Microbiology (B.S.)

FAST FACTS ›

  • Undergraduate research opportunities are available in medicine, biofuels, bioremediation and more.
  • We offer a concentration in biomedicine as well as emphasis areas in environmental, food and industrial microbiology.
  • Our graduates go on to medical, dental and pharmacy school as well as graduate school for their Ph.D.
  • You’ll have access to the world-class electron microscopy facility and high-tech Nikon-sponsored light microscopy facility.
ABOUT.

Influenza! Plague! Ebola! You’ve seen it in the movies and on TV — microbes are everywhere. But did you also know that microbes helped in the Gulf oil spill? That one day your car may run on gas produced by microbes? That fungi produces antibiotics that may one day save your life? Microbiology majors take a closer look at all these issues and more. Are you interested in infectious disease? We offer a concentration in biomedicine as well as emphasis areas in environmental, food and industrial microbiology. Microbiologists seek to describe and characterize organisms in structure, function and processes of reproduction, growth and death at cellular and molecular levels. They are also interested in the ecology of microbes and the interaction with higher-level organisms. 

CLASSES.

What you'll study:

With a wide choice of electives, the microbiology curriculum allows you the flexibility to take courses for a minor in a different discipline, which will help you prepare for a career in your specific interest area. Just as important, your course load allows ample time for you to conduct research and pursue internship opportunities. You can choose to do a major concentration in biomedicine or an emphasis in environmental, food safety, industrial or technology.

Biomedicine Concentration
Suited for students planning postgraduate studies in medicine, this concentration requires courses in genetics, cell biology, immunology, virology, and carcinogenesis and aging. In addition, you’ll be required to take additional biomedical courses that you’ll choose from a predetermined list.

Curriculum:

Popular Minors:

  • Chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • Food Science and Nutrition
  • Genetics
  • Legal Studies
  • Modern Languages
  • Philosophy
  • Psychology
  • Wildlife and Fisheries Biology

Similar Majors:

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM.

Outside the classroom, microbiology majors participate in various clubs, conduct independent research projects, gain experience in internship positions, and find time to study abroad.

Internships and Research Projects:

RESEARCH:
You’ll have a chance to conduct research through a wide offering of Creative Inquiry teams. These student teams take on research under the guidance of faculty mentors and often present their findings at conferences or in publications.
SERVICE:
Each year some students travel to Costa Rica to work under the supervision of physicians and dentists. Students gain hands-on medical and/or dental experience and learn about tropical diseases as well as the country's health care system.
NIKON:
Clemson has a core microscopy facility thanks to a donation of equipment from Nikon. The first of its kind in the Southeast, this facility is equipped with one of the most technologically advanced systems Nikon has installed anywhere in the U.S.
JOIN:
Clemson’s Chapter of Alpha Epsilon Delta serves students whose intent is to continue on to various health careers. This group serves to prepare and expose interested students to medicine, dentistry and other health care disciplines.
NEW HOME:
Currently under construction, the new Life Sciences building will house laboratory space for undergraduate microbiology courses as well as provide space for the state-of-the-art Nikon microscope facility.

Connect with Other Students:

CAREERS.

What are students doing at graduation?*

17%

Employed

69%

Grad School

8%

Seeking Employment

6%

Other

Where are students headed at graduation?*

Recent employers and job titles*

  • Bayer — Research Associate
  • Procter & Gamble — Research and Development
  • Vanderbilt University — Medical Microbiology Lab

Recent graduate schools and sought degree types*

  • Duke University — M.D.
  • Johns Hopkins University — Master’s
  • NC State University — Master’s

Common Career Areas**

  • Research and Development
    • Basic and Applied
    • Quality Control
    • Administration
    • Grant Writing
  • Health Care
    • Medicine/Dentistry
    • Optometry/Podiatry
    • Pharmacy
    • Veterinary Medicine
    • Allied Health
      • Occupational Therapy
      • Physical Therapy
    • Medical Technology
    • Nuclear Medicine
  • Organismal Biology
    • Botany/Plant Sciences
    • Zoology/Ecology/Wildlife
    • Marine/Aquatic
    • Systematic/Taxonomy
    • Entomology
    • Genetics
  • Education
    • Formal Classroom Teaching
    • Informal Teaching/Outreach
*Represents only Clemson University graduates who completed Michelin® Career Center surveys from 2009 to 2011.
**Used w/permission from Univ. of Tennessee.
FIND OUT MORE.

Have more questions or want more information? Fill out the form below, which goes directly to the following department contact as well as our admissions office.

Katie Black, Student Recruitment Coordinator
888-472-5433 — hulse@clemson.edu