Skip to main content
Bachelor of Science

Biology: Microbiology (B.S.)

Microbiology studies the smallest living organisms on our planet—microorganisms. Although invisible with the naked eye, these tiny organisms are vital to life on Earth, influencing everything from ecosystems to human health. Microbiology applies this knowledge to harness microorganisms for health, industry, and research.

Microbiology Introduction

A close up of chemicals during a lab in Brother Griffith's class.

This program focuses on topics such as the biology of microorganisms, immunology, virology, and more! It prioritizes lab work, giving students hands-on experience working with equipment, safety procedures, and bioethics standards. Because microorganisms are everywhere, students focusing on microbiology have a wide range of career options ahead of them.

Highlighted Courses

Develop a strong foundation in biological sciences through courses in bacteriology, immunology, medical microbiology, and virology to prepare for research, graduate studies, or careers in microbiology and related laboratory fields.
October 29, 2025 09:38 AM
BIO 321
October 30, 2025 09:51 AM
FS 360
October 30, 2025 09:52 AM
PUBH 370
October 27, 2025 09:39 AM
BIO 376
October 29, 2025 09:43 AM
BIO 410
October 29, 2025 09:44 AM
BIO 411
October 29, 2025 09:45 AM
BIO 412
October 30, 2025 09:50 AM
CHEM 481
See Example Class Plan

Graduate Career-Ready

Graduates with a degree in Biology, with an emphasis in Microbiology, have a wide array of rewarding careers before them. Check out some of the top careers students get with this degree or explore more career options in I-Plan.

BYU-Idaho Graduate Salaries

This emphasis prepares you for vital entry-level and technician roles in high-impact fields like pharmaceuticals, food safety, and public health. You will enter a stable and growing job market where your expertise in tracking infectious diseases and monitoring environmental safety is both essential and competitively rewarded.

Common Career Paths

As a specialist in the microscopic world, you will master the techniques required to isolate and analyze bacteria, viruses, and fungi using advanced microscopy and DNA assays. Your skills will allow you to identify pathogens and solve complex biological puzzles that are critical to patient care and global health safety.

Preparation for Grad School

Our rigorous curriculum serves as an elite launchpad for students pursuing MS or PhD programs in specialized fields such as immunology, virology, or bacteriology. Additionally, you will be exceptionally well-prepared for advanced professional training in epidemiology or medical laboratory science.

AI in Academics

At BYU-Idaho, we are strategically integrating Artificial Intelligence to enhance academic excellence and prepare our students for an evolving world.

AI in Biology
Our curriculum empowers you to use AI as a powerful scientific ally, teaching you to design experiments, interpret complex data, and solve biological challenges with ethical precision. You will graduate as a tech-savvy scientist, prepared to use emerging technologies to ask better questions and lead with rigor in an evolving professional landscape.
Advance Knowledge, Enhancing Learning, and Developing Workforce Readiness
AI in Academics means learning to advance knowledge, enhancing learning, and developing workforce readiness through tools that support (not replace) your effort and integrity.

Related Majors

Next Steps With BYU-Idaho

Explore how to begin your academic journey at BYU-Idaho by starting your application today.
Learn how to update your academic path with simple instructions for requesting a major change.

Learn More About BYU-Idaho
Request more information and receive personalized information to learn how BYU-Idaho can help you reach your goals.