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Microbiology

This is an archived copy of the 2020-2021 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.iastate.edu.

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Undergraduate Microbiology Major

Interested in the study of small things that have a big impact? Then Microbiology may be the place for you.

Our mission in the Microbiology Program is to instill a comprehensive understanding of microbiology and its relevance to human society and global health, and to cultivate the concepts and skills necessary to succeed in microbiology-related careers.

Iowa State University offers:

  • Extensive hands-on laboratory experiences that develop problem solving & technical skills used in a variety of professional careers
  • Application of science to issues in the modern world
  • Excellent preparation for human medicine and veterinary medicine
  • Preparation for employment in a variety of professional settings
  • Research opportunities and interaction with professors from across Iowa State University Departments of Animal Science, Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Biology,  Veterinary Microbiology, Veterinary Pathology, Food Science, Entomology, and Geology
  • Degrees in microbiology at both the undergraduate (B.S.) level and graduate (M.S., PhD., see Graduate Major) level

Career opportunities:

Opportunities after graduation include the following: 

  • Biomedical research scientist
  • Biotechnology firms
  • Biorenewables industry
  • Forensic scientist
  • Pharmaceutical and vaccine development companies
  • Immunologist
  • Agricultural microbiology and plant pathology
  • International agricultural research centers
  • Government laboratories (CDC, NADC, USDA)
  • Infectious disease
  • Food safety and food technology
  • Water quality
  • Ecology and environmental microbiology
  • Botanical gardens & nurseries
  • Technical brewer
  • Science writer
  • Public health agencies
  • Public policy organizations

Interested in Human medicine or Veterinary medicine? A microbiology degree prepares students for advanced study in Dentistry, Medical Laboratory Science, Optometry, Pharmacy, Physician Assistant Programs, and Physician or Veterinary education. Go to micro.iastate.edu to find more information about the Microbiology Program.