Arizona State University (Tempe campus)
Arizona State University (Tempe campus)

Arizona State University (Tempe campus)

1151 S Forest Ave, Tempe, AZ, United States Arizona, Tempe, USA Visit web page

Microbiology, BS

Study detals

: Bachelor's degree : Microbiology, BS LAMICBS : Full time : 48 Month

Requirements

Academic requirements

First-year students must:

  • Have a 3.00 grade point average (GPA) (a "B" or better where "A"=4.00) from a secondary school. Some ASU programs may have higher admission or English proficiency requirements and may consider a minimum ACT or SAT score.
  • Must have three years of high school coursework. (If you are currently in high school, ASU needs to see 9–11 grade coursework. If you have completed high school, ASU needs to see 10–12 grade coursework.)
  • Must have and present a completed high school diploma or certificate.

Conditional admission

ASU may offer conditional undergraduate admission to international applicants to an on-campus program who meet the academic (aptitude) requirements but who are not proficient in English. This offer of conditional admission will give you time to improve your English proficiency before you start classes at ASU. Your conditional admission offer is good for up to three semesters, during which time you must meet one of these requirements to begin your ASU experience.

Competency requirements

International students who completed high school outside the U.S. are required to meet the following competency requirements:

  • Math: four years (algebra I, geometry, algebra II and one course requiring algebra II as a prerequisite).
  • Laboratory science: three years total (one year each from any of the following areas are accepted: biology, chemistry, earth science, integrated sciences and physics).

Provide evidence of English language proficiency (TOEFL 61)

Speciality

STEM-OPT for international students on F-1 visas

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.

The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.

Additional information

Program description

In the BS degree program in microbiology students will develop an understanding of microorganisms, their interrelationships with other organisms and their influence in biomedicine and biotechnology.

They investigate the fundamental nature of microbes, explore the role of microbes as model experimental subjects and examine the significant portion of medical research that employs microbiological and immunological methods in order to understand basic genetic and biological phenomena.

In addition to coursework, students gain hands-on laboratory and field experience by working with world-renowned faculty with opportunities to engage in independent research projects and internships.

This program is available as an accelerated degree program.

Concurrent program options

Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years. It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

  • Biology, MS
  • Computational Life Sciences, MS
  • Global Management (Creative Industries and Design Thinking), MGM
  • Global Management (Digital Audience Strategy), MGM
  • Global Management (Global Business), MGM
  • Global Management (Global Development and Innovation), MGM
  • Global Management (Global Digital Transformation), MGM
  • Global Management (Global Entrepreneurship), MGM
  • Global Management (Global Health Care Delivery), MGM
  • Global Management (Global Legal Studies), MGM
  • Global Management (Nonprofit Leadership and Management), MGM
  • Global Management (Public Administration), MGM
  • Global Management (Public Policy), MGM
  • Global Management (Sustainability Solutions), MGM
  • Global Management (Sustainable Tourism), MGM
  • Global Management, MGM
  • Microbiology, MS
  • Molecular and Cellular Biology, MS

Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program.

Global opportunities
Global experience 

Students gain valuable, resume-enhancing experience when studying abroad. Students studying microbiology are able to expand their knowledge of how microbes impact people and society in a variety of cultures, and challenge themselves to adapt and persevere in a new and exciting culture.

With more than 300 programs available, study abroad allows students to tailor their experience to their distinct interests and skill sets. 

Career opportunities

The microbiology major provides students with critical thinking skills in a diverse discipline, giving them a solid platform for advanced research, graduate study and other professional programs, including dentistry, medicine, veterinary medicine and pharmacy.

The Bachelor of Science degree program also prepares students for direct entry into a variety of careers and positions, including government, hospitals, and research or industrial laboratories pursuing projects in food, dairy, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, environment, biotechnology and public health.

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