Studying microbiology can help you prepare to go to medical, dental, physician’s assistant or graduate school following graduation. If you don’t pursue professional schools, you are still highly employable as a microbiologist in private industries or governmental agencies.
If you can’t find what you are looking for on our web pages, contact our secretary, Carrie Minnoch, or any of our faculty. We will be glad to help you.
What is Microbiology?
Microbiology is the study of microorganisms including, bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi and protozoa. Microorganisms are most famous for their ability to cause disease, however microorganisms are also vital to agriculture, industry and ecology. In fact, life on Earth could not survive without microorganisms.
Microbiology is quite interdisciplinary, overlapping aspects of several other academic branches such as botany, zoology, physiology, immunology, parasitology, biochemistry, genetics, medicine, pharmacology and medical technology.
In addition to the traditional microorganisms, microbiologists may also study aspects of molecular genetics, cancer, aging, immunodeficiency diseases such as AIDS, autoimmune diseases such as juvenile diabetes, animal and plant cell cultures and microscopy.
Why choose Microbiology at WSU?
- Excellent preparation for work, graduate school or professional school
- Diverse courses with small class sizes
- All courses are taught by professors with Ph.D.s
- Opportunities to work with faculty on research projects
- Learn state of the science laboratory techniques in microbial cultivation, identification, molecular biology and cell culture
What degrees are available?
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Microbiology
Areas of Emphasis:
General Microbiology
Applied Microbiology
- Clinical Microbiology
- Food Microbiology
- Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology
- Environmental Microbiology
Pre-Professional Tracks
- Pre-Medical
- Pre-Dental
- Pre-Physician’s Assistant
- Pre-Veterinary Medicine
What classes should I expect to take?
A complete list of requirements is available from the microbiology department secretary or any faculty member. However, you can expect to take courses like:
- Principles of Microbiology
- Microbial Physiology
- Microbial Procedures
- Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry
- Microbial Ecology
- Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology
- Virology
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Medical Microbiology
What are the employment opportunities?
Is there an application deadline?
Although there is no application deadline, we encourage you to apply early and register for classes. Contact the microbiology department for specific information or to schedule an advisement time.
