A Sampling of Careers
Environmental microbiologists identify organisms and research their uses, such as cleaning up oil spills and hazardous wastes. They also develop genetic probes to detect microbial contaminants in the water supply.
Agricultural microbiologists may work on developing disease-resistant crops, or producing vaccines that protect livestock from disease. They also identify organisms that can reduce the need for chemical pesticides.
Medical microbiologists/virologists identify and study the microorganisms that cause diseases such as AIDS, Lyme disease, and toxic shock syndrome.
Immunologists contribute to a better understanding of the immune response and the development of vaccines.
Other Career Choices:
- Research laboratory technician
- Quality control analyst
- Clinical microbiologist or immunologist*
- Food or dairy microbiologist
- Environmental microbiologist
- Recombinant DNA technologist
- Fermentation technologist
- Research scientist
- College teacher
- Public health microbiologist
- Doctor of veterinary medicine
- Doctor of medicine*
- Dentist*
- Doctor of pharmacy*
*Completion of a Microbiology major will also complete most or all of the admission requirements for many professional programs. For additional information about course and GPA requirements for admission, see the admissions web pages for the program of interest:
Pomerantz Career Center
The Pomerantz Career Center web site contains many resources to help students identify and prepare for life science careers. The career center also has full-time career counselors who specialize in the life sciences.