Studies & Degrees in Microbiology
Microbiology Study Programs
Microbiology is the study of organisms too small to see without a microscope: bacteria, viruses, fungi, algae and protozoa. Microbiologists investigate how these organisms grow, how they are built and how they interact with people, animals, plants and the environment. The subject sits between biology, chemistry and medicine. It underpins the diagnosis of infectious diseases, the development of vaccines and antibiotics, food safety, fermentation (bread, cheese, yoghurt, beer and wine) and the treatment of water and waste.
A microbiology programme is laboratory-based. The University of Wisconsin-Madison summarises the content of its major as the cellular biology, genetics, ecology, evolution and physiology of microbes. Students start with general biology, chemistry and mathematics. They then move on to bacteriology, virology, immunology and microbial genetics, and learn laboratory techniques such as culturing, microscopy and molecular analysis. Most programmes end with a research project.
Qualifications and levels
- Bachelor's degree: in the United States, microbiology is a four-year major. At Wisconsin-Madison the degree requires 120 credits and includes a senior-year capstone course in which students carry out research. The University of Florida offers a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Cell Science through two of its colleges, on campus or online. In Spain a bachelor's degree (grado) has 240 ECTS credits; microbiology is often studied as part of a degree in biology, biotechnology, biochemistry or pharmacy and becomes a specialisation at master's level.
- Master's degree: Spanish master's degrees have 60, 90 or 120 ECTS credits. The Máster Universitario en Microbiología of the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM) takes one year (60 ECTS) and has two tracks, environmental and health. In the United States, Wright State University awards a Master of Science in Microbiology and Immunology with specialities such as immunology, virology and vaccine development, and the University of Florida has an M.S. in Medical Microbiology and Biochemistry.
- Doctorate: a PhD is the usual route into independent research and university teaching. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, PhD programmes usually include a thesis or dissertation, and university teaching typically requires a PhD and postdoctoral research experience.
Where to study it
SpainExchange lists 91 active schools for microbiology. About half, 46, are in the United States. Spain and the United Kingdom have six each, Colombia four and Canada three, and there are schools in Australia, Ireland, India and Ukraine, among other countries. Courses are taught in the language of the country, so most of the listed programmes are in English or Spanish.
In the United States the subject is offered by large public research universities, for example The Ohio State University, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the University of Florida, Purdue University and the University of Washington. International applicants normally need proof of English; check the level with each university.
In Spain, the master's degree at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid is taught in Spanish and offers 28 places. Applicants need a degree in biology, environmental sciences, biochemistry, chemistry, pharmacy, veterinary science or a similar field. Non-Spanish speakers must prove Spanish at CEFR level B2. The university gives an approximate price of €2,736 for the course on first enrolment and €5,079 for non-EU students who are not resident in Spain. In Latin America, the list includes the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos in Lima.
Careers
Microbiologists work in research laboratories, hospitals and public health services, the pharmaceutical and food industries, environmental agencies and universities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics names several specialisations: clinical microbiologists, who test specimens to detect disease; environmental microbiologists, who study how microorganisms interact with ecosystems; industrial microbiologists, who apply microorganisms in manufacturing; and virologists and mycologists, who study viruses and fungi.
In the United States, microbiologists held about 20,100 jobs in 2025, and employment is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, according to the Bureau. The largest employers were research and development in the physical, engineering and life sciences (21 percent), government (20 percent), pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing (14 percent) and testing laboratories (11 percent). A bachelor's degree in microbiology or a related field is the typical entry requirement there, and some employers prefer a master's degree or a PhD. Wisconsin-Madison reports that its graduates go into biotechnology, education, healthcare, information technology and food safety, and that many continue to medical or dental school or a PhD.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become a microbiologist?
A bachelor's degree takes four years in the United States and in Spain. A master's degree adds at least one year, and a PhD comes after that. In the United States a bachelor's degree is the typical entry requirement, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Can I study microbiology in Spain?
Yes. Microbiology is usually part of a bachelor's degree in biology or a related science, and universities offer specialised master's degrees. The master's degree at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid takes one year, has 60 ECTS credits and is taught in Spanish.
Which subjects do I need before starting?
Biology, chemistry and mathematics are the basis of every programme. For a master's degree, universities ask for a first degree in a related science; the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid lists biology, biochemistry, chemistry, pharmacy and veterinary science, among others.
Can microbiology be studied online?
Some universities offer it. The University of Florida states that its microbiology courses are available online, hybrid and on campus. Ask how laboratory work is organised before enrolling.