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Microbiology is concerned with the growth and development, physiology, classification, ecology, genetics, and other aspects of the life process of an array of microscopic, generally single-celled, organisms and viruses. These organisms frequently serve as model systems for elucidation of fundamental processes that are common to all living cells. Most of the major discoveries that have produced spectacular advances in biology and genomic science during the past decade have resulted from studies of microbial systems. Future developments in biotechnology, production of food and fuel, and human and animal health will rely heavily on understanding microbial processes.

There are 4 avenues to earning a B.S. in Microbiology. Students can opt for a general curriculum (MBIO) or can choose to focus in a particular area by selecting one of three areas of concentration: Microbial Biotechnology (MBIO-MT) or Microbial Research (MBIO-MR) or Microbial Health Sciences (MBIO-HS). These concentrations mirror the three most common career paths of Microbiology majors: work in research laboratories and production facilities, further study in graduate school (at the Masters or Doctoral level), and further study in professional schools such as medical and dental schools.

Plan Requirements

Laboratory Elective

Microbial Health Electives

Semester Sequence

This is a sample.

Career Opportunities

Many students majoring in the Department of Biological Sciences take advantage of scholarship and honors programs available at NC State, including the ¸£Àû±ÆÕ¾ Honors Program and the ¸£Àû±ÆÕ¾ Scholars Program.Ìý In addition, we offer a discipline-based Undergraduate Honors Program in Biological Sciences (DBS Honors Program).Ìý The DBS Honors Program requires students to design a challenging program of advanced study, including eight credits of honors coursework in biology and at least two semesters of research or teaching scholarship.Ìý Participants write an honors thesis and are required to present their scholarly work at a local, regional, or national meeting.Ìý Invitations to join the DBS Honors Program are sent in the first three weeks of the Fall and Spring semesters.ÌýÌýStudents in any major in the Department of Biological Sciences who have earned an overall GPA of 3.60 after completing 30-65 credit hours at NC State will receive an invitation to join the DBS Honors Program; transfer students in any of our majors who have earned an overall GPA of 3.60 in 15 credit hours at NC State also will receive an invitation.ÌýÌý

Students who graduate from the Department of Biological Sciences are well prepared for employment in various government agencies and private industries. Graduates may continue their education with studies leading to advanced degrees in many areas of the biological sciences, including cell biology, ecology, microbiology, genetics, zoology, neurobiology, and biomedical disciplines. Many choose to seek advanced degrees in medicine, dentistry, optometry, veterinary medicine, public health, and other health-related fields. Students who plan to seek certification for pre-college teaching may want to pursue a second major in the Department of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics Education.