College of Veterinary Medicine > Education > Undergraduate > Microbiology

Bachelor of Science in Microbiology

Microbiology is the study of organisms and viruses too small to be seen by the unaided eye.

Microbiology majors prepare to work in many different settings, including in the field and laboratories, or with an agency specializing in public health. Careers open to microbiology majors include research and production positions in food, pharmaceutical, water quality and environmental testing, and biotechnology industries; in private or governmental laboratories; and in nonprofit institutions, such as clinical and hospital laboratories and institutes.

Graduates can pursue advanced degree work in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, and other fields.

Undergraduate degree quick links

Microbiology major specialization tracks

  • Pre-medicine – Prepare for medical school and other health care fields, including optometry, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, physician assistant, or physical/occupational therapy.
  • Medical technology – Medical technologists perform laboratory tests to discover diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, and AIDS, through the use of microscopes, computers, and complex and precision instruments.
Drum Line Cymbals

“When I came to WSU I didn’t know I wanted to be a human doctor, but like every undergraduate student, I knew I wanted to do more and WSU is a research school. I’ve always liked learning about how research works, and I knew I wanted to work in a lab right away.

–Joseph McDonald `2022, microbiology student worked in a lab every year while attending WSU

Undergraduate Research at the WSU College of Veterinary Medicine

Tuition and financial resources

We know financial planning is important. Learn about estimated annual cost of attendance for resident and nonresident students, and available financial aid and scholarships.

If you’re a current undergraduate student, log in to the college’s internal web to see additional available college scholarships and financial resources.

About the school

The School of Molecular Biosciences offers undergraduate through postdoctoral education in biochemistry, genetics and cell biology, and microbiology. Beginning their first year, students have the opportunity to work with leading faculty to gain hands-on research experience.

Questions about the Microbiology degree program? Email smbugrad@vetmed.wsu.edu.

Pullman, Washington

Pullman is located in the Palouse region of the Inland Northwest, homelands of the Nimíipuu (Nez Perce) Tribe and Palus people. The Palouse has one of the most beautiful and unique landscapes in the world. Rolling hills and wide-open skies give the region its distinctive appeal.

Residents enjoy outdoor activities and the benefits of small town living with the cultural richness of bigger city life.

Visit Pullman

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