The Microbiology major combines coursework about bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, as well as how host defense systems and symbiotic relationships function, with laboratory techniques and science communication strategies. Graduates will be prepared for work as laboratory researchers and technologists, field scientists, consultants, or educators in agriculture, medicine, the pharmaceutical industry, environmental health, or ecology. This major is also excellent preparation for medical, veterinary, or pharmacy school or graduate programs in the life sciences or public health.
Potential Career Areas:
- Diagnostic service
- Research
- Product development
- Occupational safety
- Waste management
- Education
- Agriculture
- Sales
Sample Employers:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Food and beverage producers
- Agricultural supply companies
- Research laboratories
- Colleges and universities
- Ecological surveys
- Health departments
- Waste treatment facilities
Sample Job Titles and National Salary Ranges:
| Job Title | Salary Range |
|
Microbiologist
|
$38,240 - $64,350
|
|
Clinical Laboratory Technologist
|
$38,800 - $56,100
|
|
Science Writer
|
$35,520 - $91,720
|
|
Research Associate
|
$21,000 - $61,000
|
|
Blood Bank Technologist
|
$44,000 - $55,500
|
|
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
|
$33,000 - $122,000
|
|
High School Science Teacher
|
$35,000 - $53,200
|
|
Occupational Safety and Health Officer
|
$30,000 - $48,710
|
|
Food Scientist
|
$34,300 - $60,200
|
|
Microbiology Soil Scientist
|
$34,400 - $57,300
|
|
Wildlife Biology Technician
|
$24,900 - $39,000
|
|
Waste Management Specialist
|
$59,741 - $88,086
|
Sources of Information: United States Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics (2010); DISCOVER (2011); Facts on File: Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center (2011).