The Microbiology is a Bachelor degree offered by The Ohio State University on the Columbus campus in United States of America. The program is delivered on campus as a Full Time course in English and requires approximately 4 years to complete. Students study at the Columbus campus while gaining the knowledge and practical experience expected for this area of study. The next intake is available from August 24, 2027.

About Bachelor of Microbiology

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. Participate in hands-on laboratory experiments and frontier research.

Microbiology

Degree: BS

Campus: Columbus

College: Arts and Sciences

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.

The microbiology major provides students with an education in a variety of topics that together form a dynamic science. Microbiology offers many opportunities for students to pursue advanced studies in health-related fields and practical applications of microorganisms. 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.

Get started

Upon admission to the university, students can declare a major in microbiology within the College of Arts and Sciences. Interested students should contact the undergraduate advisor for microbiology.

Curriculum

Required supportive courses include one year of general biology, Calculus I and a math elective, one year of general chemistry, one year of organic chemistry lecture, one semester of organic chemistry lab and one year of general physics. Some of the necessary supportive courses must be taken before starting the major (biology, general chemistry, also recommended for calculus), and others may be completed while also taking microbiology courses (organic chemistry and physics).

The microbiology major consists of a core of six upper-level courses in biochemistry, general microbiology, pathogenesis and immunobiology, microbial physiology and diversity, molecular microbiology lab, and microbial genetics. The major also includes a minimum of nine additional semester hours, which may be selected from advanced courses offered by the Department of Microbiology or from an approved list of advanced courses offered by other life sciences departments. Credit toward the major can also be obtained by undertaking an independent research project. These additional courses are chosen in consultation with the advisor to meet the individual needs and interests of the student. Once students decide they want to major in microbiology, they should contact the Department of Microbiology for the current major requirements.

Internship

Students pursuing the microbiology major have participated in internship opportunities with both national and local companies, including Nestle, J.M. Smucker and Foxtail Foods.

Honors and Scholars

Honors students in microbiology are encouraged to meet with their faculty advisor on a regular basis and to construct an enhanced curriculum that includes Honors courses, upper-division courses to meet general requirements, rigorous sequences, Honors seminars and a strong major, including a significant research experience.

The Ohio State Scholars programs feature residential communities for students who share academic interests and career goals. Two of the Scholars programs of interest to microbiology majors are the Biological Sciences and Health Sciences Scholars programs. The Biological Sciences Scholars Program emphasizes research, with individualized advising and significant lab and field experience. The Health Sciences Scholars Program is focused on preparing students for careers in health sciences and health care.

Research

Microbiology majors at Ohio State are strongly encouraged to do a research project with a faculty member. Ohio State offers well-equipped laboratories containing sophisticated instrumentation for microbiological research. Learn more about choosing an undergraduate research laboratory at microbiology.osu.edu.

Student organizations

Student organizations enhance learning opportunities and the quality of the undergraduate experience. Two clubs at Ohio State specifically for microbiology students are the American Society for Microbiology Student Chapter at The Ohio State University and Students for the Advancement of Microbiology. These clubs provide opportunities for students to interact with faculty, participate in service activities, and discuss careers and research areas with scientists from the Ohio State campus and beyond.

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 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 oneâ€™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 masterâ€™s degree in education and becoming science teachers.

Visit https://artsandsciences.osu.edu/career-success/students for more information about careers in microbiology.

Salary estimates

Salaries are commensurate with level of education and prior job experiences. Students who complete graduate and professional degrees can expect to earn substantially more than students with a bachelorâ€™s degree. Salaries in general are dependent upon a variety of economic factors and change with market trends.

Program objectives

Upon graduation, students will be able to:

interrelate and apply the fundamental concepts of chemistry, physics and mathematics to the functions of living cells.
understand the chemical properties of biological molecules and how these molecules function in the molecular mechanisms underlying physiological processes in microbial cells.
understand evolutionary processes, the diversity of microorganisms, and how microorganisms impact their environment, including their roles in human health and disease.
design experiments to test hypotheses, perform analyses, interpret and analyze data, and present scientific information in written and oral formats.
appraise scientific data presented in the popular press for accuracy and scientific merit and understand issues and ethical conflicts associated with applications of biotechnology.

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Microbiology at The Ohio State University

Entry Requirements

Criteria of our holistic review, in no particular order.

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
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
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
Demonstration of outstanding talent in a particular area
High school performance if adversely affected by physical, mental or learning environment factors
Eligibility for and likelihood of benefiting from organized support services at Ohio State

Enrollment in your intended major

Once it is determined that you are admissible, you will be considered for enrollment in the college of your intended major. Read about

English Requirements

IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 79

English Program Requirements

we require evidence of English language proficiency, unless you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.

Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of Microbiology at The Ohio State University

How to Apply for Bachelor of Microbiology at The Ohio State University

How do I submit scores?

Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.

Tips for sending scores to Ohio State

Scores must come directly from the testing agency. When you register for the ACT or SAT, indicate that you want your scores sent to Ohio State.
If you already took the test but didn't send your scores to Ohio State, you can order them for a fee. Order in advance to be sure scores reach us by the application deadline.
We must receive standardized test scores by your application deadline (either November 1 or February 1 for autumn semester applicants).
October 2 (SAT) and October 23 (ACT) are your last 2021 test dates if you want your scores to be considered for our November 1 early action deadline. Important! If you plan to test on those dates, you must request that Ohio State receive scores when you register for the test. And please note: If you choose to have your scores considered, you won’t be able to review scores from these dates prior to submitting your application by the November 1 deadline.
Applicants who will have been out of high school for two or more years by their term of enrollment are not required to submit scores.

Is the essay required?

The essay is not required for either the ACT or SAT.

Should I take a standardized test more than once?

Ohio State looks at the highest composite score from a single test date. Taking the test (and having scores sent to us) more than once, while not required, may work to your advantage.

How does Ohio State look at scores?

When considering students for admission or Honors and Scholars selection, we consider the best official composite / combined score from a single test administration. Ohio State does not mix sub-scores from multiple tests.

These items plus the Common Application (STEP 3) make up a complete application. We must receive all items by the deadline to consider your application on time.

Official transcripts

High school transcripts

Request that your high school or secondary school send transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates for coursework from the final four years (grades 9-12) to Ohio State.

How to send your transcripts to Ohio State:

Your high school counselor can upload the transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates using Common App, Naviance or other secure electronic delivery service.
Your high school counselor can email the transcripts to [email protected].
If electronic submission is not possible, please mail your official transcripts to our express mail address.
Faxed transcripts will not be accepted.

Foreign language documents must be translated into English by the issuing institution, an authorized translator or a teacher of the language. Any additional requirements will be posted to your Applicant Center, so be sure to check your application status regularly after you've applied.

Official ACT or SAT scores

Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.

How do I submit my scores?

We must receive your official ACT or SAT score sent electronically directly from the testing agency. Scores from transcripts will not be considered. Read more about score requirements in STEP 1.

Optional: Recommendation from a teacher or counselor

While not required, your counselor may send a maximum of two letters of recommendation electronically through the Common Application.

If an electronic option isn’t available, your counselor may email your letter(s) to [email protected]; the letter must include your first and last name and OSU ID number, found on the email we send acknowledging receipt of your application. Letters sent via email are subject to sender verification.

Official proof of English language skills

You must request that your testing agency send official scores electronically to Ohio State demonstrating the English proficiency level outlined below:

TOEFL (internet-based test or internet-based test Home Edition*): 79 or higher
IELTS or IELTS Indicator*: 6.5 or higher
ACT: 21 or higher on the English section
SAT: 27 or higher on the Reading Test
Duolingo*: 105 or higher

You are exempt from this requirement if you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.

Ohio State has an intensive English program for students who wish to improve their language skills called the American Language Program. A separate application is required for this program. Ohio State does not offer conditional admission to students who enroll in the American Language Program.

*To accommodate applicants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Ohio State University will accept Duolingo, the IELTS Indicator and the TOEFL internet-based test Home Edition from any international student applying for spring 2022 or autumn 2022 admission. All Duolingo test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival to campus. TOEFL Home Edition and IELTS Indicator test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival unless they qualify for a TOEFL or IELTS score exemption.