Careers for Microbiology Majors

Microbiology degrees can lead to many career options.

Several colleges and universities throughout the United States offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in microbiology. Microbiology students study viruses, bacteria, fungi, microbes and protozoa. Students majoring in the field can specialize in one or more areas that include cellular biology, ecology, genetics, biomedics and molecular biology. Because of the wide range of specialties and applications, microbiology degrees are versatile and offer degree holders many different opportunities for their careers.

Food Industry

Many microbiologists are employed in the food and drug industry. These scientists study food supplies and agricultural methods to determine pathogens that can affect food supplies. They also help create new types of food products, additives, fertilizers and stabilizers to increase food production, increase yields in crops and preserve foods for later consumption.

Virology and Immunology

Microbiologists are employed in hospitals as well as research and clinical laboratories to study diseases, bacteria and viruses and determine their effects on animals, humans and plants. These scientists help determine how microbes spread throughout the body, how humans develop resistance to certain types of diseases and bacteria and develop new vaccines to help prevent disease, viruses or other illnesses. Scientists working in virology and immunology also help create new drugs to fight disease and treat conditions.

Environmental Sciences

Individuals with microbiology degrees are often employed by companies specializing in environmental sciences. These scientists may work in wastewater management, waste disposal, ecology and recycling. These companies require the use of scientists to determine the effects of waste on humans, ecological systems and air, water and land. These scientists study the effects of pollution, environmental problems that occur from the improper disposal of waste and diseases caused by inferior waste management.

Education

Many microbiologists enter the field of education as undergraduate or graduate teachers of the biological sciences. They may work as professors, associate professors, lecturers or in other academic capacities. Some educators also manage research labs or perform studies inside university labs, applying for grants and working with graduate students to obtain information about diseases, viruses and bacteria.

Government

Microbiologists are employed by the United States government in many different capacities. Microbiologists may work as scientists in the area of biological warfare, developing new weapons and studying the effects of such weapons on humans and plant life. Individuals with microbiology degrees are also hired by several different goverment agencies as scientists for the Food and Drug Administration, NASA, the Environmental Protection Agency, public health agencies including the National Institute of Health and different branches of the military.

Other Specialties

There are numerous other career specialties for microbiologists. These scientists may work with lawyers to help create guidelines for product use or draft laws that protect people and the environment from potential hazards. Microbiologists may also work in the publishing industry to edit, write or manage academic journals. Others may develop new cosmetics or beauty treatments or create components of toiletry products to address consumers' concerns, wants and needs.

References

• American Society for Microbiology: Microbiology Positions
• North Carolina's Bioscience Clearinghouse: Microbiologist
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Biological Scientists
• Oklahoma State College of Arts and Sciences Career Services
• North Carolina State University: What Can I Do With a Major in Microbiology?

Resources

• The National Health Museum Resource Center: Career Center
• American Institute of Biological Sciences: AIBS Classifieds