Program Overview
Microbiology Major (B.S.)
The Microbiology Major B.S. provides the knowledge base and lab experience to prepare for a variety of careers in areas of biotechnology, human health, and microbial diversity and ecology. Students in this program are encouraged to participate in research opportunities and clinical observation during their junior and senior years to prepare for a successful career in research and/or development.
Careers with a Microbiology Degree
Microbiology graduates are prepared for jobs in biotechnology and health industries, as well as further graduate studies in medicine, dentistry, optometry, public health, microbiology, or molecular biology. With our increased understanding of the importance of both positive and negative effects of the microbiome on human health and the environment, career opportunities and outlook are very good.
Admission Requirements
In the past, Biological Sciences had a very strong admission requirement of a PL1-level math placement. With the implementation of the test optional admission pathway, this requirement is no longer in place. However, achievement of PL1-level math placement can be a good indicator of strong preparation in math. After admission to Ohio University, first-year students may transfer into a Biological Sciences major if they have earned a grade of "C" or better in both BIOS 1700 and BIOS 1705 and have a minimum accumulative GPA of 2.5 at Ohio University.
Tuition and Fees
Ohio University is committed to your lifelong success through our Guarantee+, which offers fixed tuition and fees, a graduation plan, and lifelong benefits to our students. We're continuously striving to make college more affordable and accessible, while maintaining the high quality and value of an OHIO education.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Our Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships provides services to students and parents.
Microbiology Major B.S. Courses & Curriculum
Students must complete a total of 38 semester credit hours of BIOS coursework, including required courses in genetics, animal cell biology, immunology, and more. Students also take courses in chemistry, math, and physics.
How to Prepare for Medical School and Professional Health Careers
Careers in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, physical therapy, physician assistant, optometry, and other allied health professions start with strong academic performance.
Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine Early Assurance Program
Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine selects a number of outstanding Ohio high school seniors to participate in its Early Assurance Program. In as few as seven years, students can earn their undergraduate degree from an EAP partner school – and their Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the Heritage College.
Physical Therapy Early Assurance Program
Outstanding high school seniors are invited to apply for Ohio University's Early Assurance Program (EAP) for the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). Students selected for the EAP earn conditional admission to the doctoral program, and a spot in the program is reserved for them as long as they maintain program requirements.
STEMstart: Get a Jump Start on Your Science Major
Admitted science students are invited to come to Athens in August, a week before their first-year classes start, to get a sneak peek of what's to come in their first semester and get a jumpstart on success in the sciences.
Get Laboratory and Field Experience
Laboratory experience and fieldwork opportunities in ecology, neuroscience, microbiology, genetics, pathogens, paleontology, and much more are available to biology students at OHIO.
Related Biology Programs
- Biological Sciences Major (B.S.) The B.S. degree program in Biological Sciences is particularly well-suited for students who plan to enter a biological sciences graduate program or professional school.
- Human Biology Major (B.A.) The B.A. with a major in Biological Sciences–Human Biology is designed for students interested in human biology and allied health care professions.
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Major (B.S.) Cellular and molecular biology are two of the most rapidly growing and exciting areas of modern biology, driven by the revolution in genetics and genomics with wide-ranging implications for medicine.