The medical microbiology concentration serves students in the BS in microbiology degree program who aim to pursue careers in health professions, medical microbiology or biomedical research.
The curriculum aligns with the scientific competencies recommended for premedical students in a report of the American Medical Colleges and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Committee and are also reflected in the 2015 changes to the MCAT. Coursework includes many of the courses in the microbiology major, including chemistry, biochemistry, math and physics, with some microbiology courses replaced by cell biology, animal physiology and courses that relate to human biology and society to emphasize core concepts, competencies and critical intellectual skills necessary to succeed in medical school or biomedical research. The concentration includes coursework that students need to prepare for the MCAT or medical school admission.
This program is available as an accelerated degree program. Students can visit this website to learn more about accelerated degree programs: https://sols.asu.edu/degree-programs/accelerated-bachelor-master-science.
Due to the high volume of overlap in curriculum, students enrolled in this degree are not permitted to declare a concurrent degree combination with any other program within the School of Life Sciences. Students should speak with their academic advisor for any further questions.
Degree Offered
Microbiology (Medical Microbiology) (BS)
Liberal Arts and Sciences, The College of
Location
Tempe
Major Map
A major map outlines the degree’s requirements for graduation.
Application Requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.Freshman
Transfer
International
Readmission
Affording College
Scholarships
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Financial Aid
ASU has many financial aid options. Almost everyone, regardless
of income, can qualify for some form of financial aid. In fact,
more than 70 percent of all ASU students receive some form of
financial assistance every year.
Career Outlook
Graduates of the bachelor's degree program in microbiology with a concentration in medical microbiology have fulfilled the majority of prerequisite requirements and mastered many of the competencies valued by graduate programs in medical, dental and optometry fields and by programs which prepare students to be physician assistants or physical therapists.
They have knowledge of foundational concepts in biological sciences, chemistry, physics and statistics as well as the ability to understand and apply core microbiology concepts. Additionally, they have a practical understanding of the process of science, preparing them for a career in research. They are prepared to enter research in a number of areas including but not limited to cellular biology, immunology, bacteriology and virology.
Example Careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:
| Career | *growth | *median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Cytotechnologists | 11.5% | |
| Dentists, General | 19.4% | $151,440 |
| Histotechnologists and Histologic Technicians | 11.5% | |
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists | 11.5% | |
| Internists, General | 14.6% | $192,930 |
| Microbiologists | 8.2% | $69,960 |
| Optometrists | 17.9% | $110,300 |
| Pharmacists | 5.6% | $124,170 |
| Physician Assistants | 37.3% | $104,860 |
| Surgeons | 14.4% | # |
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
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