Microbiology and Immunology
A program that focuses on the scientific study of the microorganisms that cause disease and the host immune response to them. Includes instruction in microbiology, microbial genetics, molecular virology, pathogenic bacteriology, disease mechanisms, immunology, immunogenetics, autoimmunity, and bioinformatics.
- Schools offering
- 8
- Annual completions
- 181
- Typical degree level
- Bachelor's
- Median earnings (5yr)
- $65k
About this major
A program that focuses on the scientific study of the microorganisms that cause disease and the host immune response to them. Includes instruction in microbiology, microbial genetics, molecular virology, pathogenic bacteriology, disease mechanisms, immunology, immunogenetics, autoimmunity, and bioinformatics.
Examples of specialized tracks: Medical Microbiology and Immunology.
Where this major leads
Occupations most often associated with this major, from the federal BLS+O*NET crosswalk. Job-growth projections and median wages are national.
| Occupation | Median wage | Job growth | Typical education |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical scientists, except epidemiologists | $101k | +8.7% | Doctoral or professional degree |
| Natural sciences managers | $161k | +3.7% | Bachelor's degree |
| Biological technicians | $52k | +3.5% | Bachelor's degree |
| Biological science teachers, postsecondary | $83k | +7.3% | Doctoral or professional degree |
| Biological scientists, all other | $93k | +1.2% | Bachelor's degree |
| Microbiologists | $87k | +4.1% | Bachelor's degree |
Earnings at a glance
Median graduate earnings from the federal College Scorecard, 5 and 10 years out.
Median 5-year earnings
$65k
Top colleges for Microbiology and Immunology
Ranked by annual completions at the associate's or bachelor's level — a proxy for program scale.
| College | Location | Assoc. | Bach. | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Miami | Coral Gables, FL | 0 | 49 | 49 |
| The University of Texas at San Antonio | San Antonio, TX | 0 | 40 | 40 |
| University of Nevada-Reno | Reno, NV | 0 | 31 | 31 |
| University of California-Irvine | Irvine, CA | 0 | 28 | 28 |
| West Virginia University | Morgantown, WV | 0 | 12 | 12 |
| Purdue University-Main Campus | West Lafayette, IN | 0 | 9 | 9 |
| Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences | Albany, NY | 0 | 9 | 9 |
| Quinnipiac University | Hamden, CT | 0 | 3 | 3 |
Related majors to explore
Biology/Biological Sciences, General
83,027 completions/yr
Neuroscience
9,625 completions/yr
Biochemistry
8,736 completions/yr
Biomedical Sciences, General
6,553 completions/yr
Exercise Physiology and Kinesiology
5,770 completions/yr
Cell/Cellular and Molecular Biology
3,392 completions/yr
Nutrition Sciences
3,240 completions/yr
Microbiology, General
2,120 completions/yr