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Microbiology (Medical Microbiology), BS

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  2. Undergraduate Degrees
  3. Microbiology (Medical Microbiology), BS

At a Glance: program details
  • Location:
    Tempe campus
  • Additional Program Fee: Yes
  • Second Language Requirement: No
  • Math Intensity: Moderate
  • Initial Math Course: MAT 251 - Calculus for Life Sciences
Required Courses (Major Map)

Major Map

Major Map on-campus archive

eAdvisor Tracking Tool


Are you passionate about understanding the way in which the tiniest organisms impact our lives? Are you eager to make a difference in science, health care or biomedical research? Build a strong foundation of coursework, competencies and critical thinking skills that prepare you to take on the changing world of medicine.

Program Description

The Bachelor of Science program in microbiology with a concentration in medical microbiology is tailored for students who wish to pursue careers in medicine, other health professions, medical microbiology or biomedical research.

The curriculum aligns with the broad scientific competencies recommended for premedical students. Program participants delve into microbiology, chemistry, biochemistry, math and physics, cell biology, animal physiology, and human biology and society, making them well versed in the core concepts, competencies and critical intellectual skills necessary for the MCAT and medical school admission.

Students gain hands-on experience with distinguished faculty, and they have opportunities to engage in independent research projects or internships.

This program is available as an accelerated degree program.

In addition to reviewing the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, students interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are advised to visit The College's website for more information and requirements.

A new approach to teaching biology

As a biology student at Arizona State University, you are part of a new movement to reinvent science learning, designed to prioritize your needs and empower you to not only succeed but be transformed into a future leader and problem solver.

ASU’s adaptive and flexible teaching model levels the playing field for all learners, allowing anyone to understand complex concepts and gain the confidence to take on scientific challenges in a growing field. 

Here, you will apply biological models through immersive exploration and hands-on discovery. Explore a 24,000-square-foot Natural History Collection, the only insectary of its kind in Arizona and several research opportunities for online students, which set our programs apart from other institutions across the globe. Together, we’ll learn how to visualize and build a better world.

Microbiology Diagnostic Exam

The Microbiology Diagnostic Exam is used to determine whether you have adequate background from an existing microbiology class (MIC 205) to skip MIC 220 and still be competitive in upper division microbiology classes. If you successfully pass this exam, you may take any course that has MIC 220 as a prerequisite and utilize MIC 205 as the prerequisite instead.

The diagnostic exam consists of multiple-choice questions and is broken into eight subject areas, each of which can be taken independently as time permits. Each section contains ten questions, which must be answered in one sitting.

To start, contact your advisor to enroll you in the Canvas course. We highly recommended that you review the practice exam, which will give you an idea about the questions and testing format in the diagnostic test.

Once you complete all eight sections of the exam, let your advisor know you have completed the test.

Questions?

Undergraduate Advising (480) 727-6277

Major Core

Note: Once you start a General BIO sequence, you must complete the full sequence (BIO 181 & 182 OR BIO 281 & 282)

  • BIO 181 General Biology I (4) or BIO 281 Conceptual Approaches to Biology for Majors I (4)
  • BIO 182 General Biology II (4) or BIO 282 Conceptual Approaches to Biology for Majors II (4)
  • BIO 340 General Genetics (4) or MBB 347  Molecular Genetics: From Genes to Proteins (4)
  • MIC 220 Biology of Microorganisms & MIC 206  Microbiology Lab (4)
  • MIC 401 Research Paper (1)
  • MIC 401 is the Microbiology Research Paper course that requires permission before enrolling. Please consult with an advisor at least a semester prior to enrolling to verify course requirements.

Major Concentration Courses

  • BIO 312/PHI 320 Bioethics or BIO 416/HPS 410 Biomedical Research Ethics (3)
  • BIO 353  Cell Biology (3)
  • BIO/MIC 420  Immunology: Molecular and Cellular Foundations (3)

Major Elective Concentration Courses (five credit hours are required)

  • BIO 360  Animal Physiology (3)
  • HPS 331/BIO 318  History of Medicine (3)
  • MIC/SSH 314  HIV/AIDS: Science, Behavior & Society (3)
  • MIC 481  Bacterial Pathogenesis (3)
  • MIC 421  Experimental Immunology (2)

Microbes and Biomedicine Courses (minimum of 6 credits required - one from each of the sublists below)

Microbes Course List
  • MIC 302  Advanced Bacteriology Lab (2)
  • MIC 360  Bacterial Physiology (3)
  • MIC 379  Medical Bacteriology (3)
  • MIC 425  Advanced Immunology (3)
  • MIC 441  Bacterial Genetics (3)
  • MIC 442  Bacterial Genetics Laboratory (1)
  • MIC 485  General Virology (3)
  • MIC 494/598 - Topic: Novel Models for Host-Microbe Interactions (4)
  • MIC 494   Special Topics: Emerging Infectious Diseases (3)
  • MIC 498  Viral Pathogenesis and Host Defense (1-7)
  • BIO/HPS/MIC/MBB 495 Undergraduate Research or BIO/MIC/MBB 492 Honors Directed Study (1-3)
Biomedicine Course List
  • BIO 302 Cancer - Mother of All Diseases (3)
  • BIO/MBB 343 Genetic Engineering and Society (4)
  • BIO 345  Evolution (3)
  • BIO 351  Developmental Biology (3)
  • BIO 451  Cell Biotechnology Laboratory (4)
  • MIC/MBB 445  Techniques in Molecular Biology (3)
  • MIC/MBB 446  Techniques in Molecular Biology Laboratory (2)
  • SSH 404/ASB 462  Medical Anthropology: Culture and Health (3)

Please see an advisor if the above courses are not offered in the term you wish to take them

Medical Microbiology Laboratory 

  • MIC 302  Advanced Bacteriology Lab (2)
  • MIC 442  Bacterial Genetics Laboratory (1)
  • BIO/MBB 343 Genetic Engineering and Society (4)
  • BIO 451  Cell Biotechnology Laboratory (4)
  • MIC/MBB 446  Techniques in Molecular Biology Laboratory (2)
  • BIO/HPS/MIC/MBB 495 Undergraduate Research or BIO/MIC/MBB 492 Honors Directed Study (1-3)

Requirements in Related Fields: 

General Chemistry
  • CHM 113  General Chemistry I (4)
  • CHM 116  General Chemistry II (4)
Organic Chemistry (choose general or pre-health sequence)
  • CHM 231  Elementary Organic Chemistry (3)
  • CHM 235  Elementary Organic Chemistry Laboratory (1)
OR pre-health sequence
  • CHM 233  General Organic Chemistry I (3)
  • CHM 234  General Organic Chemistry II (3)
  • CHM 237  General Organic Chemistry Laboratory I (1)
  • CHM 238  General Organic Chemistry Laboratory II (1)
Biochemistry
  • BCH 361 Principles of Biochemistry (3) or BCH 461/462 General Biochemistry (3)
  • BCH 367 Elementary Biochemistry Laboratory (1) or BCH 467 Analytical Biochemistry Lab (3)
Physics (choose general or pre-health sequence)
  • PHY 101  Introduction to Physics (4)
OR pre-health sequence
  • PHY 111  General Physics I (3)
  • PHY 112  General Physics II (3)
  • PHY 113  General Physics Laboratory I (1)
  • PHY 114  General Physics Laboratory II (1)
Math (complete one of the following)
  • MAT 251 Calculus for Life Sciences (3)
  • MAT 210 Brief Calculus (3)
Statistics (complete one of the following)
  • STP 231 Statistics for Biosciences (3) 
  • STP 226 Elementary Statistics (3)

For more information on requirements and recommendations specific to this degree please see our Did you know for on-campus degrees page.




Admission Requirements

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

Freshman Transfer International Readmission


Transfer Options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use the Transfer Map search to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and help students save time and money in their college journey. Students may learn more about these programs by visiting the admission site: https://admission.asu.edu/transfer/pathway-programs.


Change of Major Requirements

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.

Students should refer to https://changingmajors.asu.edu for information about how to change a major to this program.


Flexible Degree Options

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:

Biology

Biology
Deepen your knowledge of the life sciences and build strong conceptual foundations in frontier areas of modern biology.

Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

Microbiology

Microbiology
When you become an expert in microbes, you'll be able to contribute to the greater good. Learn how microbes impact human health and the environment, and receive theoretical and practical training in your chosen area of interest.

Website | Locations: TEMPE

Computational Life Sciences

Computational Life Sciences
Join in the transformation that new types and amounts of data are bringing to the life sciences. You can learn computational methods that complement traditional bench-based approaches, allowing you to arrive at novel insights, and you'll gain the knowledge and skills you'll need when applying computational techniques in life sciences research.

Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

Global Management

Global Management
Gain hands-on experience and learn from the diverse perspectives of a global cohort of classmates. This program offers applied learning opportunities, 16 concentration options and practical internships in global settings.

Website | Locations: DTPHX


Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.

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Career Outlook

Graduates of the medical microbiology concentration within the microbiology major have gained mastery of the competencies and prerequisite requirements valued by graduate programs in medical, dental and optometry fields, as well as other programs that prepare students to become physician assistants or physical therapists.

Graduates of this program have an understanding of the process of science and knowledge of foundational concepts in biological sciences, chemistry, physics and statistics, and they have gained the ability to understand and apply core microbiology concepts. Through this groundwork, graduates are prepared for direct entry into biology research careers in a vast number of areas, including cellular biology, immunology, bacteriology and virology.

Example Careers

Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:

Cytotechnologists

  • Growth: 4.9%
  • Median Salary*: 57380
  Sun Icon

Dentists, General

  • Growth: 4.4%
  • Median Salary*: 155040

Histotechnologists

  • Growth: 4.9%
  • Median Salary*: 57380
  Sun Icon

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists

  • Growth: 4.9%
  • Median Salary*: 57380
  Sun Icon

General Internal Medicine Physicians

  • Growth: 2.5%
  • Median Salary*: 214460

Microbiologists

  • Growth: 5.2%
  • Median Salary*: 81990
  Sun Icon

Optometrists

  • Growth: 8.8%
  • Median Salary*: 125590
  Sun Icon

Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric

  • Growth: 1.6%
  • Median Salary*: 0

Pharmacists

  • Growth: 2.6%
  • Median Salary*: 132750

Physician Assistants

  • Growth: 26.5%
  • Median Salary*: 126010
  Sun Icon

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Sun IconBright Outlook | Leaf Icon Green Occupation


Global Opportunities

Global Experience

Students gain valuable experience when studying abroad. Those pursuing a medical microbiology concentration are able to expand their knowledge of how human biology is impacted by a variety of societies and cultures, and they challenge themselves to adapt and persevere in a new and exciting culture.

With more than 300 programs available, study abroad enables students to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets, and gain experience that enhances their resumes. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recommends these study abroad programs for students majoring in medical microbiology.



Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

  • [email protected]
  • 480/727-6277


Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor's degree in 2.5 or 3 years.

Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.

Accelerated bachelor's degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.
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