Our mission in the Microbiology Undergraduate 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.

If you would like to learn more about ISU and the Microbiology program, come visit us. Whether you are new to college, or a transfer student, you can schedule a visit through the Admissions Office. During your visit you will have the opportunity to meet with a Microbiology advisor who can review suggestions for embarking on a Microbiology major, explain our program and where it might lead you regarding career goals.

Iowa State University Offers

• Extensive hands-on lab 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
• Involvement of professors from across Iowa State University in the Interdepartmental Microbiology Programs
• Degrees in microbiology at both the undergraduate (B.S.) level and graduate (M.S., PhD.) level.

Major in Microbiology

Explore our curriculum and take a look at the interesting courses a degree in Microbiology offers.

Program of Study and Coursework

Minors

Microbiology Minor

Our microbiology program offers a minor - visit with an advisor in your subject area to see whether this is a good fit with your current program.

Download Minor Course Requirements

Compatible with the Microbiology Major

Coursework emphasized in your microbiology degree program of study can form the foundation of a related minor.  

• Food Science and Human Nutrition (Food Safety) also offers a minor that fits well with Microbiology.
• Global Health - minor (previously known as Emerging Global Diseases) offers a multidisciplinary focus on human and animal health.
• Insect Science - minor may be earned by completing Insect Biology and 12 credits in courses selected from an approved list.
• Pharmacology and Toxicology - an interdisciplinary minor dealing with concepts and practices in pharmacology and toxicology. 

Visit with your microbiology advisor to determine whether any of the above options are a good fit for your career planning.