Note: MSU's programs in the biological sciences are distributed across multiple departments.  MSU does not have a single Department of Biology.  For additional options see   Biological Sciences at MSU.

Department of Microbiology

Programs are designed to prepare students for careers in microbiology with emphasis in medical microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, virology, microbial physiology, microbial ecology, microbial genetics, and environmental microbiology. The microbiology curriculum has three options: Microbiology, Environmental Health, and Medical Laboratory Science. Some courses in these options require additional course fees.

Microbiology Option

In this option, students obtain a thorough education in the fields of medical, ecological, physiological and environmental microbiology, immunology, virology, and molecular biology. This curriculum is excellent preparation for:

• graduate study in microbiology and other fields of the biological sciences;
• medical, dental, and other professional schools;
• careers in industry, university, institute, and government laboratories.

Environmental Health Option

The environmental health option provides a program for attaining a broad understanding of the physical, chemical, and biological factors in our environment, and their interactions that relate to health. Specific areas of study include reservoirs and vehicles of infectious and toxic agents; epidemiology of human diseases; control of hazardous substances and microbial agents in food, water, and air; and environmental control in medical care facilities. Students graduating in this option have taken positions in:

• local, state, and federal health and protection agencies;
• industry; or
• graduate studies in related fields such as environmental engineering and industrial hygiene.

Medical Laboratory Science Option

This option is designed to prepare students for careers in Clinical Laboratory Science. Students develop competence in a range of medically-oriented fields including immunology, medical bacteriology, virology parasitology, hematology, mycology, and chemistry. Foundations in molecular biology and statistics are also emphasized.

The Department of Microbiology has two plans for students seeking a career in Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS). Plan A allows students to attend classes at MSU for three years and apply for an internship the fourth year with an affiliated CLS program. The Montana Medical Laboratory Science Training Program is located at MSU. MSU also has an affiliation agreement with the University of North Dakota (UND), Sacred Heart School of Medical Technology in Spokane and Health One Alliance School of Medical Technology, Denver. Students with a 2.5 GPA or greater who are accepted will spend their fourth year in this program. Upon completion of the one-year internship, students receive a B.S degree in Microbiology from MSU and take a national examination through the American Society for Clinical Pathologists or the National Certification Agency. They will then be qualified to practice as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist or Medical Technologist (MT). Plan B is for students who wish to attend four complete years at MSU and then independently seek an approved hospital training program in CLS for a one-year internship. Once training is complete, they will also be qualified to take a national registry exam and become certified as a CLS/MT. This certification qualifies them for graduate education and careers in:

• clinical analysis (microbiology, hematology, chemistry, and immunohematology);
• medical research;
• industry (product development, sales, maintenance of equipment, etc);
• public health laboratories;
• health care administration.

Microbiology Minor (Non-Teaching)

A Microbiology minor is available to provide interested students with an understanding of the microbial basis of health and disease and environmental microbiology. Eligibility for a minor in Microbiology requires 29 credits in Microbiology and supporting subjects. This minor will complement other majors for those pursuing graduate school and professional programs in medical, dental, veterinary, ecological, industrial, pharmaceutical and related areas. The minor will also strengthen the background of science majors who wish to become more competitive in the job market.

Undergraduate Research Participation

An undergraduate research program, available to students who demonstrate an interest and ability, is open to non-majors as well as majors in Microbiology. The aim of this program is to foster increased creativity, imagination, inquisitiveness, and independence.

Departmental Honors in Microbiology

When appropriate, majors should consider the opportunities afforded by the departmental honors program. This program has the following components:

• A minimum 3.5 grade-point average (GPA) in Microbiology, 3.0 GPA overall.
• A minimum of four credits of undergraduate research credit.
• An acceptable, bound senior thesis, and an oral defense of the thesis.

Participation in a Microbiology seminar (MB 400) during the senior year is the required capstone course for graduation. As many as two MB 400 seminars (1 credit each) may be applied toward graduation when taken in the junior or senior years. A detailed description of the microbiology program is available from the department.

Curricula in Microbiology

• Microbiology Option
• Environmental Health Option
• Medical Laboratory Science Option
• Microbiology Minor (Non-Teaching)

MICROBIOLOGY OPTION

A minimum of 120 credits is required for graduation; 42 of those credits must be in courses numbered 300 and above.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH OPTION

A minimum of 120 credits is required for graduation; 42 of these credits must be in courses numbered 300 and above.

MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE OPTION (3+1 PROGRAM)

• Plan A
• Plan B

Plan A

Senior Professional Year Montana Medical Laboratory Science Training Program

Students with a 2.5 GPA or higher can apply for a senior year of professional training. They will obtain a degree in Microbiology/Medical Laboratory Science option from MSU-Bozeman. The following courses are required in the program:

MB 460 - Summer Clinical Practicum - 12 credits Clinical Immunohematology I; Clinical Chemistry Theory; Clinical Laboratory I; Clinical Hemostasis; Clinical Microscopy and Urinalysis; Clinical Body Fluids; Clinical Immunohematology Theory; Clinical Microbiology Theory and Laboratory

MB 461 - Professional Training I - Fall Semester (Training Site) - 13 credits. Clinical Immunohematiology II; Clinical Chemistry I; Clinical Hematology I; Clinical Laboratory II; Clinical Microbiology I; Clinical Laboratory III; Clinical Immunology; Medical Mycology

MB 462 - Professional Training II - Spring Semester (Training Site) - 12 credits. Financial and Quality Management of the Clinical Laboratory; Clinical Chemistry II; Clinical Immunohematology III; Clinical Microbiology II; Clinical Hematology II

Total credits for graduation are 128; 42 of these credits must be in courses numbered 300 and above; and 32 of those credits must be in the distributed University Core. Note: Additional credits are required for this option because students take an additional summer session of courses. This additional semester is necessary because professional training programs approved by the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) are twelve months in duration and not nine.

Plan B

MICROBIOLOGY MINOR (NON-TEACHING)

Microbiology electives must be numbered 280 and above. A minimum of 9 credits total must be in courses numbered 300 and above. A maximum of 2 Undergraduate Research credits can be applied to the minor.

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