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Microbiology

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Undergraduate Major

Allendale • Face to face (?) • 120 Credits

Microbiologists investigate microorganism characteristics, behavior, interactions, and their role in health, agriculture, and the environment.

Overview

Microbiology has important applications in biotechnology, medicine, public health, and ecology, studying microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and algae. Students gain hands-on experience and cutting-edge knowledge to excel in these fields and beyond.

You will study microorganisms through bacteriology, chemistry, and immunology while enhancing your analytical skills with mathematics and physics. You will explore the genetic and physiological aspects of microbes, mycology, parasitology, and virology, preparing you for diverse careers or further studies.

This program is designed to meet the requirements of most graduate and professional schools. Experts teach courses using laboratory-rich, hands-on approaches to equip you with essential skills for various career opportunities. You will have opportunities to contribute to scientific research while receiving personalized mentoring and attending professional meetings with faculty mentors to present their research and network.

Biomedical Sciences Department

gvsu.edu/bms
212 Henry Hall
(616) 331-3318

Admissions and Recruitment Office

gvsu.edu/admissions

Career Opportunities

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

Top skills
  • Science
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Monitoring
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 81,785.60 10%
$104,083.20 25%
$135,179.19 50%
$178,235.20 75%
$239,200.00 90%

Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.

Top skills
  • Science
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Learning
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 52,020.38 10%
$ 60,002.48 25%
$ 70,247.88 50%
$ 86,061.92 75%
$101,816.69 90%

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Writing
  • Coordination
  • Speaking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 81,785.60 10%
$104,083.20 25%
$135,179.19 50%
$178,235.20 75%
$239,200.00 90%

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

Top skills
  • Science
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Monitoring
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 79,830.40 10%
$114,108.79 25%
$161,179.19 50%
$214,822.40 75%
$293,815.57 90%

Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.

Top skills
  • Science
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Learning
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 50,878.62 10%
$ 63,578.57 25%
$ 87,029.58 50%
$120,765.49 75%
$151,611.39 90%

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Writing
  • Coordination
  • Speaking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 79,830.40 10%
$114,108.79 25%
$161,179.19 50%
$214,822.40 75%
$293,815.57 90%
85%
GVSU Students Receive Offers Before Graduation
#1
University in Michigan by Employers
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Provider of Healthcare Professionals in West Michigan

Scholarships

Grand Valley State University offers a wide variety of merit-based scholarships. For information on all of the scholarships that are available to students, please visit Scholarships at GVSU.

Grand Valley offers myScholarships (a scholarship matching tool) to help admitted students match with GVSU scholarships, as well as external scholarship opportunities. myScholarships will prompt you to answer questions to help match you to scholarships for which you might qualify.

Student Organizations

Getting involved and staying engaged with our vibrant campus community help you make the most of your Grand Valley experience. Attending student life events, joining a student organization, or participating in campus recreation opportunities are all fantastic ways to maximize your college years:

Career Advising

Whether you are a first-year student, a transfer student, or a current student thinking about your career options, advising is an important part of your academic journey.

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Page last modified May 20, 2025