Undergraduate Program
What is Microbiology
Microbiology is the study of organisms, most of which are too small to be seen with the naked eye, including bacteria, algae, protozoa, and fungi, as well as acellular agents, such as viruses and prions. Microbiology majors acquire knowledge and laboratory skill in the structure, physiology, genetics, pathogenicity, ecology, and taxonomy of microorganisms. Required courses in biological sciences, chemistry, physics, and mathematics support the major. Specialties are in human and animal infectious diseases, immunology, bacteriology, virology, molecular genetics, and environmental and industrial processes.
Why Microbiology at CSU?
CSU offers the only bachelor’s degree program in microbiology in the state of Colorado. With approximately 300 microbiology majors, our program is big enough to be dynamic, but still small enough to offer students personalized attention and relevant experience not always available in larger programs.
Quality Instruction: All of our undergraduate courses are taught by full-time, departmental teaching faculty. Many of our teaching faculty have received awards for their high quality, innovative teaching methods, and many are recognized leaders in laboratory research.
Challenging Curriculum: Degree requirements include courses from the All University Core Curriculum (AUCC), supporting courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biochemistry, and biological science, and microbiology courses, including hands-on microbiology lab classes. Students may also elect to complete coursework in several related interdisciplinary study programs, including Biotechnology, Food Science/Safety, and Molecular Biology , and Biomedical Engineering.
Undergraduate Research Opportunities: The department operates a number of multi-million dollar research programs. Students may participate in undergraduate research, working alongside world-renowned researchers in our departmental laboratories.
Individual Advising: Academic advisers help each student tailor a program to meet his or her specific goals by adding majors and minors, participating in an Interdisciplinary or Study Abroad program of study, or earning credit for undergraduate laboratory research.
Career Opportunities: A variety of career avenues are open to graduates with a degree in microbiology. A microbiology degree provides excellent preparation for entry into graduate or professional medical programs, as well as direct entry into a career. Employment opportunities exist in research, biotechnology/industry, diagnostic/clinical, and government positions.
We would be delighted to speak with you at length about our program. Contact us at (970) 491-6118 or email Lisa.McCann@colostate.edu for more information.