Microbiology / Premed
More information is available: Brochure
What is the Microbiology/Premed option in the Department of Microbiology?
This option covers all areas of microbiology and prepares students to be professional microbiologists. The curriculum is also excellent preparation for those who wish to attend medical, dental and veterinary schools, and other related professional programs.
What courses would I take in the Microbiology curriculum?
A strong knowledge base in supporting subjects such as chemistry, physics, math and
the liberal arts is developed. Specialty courses are offered in general, medical,
food and water, ecological, and biochemical microbiology, as well as in immunology,
virology, molecular biology and microbial physiology and genetics.
What opportunities for laboratory research are there in Microbiology?
MSU offers a great opportunity for undergraduate research, in fact, a research and creative experience is required of all MSU students. The Department of Microbiology has always been a strong supporter of undergraduate research in our laboratories to provide opportunities for students to gain experience in the laboratory outside of class.
Students are encouraged to look over our faculty and their research interests to find a good fit with their own interests and career goals. Some students take a single semester of research credits while others stay in a laboratory for several semesters or years. Some student researchers then present their findings at various student, or professional, science conferences. They may even have their name included on a publication in a professional journal.
How does the Microbiology option prepare me for more advanced training and employment?
Our graduates are eligible for careers in research foundations, educational institutions, governmental agencies and industry. Employment opportunities for microbiologists are projected to continue to grow in the many diverse areas under the umbrella of microbiology. Students learn skills that are essential to compete in the health sciences, biomedical industries, biotechnology, agricultural biosystems, food industries, pharmaceutical industries and public health agencies.
Many students who select this option will choose to continue their education in either graduate school to pursue a Ph.D. degree or professional schools to obtain medical training. Some areas of specialization for microbiologists are: bacteriology, biochemistry, biotechnology, cell biology, environmental science, genetics, immunology, mycology, parasitology, science writing, teaching, and virology.
What does the curriculum look like?