Table depicting the three undergraduate degree programs including major and minor options.

Major Programs of Study

There are two options within the Microbiology Bachelor's Degree: Microbiology and Biotechnology. Within each major, there are a number of options. 

Why Study Microbiology?

Microorganisms benefit society by cycling matter into molecules needed for life and detoxifying wastes. Historically, they have served as factories for the production of cheeses, alcohol and antibiotics. Microorganisms have also been engineered to produce a variety of products through the emergence of biotechnology.

Microorganisms have also inflicted distress to human, animal and plant populations through disease, spoilage of crops and the degradation of man-made structures. Microbiology is one of the most relevant, dynamic and exciting disciplines in the biological sciences.

Microbiology is a diverse discipline that encompasses many sub disciplines or fields of study. These include:
  • Bacteriology: the study of bacteria
  • Mycology: fungi
  • Protozoology: protozoa
  • Phycology: algae
  • Parasitology: parasites
  • Virology: viruses

Microbiology Option

This option covers all areas of microbiology. Students can choose from several tracks (microbiology, pre-vet, Pre-Med, and environmental)making this option excellent preparation for those who wish to attend medical, dental or veterinary school, or study environmental microbiology topics.

Medical Lab Science Option

This option is for students interested in careers that involve the performance of clinical laboratory tests. To become a medical laboratory scientist, students must train in a year-long program and become accomplished in microbiology, chemistry, blood banking, and hematology. Students can receive their training through the Montana Medical Laboratory Science Program.

Microbial Systems Option

This option is for students interested in working in biotechnology industries. These industries develop products to maintain biodiversity, restore soil and water quality, develop new pharmaceuticals to combat disease, decrease our dependence on nonrenewable resources, provide tools for investigative and forensic sciences, and improve food and fiber production.

Animal Systems Option

This option provides a challenging science curriculum with an emphasis on hands on learning in methods courses and an internship. Students gain knowledge of important molecular and biochemical techniques.

 

Minors

Undergraduate Research Participation

An undergraduate research program is open to both majors and non-majors. The aim of this program is to foster creativity, imagination, inquisitiveness and independence. Please consult the Faculty Directory to inquire about innovative ongoing research programs. 

Departmental Honors in Microbiology

When appropriate, majors should consider the opportunities afforded by the departmental honors program. This program has the following components:

  • A minimum 3.5 grade-point average (GPA) in Microbiology, 3.0 GPA overall.
  • A minimum of four credits of undergraduate research credit.
  • An acceptable, bound senior thesis, and an oral defense of the thesis.

Participation in a Microbiology seminar (BIOM 494) during the senior year is the required capstone course for graduation. As many as two BIOM 494 seminars (1 credit each) may be applied toward graduation when taken in the junior or senior years. A detailed description of the microbiology program is available from the department.