Overview

Microbiologists study all aspects of the biology and activities of organisms that cannot be seen with the naked eye, including viruses, bacteria, protozoa, fungi and algae. Microorganisms are often mistakenly feared because some do cause disease, but just as many are beneficial and even essential for the existence of all other forms of life, including ours.

Microorganisms clean the environment and, in fermentations, they are used to produce foods, drinks, antibiotics and industrial chemicals. They are also used as the basic tools of genetic engineering and therefore have important applications in many medical, agricultural and commercial biotechnologies.

Participation in hands-on laboratory experiments and frontier research is emphasized so that when students graduate they have the practical experience and expertise needed for careers in microbiology and related sciences.

Possible careers

The microbiology major prepares students directly for employment. The diversity of required courses provides a breadth of learning and technical experiences. With this education, especially the technical training learned in the laboratories, students can readily find employment in research, quality control or hospital laboratories and work with advanced techniques and instruments. Specifically, recent graduates of the Department of Microbiology work in research and government laboratories that develop genetic engineering and biotechnology, solve health and environmental problems, and create food and industrial technologies and use microbial processes to produce new products.

The Microbiology major from The Ohio State University is also an appropriate, frequently chosen undergraduate degree program for medical, dental, optometry, veterinary and pharmacy students. While a major in microbiology is not a requirement for medical school (or other professional schools in the health sciences), it has many advantages, with its exposure to the basic principles of life processes, the mode of action of many pathogens and the theoretical underpinnings of sophisticated medical procedures.

The microbiology major provides the academic preparation needed to pursue a graduate degree in almost any biology-related field. Many jobs in microbiology involve high-level research and require advanced training leading to a master's degree or PhD.

An undergraduate major in microbiology does not limit one’s options to careers in medicine or biological research. Because the microbiology major provides the academic preparation and strong science background appropriate for students who plan careers in marketing, business or management in high technology industries, some microbiology students choose to use their science background to pursue a professional degree in business or law. A few students choose to put their microbiology training to use by obtaining a master’s degree in education and becoming science teachers.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Biochemistry
General Microbiology
Pathogenesis And Immunobiology
Microbial Physiology And Diversity
Molecular Microbiology Lab
Microbial Genetics

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-15 00:00:00

Language

English

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120

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Columbus, United States

Disciplines

Microbiology View 287 other Bachelors in Microbiology in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

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IELTS

6.5

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Other requirements

General requirements

Successful completion of university preparatory courses

High school performance (class rank or GPA), including participation in accelerated programs like Honors, AP and IB; Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for class rank or GPA

Standardized test score (ACT or SAT); Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for ACT or SAT scores

Ability and desire to contribute to and engage with a diverse campus community

Experiences that demonstrate leadership or engaged involvement(e.g., co-curricular activities, work experiences or military service)

Status as a first-generation university student

High school performance if adversely affected by physical, mental or learning environment factors

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

45526 USD / year

≈ 45526 USD / year
Out-of-State

42423 USD / year

≈ 42423 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

13641 USD / year

≈ 13641 USD / year

Living costs

Columbus

United States

940 - 1520 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Microbiology.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Possible careers

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Columbus

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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