Microbiology 

Undergraduate Microbiology Program

The Undergraduate Microbiology Program offers the bachelor of science degree with a major in Microbiology. Emphasis is placed on understanding microorganisms and their interrelationships with other organisms in nature, and on the application of microbiology in medicine, agriculture and industry. In addition, the curriculum is devoted to instruction of how the fundamental life processes are exemplified by microorganisms.

Microbiology Major
Students majoring in microbiology at Iowa State University will take a core of courses recommended by the American Society for Microbiology (ASM). These courses and labs include general microbiology, medical microbiology, microbial genetics, physiology and diversity. The program also requires that students choose specialized upper level courses in either immunology, virology, parasitology, food microbiology, environmental microbiology or a combination of advanced courses to complete their degree. The microbiology curriculum also provides a foundation for students to pursue a minor in subjects such as food safety, emerging global diseases, or genetics.

Past microbiology graduates have used their degree to:

Micro 201 Lab student work.

• Enter advanced programs for MD, DO, DVM, MPH, DDS, MS and PhD degrees.


• Enter the work force as a microbiologist, staff scientist, technical writer, quality control microbiologist, lab technician, epidemiologist, immunologist, or pharmaceutical sales.

The Undergraduate Program will provide students with education in the basic sciences which are essential to microbiology and to the application of science to issues in the modern world. Students completing a B.S. degree in Microbiology should be prepared to enter into the professional community as a microbiologist or to pursue an advanced degree.