Program Overview

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Microbiology (Medical Microbiology), BS

The Bachelor of Science program in microbiology with a concentration in medical microbiology is tailored for students who wish to pursue careers in medicine, other health professions, medical microbiology, or biomedical research.

Program Description

The curriculum aligns with the broad scientific competencies recommended for premedical students. Program participants delve into microbiology, chemistry, biochemistry, math, and physics, cell biology, animal physiology, and human biology and society, making them well-versed in the core concepts, competencies, and critical intellectual skills necessary for the MCAT and medical school admission.

At a Glance

• College/school: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Location: Tempe
• Second language requirement: No
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
• First required math course: MAT 251 - Calculus for Life Sciences
• Math intensity: Moderate

Curriculum

View 2025 - 2026 curriculum. View curriculum archives.

Concurrent Program Options

Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Accelerated Program Options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.

Admission Requirements

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Change of Major Requirements

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.

Transfer Options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

Program Learning Outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:

• Demonstrate capacity for scientific thinking by applying relevant background knowledge to analyze and/or develop scientific explanations.
• Effectively communicate complex scientific concepts, ideas, and reasoning with appropriate use of relevant sources and evidence.
• Demonstrate mastery in performing and interpreting results of microbiology lab tests.

Global Opportunities

Students gain valuable experience when studying abroad. Those pursuing a medical microbiology concentration are able to expand their knowledge of how human biology is impacted by a variety of societies and cultures, and they challenge themselves to adapt and persevere in a new and exciting culture.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the medical microbiology concentration within the microbiology major have gained mastery of the competencies and prerequisite requirements valued by graduate programs in medical, dental, and optometry fields, as well as other programs that prepare students to become physician assistants or physical therapists.

• Career | Growth | Median salary
  • Cytotechnologist | 1.7% | $61,890
  • Dentist | 4.1% | $172,790
  • Histology Technologist | 1.7% | $61,890
  • Laboratory Technologist | 1.7% | $61,890
  • Medical Doctor (MD) | 3.3% | $236,350
  • Microbiologist | 4.1% | $87,330
  • Optometrists | 8.0% | $134,830
  • Orthopedic Surgeon | 4.1% | Not available
  • Pharmacist | 4.6% | $137,480
  • Physician Assistant (PA) | 20.4% | $133,260

STEM-OPT for International Students on F-1 Visas

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website. The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.