Microbiology

Microbiology is the study of organisms that are too small to be seen with the naked eye. At BGSU, our microbiology program focuses on critical worldwide issues that range from multi-drug resistant pathogens to harmful algal blooms. Students not only learn about these current topics but also perform environmental and medical related research in their classes. Our curriculum is unique in combining education and research to promote students’ interests in science.

Admission Information

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Quality classroom experiences

Classes and research labs offer the use of light and electron microscopes, ultraviolet and visible light spectrophotometers, imaging equipment, micromanipulators, incubators, and molecular biology equipment.

Stand Out in courses like

Molecular Biology
Immunobiology
Evolution
Microbial Physiology

Curriculum

The microbiology program is centered upon the life sciences and requires extensive coursework in both chemistry and biology. The major also encompasses mathematics and physics. Microbiology students participate in Tiny Earth, a program that provides students a hands-on approach to help discover novel antibiotics.

Microbiology students at BGSU participate in Tiny Earth, an international undergraduate research program aimed at discovering new antibiotics.

Internships and Careers

Research opportunities are available to undergraduates enrolled in all years of the program and participation is encouraged.

Average Starting Salary & BGSU Placement Rate

$35,483* – Microbiology graduates average starting salary according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers

100% of microbiology graduates report they're employed, in graduate school or starting a business within six months of graduation

(BGSU data compiled from students who completed the related questions on the graduation survey.)

Go Far in your career

Medical Research
Biotechnology
Food Safety
Water Quality
Pharmaceutical Industry

Professor and student working together over a microscope

More Information

The Microbiology program is part of the Department of Biological Sciences in the BGSU College of Arts and Sciences.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students in microbiology will:

Understand the scientific process as shown in designing and implementing experiments
Evaluate evidence and differentiate between scientific and unscientific arguments
Present scientific information in appropriate oral and written formats to scientific and nonscientific audiences
Understand the basic principles of microorganisms as shown by reading and comprehending primary research literature in microbiology
Apply knowledge of microbiology to address a variety of needs and problems, locally and globally
Be prepared for post-baccalaureate studies in microbiology and related fields, medical school, or for entering the private sector in areas related to microbiology

Accreditation

Bowling Green State University [BGSU] is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. BGSU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 01/01/1916. The most recent reaffirmation of accreditation was received in 2012-2013. Questions should be directed to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.

The microbiology program will undergo its next Program/Cluster Review during the 2019-2020 academic year.

More information on accreditation

Professional Licensure

Bowling Green State University programs leading to licensure, certification and/or endorsement, whether delivered online, face-to-face or in a blended format, satisfy the academic requirements for those credentials set forth by the State of Ohio.

Requirements for licensure, certification and/or endorsement eligibility vary greatly from one profession to another and from state to state. The microbiology program does not lead to professional licensure.

More information on professional licensure

Gainful Employment

Under the Higher Education Act Title IV disclosure requirements, an institution must provide current and prospective students with information about each of its programs that prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.

The microbiology program is not a recognized occupation that requires a Gainful Employment disclosure.

* Job placement and salary information was compiled by the Office of Academic Assessment through the Graduation Survey from AY2015-2018. The data are gathered around the time of Commencement and a follow-up survey six months post Commencement. For the salary question, data for programs with fewer than fifteen responses are not included. Salaries for those programs are from the National Association of Colleges and Employers Summer 2019 Survey. For questions regarding the data, contact assessment@bgsu.edu.

Updated: 03/04/2021 03:52PM