At Arizona, 9 out of 10 students receive financial aid. That means most students pay less than the estimates shown here. By maximizing your financial aid – scholarships, grants, loans, or work-study – you can lower your costs while earning a degree that will pay you back for a lifetime.

Estimated cost of tuition for first-year and transfer students:

  • Arizona residents: $13,900/yr
  • Non-Arizona residents: $42,300/yr

Get our degree guide to learn how students like you are funding their futures.

Application requirements vary based on your status as a first-time, transfer, international, online or returning student.

  • Students who haven't completed 12+ transferable post-high school college credits are considered a first-time college student, and must meet Arizona's core competency requirements to be eligible to apply.
  • You are considered a transfer student if you have completed 12+ transferable post-high school college credits.
    • If you are under the age of 22 at the start of your desired term, you will need to meet the core competency requirements and have a minimum 2.0 cumulative college/university GPA.
    • If you are 22 or older at the start of your desired term, you will need a minimum 2.0 cumulative college/university GPA.
  • SAT/ACT scores are not required for general admission.
  • You have the option to submit a resume and 500-word personal statement during your application.

Get our degree guide to find out more details about the application process and deadlines.

A degree in microbiology prepares you for careers in disease prevention and treatment. It also can serve as a springboard for graduate school. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for microbiologist careers was $85,470 per year with a faster-than-average job growth overall (2023).

There are a variety of career opportunities available to students who earn a degree in microbiology, including:

  • Microbiologist: Provide expert knowledge on pathogenic and beneficial microbes for government agencies, universities, agricultural companies, food safety organizations, research institutes and international agencies.
  • Plant pathologist: Explore the critical role that disease-causing microbes, including viruses, bacteria, fungi and nematodes, play in limiting crop production.
  • Industrial technician: Engineer organisms and communities to optimize and improve the production of food, pharmaceuticals, fuels and many other products on a commercial scale.
  • Food safety and consumer health specialist: Study the close relationship between microbes and agricultural crops and food products, and how those microbes inhabit and contaminate food.

A Microbiology Degree with a Big Impact

Gain research and internship experience, join the Microbiology Club or enroll in our accelerated master's program to align your degree with your career or graduate school interests.

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$1,000,000+ in scholarships

The College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sciences (CALES) offers $1 million in exclusive scholarships to our students. Combine these options with university scholarships and support from privately funded scholarships and you're well on your way to achieving your educational goals at a price you can afford.

Resources to Help You Succeed

Get exclusive resources from a college that is dedicated to help you grow as you follow your interests.

  • CALES Learning Lab: personalized academic support – from major-specific resources to tutoring.
  • Student Wellness: resources to help you live a healthier, more resilient life.
  • CALES Career Center: get the tools you need to find, apply and interview for your dream internships and jobs.
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Ready to start your career in microbiology?

From our welcoming local community to our sunny campus, every corner holds the promise of new adventures and personal growth. Your journey to a career at the intersection of disease prevention, health and biology starts here. Sign up to discover what it means to be a part of the University of Arizona College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sciences.

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