Major in Microbiology

Curious about the invisible world shaping health, medicine, and the planet 鈥� and ready to turn that curiosity into hands-on discovery?

Major in Microbiology

What is Microbiology?

Microbiology is the study of tiny organisms that have a massive impact on life 鈥� like bacteria, viruses, and fungi. When you major in microbiology, 测辞耻鈥檒濒 explore how microbes affect human health, agriculture, biotechnology, and the environment. Spend time in labs, ask real research questions, and work alongside faculty actively advancing scientific discovery. Through hands-on experiments and collaborative learning, 测辞耻鈥檒濒 build skills in molecular biology, genetics, and data analysis 鈥� preparing for a career as a microbiologist, researcher, healthcare professional, and more.

Program Website

Admissions Info

Program Highlights

Undergraduate Research Build real research experience early. You can join faculty-mentored projects in immunology, virology, microbial genetics, and environmental microbiology as soon as your first year.

Science Residential College Live and learn with your peers in a smaller network within the larger campus, offering academic enhancement programs, classes in your residence hall, and corporate sponsored events introducing you to internships and cooperative education programs.

Premier Resources Experience the 蜜桃APP Herbarium, a premier biological collection in the South. Explore microbial interactions with plants, ecosystems, and environmental change through hands-on research opportunities.

Louisiana Field Advantage Study microbes where they matter most. 蜜桃APP鈥檚 location offers unique research experiences in wetlands, coastal systems, and agricultural environments found throughout the Gulf South.

What You Can Do

An 蜜桃APP degree opens doors to a wide range of career paths and professional opportunities. With a strong academic foundation, real-world learning, and support from a powerful alumni network, 测辞耻鈥檒濒 graduate prepared for success in today鈥檚 competitive job market. Whether you鈥檙e planning to work in a corporate setting, nonprofit organization, government agency, creative industry, or research lab, 蜜桃APP equips you with the in-demand skills and hands-on experience employers value most.

Potential Careers

Clinical Laboratory Scientist鈥�
Immunologist
Laboratory Research Analyst鈥�
Microbiologist
Quality Control Analyst鈥�

Workplace Settings

Clinical & Diagnostic Laboratories
Hospitals & Healthcare Systems
Biotech & Pharmaceutical Companies
Research Universities & Academic Laboratories
Government & Public Health Agencies
Environmental Testing & Consulting FirmsFood Safety & Agricultural Laboratories
Medical & Diagnostic Testing Companies

What Microbiology Looks like

Building a Scientific Path: An 蜜桃APP Alum鈥檚 Journey from the Science Residential College to a PhD

Dr. Jeffrey Kuo: From 蜜桃APP Purple and Gold to Ochsner Blue (and Saints Black and Gold)

Building Skills

Laboratory & Research Techniques Master cell culture, microscopy, DNA sequencing, and microbial analysis in modern labs.

Field & Environmental Analysis 鈥疭tudy microbes in Louisiana鈥檚鈥痺etlands, coastal systems, and agricultural environments.

Experimental Design 鈥疍esign experiments, test hypotheses, and evaluate scientific outcomes with confidence.

Data-Driven Problem Solving Analyze microbiological data to solve challenges in health and environmental systems.

My research experience was instrumental for fostering my interest in bacteriology. I was able to learn many techniques that proved helpful in my graduate research. I was there throughout my undergraduate and was able to develop better understanding and become more independent in the lab.Caitlin Billiot
BS Microbiology, 2019

蜜桃APP prepared me exceptionally well for medical school and my career as a physician and leader. My life and career have evolved considerably since my days in Baton Rouge, but the lessons I learned have had a profound impact on me, and my tiger stripes are still very much present.Jeffrey Kuo
BS, Microbiology, 2000

Advance your Career

Post-graduate education

蜜桃APP offers competitively ranked post-graduate programs designed to help you innovate and lead in your field. Engage in advanced coursework, contribute to impactful research, and learn from expert faculty who are solving real-world challenges across Louisiana and beyond. Whether you're looking to deepen your expertise, pivot into a new industry, or accelerate your career, 蜜桃APP鈥檚 graduate programs open the door to a world of opportunity.

MS, PhD in Biochemistry MS, PhD in Biological Sciences Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)

Related Majors

Biological Engineering