What Can I Do With a Major In Microbiology?

UGA Specific Information for Microbiology

Biology encompasses the study of all living organisms, including microbes, plants, and animals. The study of biology includes various aspects of life, including basic organization (molecular, cellular, tissues, organs), how organisms unction, their roles in the natural environment, how hereditary information is transferred, and development of biotechnology. Biology graduates are broadly trained and well prepared for admission into strong graduate programs in the biological sciences and professional schools (medical, dental, and veterinary). They may also directly assume positions in government, education, industry, or certain technical fields.

Microbiology is a branch of biology. This is the theory of small living things (microorganisms), which are divided into bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa (protozoa). In general, the microorganisms in microbiology are visible only under a microscope. Microorganisms are widespread in nature. Some bacteria inhabit the inner and outer surfaces of the human body, these are non-pathogenic micro-organisms to, for they call thus produced no disease. The bacteria of the small and large intestine are even useful digestive aid since it provides, among other things important for blood clotting vitamin K. Such a union between two organisms is called symbiosis. Also, there are microorganisms that act cause disease and are therefore pathogenic, and include, for example, the causative agent of bacterial infection and viral diseases. Living beings that live at the expense of another organism, called a parasite, to them, include multicellular animal life forms, such as arthropods and worms.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW EMPLOYERS/POSITION TITLES and GRADUATE SCHOOLS/PROGRAMS REPORTED FOR THIS MAJOR

Class of 2023 Career Outcomes for Microbiology*

** Includes Self-Employed

Campus Resources

Additional UGA Career Center Recommendations

CAREER PATHS IN MICROBIOLOGY

Taken from American Society for Microbiology

BACHELOR'S DEGREE

Food, agricultural, or environmental laboratory scientist/technologist - Performs established, well-validated tests on water, food, agricultural, and environmental samples to detect different types of microbes. These professionals have to be precise and pay attention to detail so that test results are accurate. They may also participate in reporting test results to others outside of the lab.

Public health, medical, or veterinary laboratory scientist/technologist - Performs established, well-validated tests on human and animal samples to detect disease-causing microbes. Technologist certification may be required or preferred.

Research associate - A key player on research teams, who provides technical support to ongoing research projects. A research associate executes experiments designed by more senior researchers. He/she may be assigned to a single research project or to a set of related techniques that are used across projects in the lab. For example, in research laboratories that use live cell cultures, it is common to have a research associate who's job is to maintain the cultures.

Quality assurance/control scientist - Performs tests on products, such as measuring microbe contaminants, to ensure the products meet safety and quality standards.

Biosafety specialist - Inspects laboratories and related facilities to ensure that both the space and the practices of those using the space adhere to state and federal regulations for safety, occupational and environmental health. For example, he/she might inspect a laboratory and issue a citation if there is evidence of food in the laboratory space. Acts as a resource for colleagues seeking guidance on occupational or environmental health concerns. Provides safety training to laboratory personnel.

 

MASTER'S DEGREE OR PHD

Clinical or research laboratory manager - Manages day to day activities in a variety of laboratories. Trains laboratory personnel in experimental techniques, maintains lab inventories and equipment, supervises junior staff (technicians, technologists, and assistants/associates). Clinical laboratory manager positions typically require certification.

Biosafety officer - Plans, develops, and manages biosafety programs. These programs typically include providing appropriate training for laboratory personnel, assessing biosafety risks of particular projects, inspecting laboratories for compliance with biosafety standards, responding to biosafety emergencies, and making recommendations to improve safety and environmental and occupational health.

Instructor/ laboratory coordinator - Teaches classroom and/or laboratory courses at community colleges or primarily undergraduate colleges and universities. Participates in course development, faculty meetings, accreditation processes, and advises student

Research scientist - A senior member of a research laboratory who helps write grant proposals, designs and carries out experiments, analyzes data, and publishes the results. Also trains students and laboratory personnel.

University/college professor - Heads a research laboratory, teaches undergraduate and/or graduate students, trains and mentors students and postdoctoral fellows who are doing research, serves on university/college committees.

Consultant - Works either freelance or as part of a consulting firm. Prepares reports on the state of scientific fields, companies in a particular market, or emerging issues in science and advises client organizations, such as businesses or foundations.

Clinical laboratory director - Head of a clinical laboratory. Consults with healthcare providers, evaluates and implements new diagnostic tests or testing procedures, maintains laboratory accreditation, oversees overall laboratory operation.

Research director - Leads a research or research & development team either at a company or at a government agency. Determines direction of the program and directs efforts of research personnel.

Administrator at a university/college - Has responsibility for a particular set of academic departments (dean) or an aspect of the administration such as admissions (vice president). Typically, administrators act as executive officers and do not teach or conduct research.

Corporate executive - Oversees part or all of a company. Typically no longer does research, but guides overall company strategy and determines what products are brought to market.

Science advisor/administrator in government - Leads regulatory and surveillance programs concerned with product safety and public health. Makes recommendations that influence laws, regulations, and public policy.

Supplemental Career Research Dashboard

Additional Career Research Resources

  • O*NET Online – The O*NET database includes information on skills, abilities, knowledge, work activities, and interests associated with over 900 occupations.  
  • My Next Move – An interactive tool for students and job seekers to learn more about their career options.  
  • Occupational Outlook Handbook – The OOH is a career resource offering information on the hundreds of occupations that provide most of jobs in the United States.  
  • Vault – Vault.com provides in-depth intelligence on what it’s really like to work in an industry, company, or profession – and how to position yourself to land that job.  
  • Candid Career – This resource provides you with access to thousands of informational video interviews with real professionals through an easy-to-use website.  
  • UGA Mentor Program – Connect with a mentor (alumni, faculty, staff) to research and explore industries and careers. Research industries and careers by connecting with a mentor for a quick chat or formal 16-week mentorship through the UGA Mentor Program.  
  • Interstride - Interstride is an interactive tool for both international and domestic students to enhance their international experience and employment potential. The platform consists of job-listings, hiring trends, employer information, self-assessments, and up-to-date immigration guidance. 
  • Glassdoor - Glassdoor is a free jobs and career community that offers an inside look at jobs and companies through "employee generated content" – anonymous salaries, company reviews, interview questions, and more – all posted by employees and job seekers.  
  • Steppingblocks - Research your future career with real-world stats about your major, your interests, and your dream job title with career and education searches designed to find your best path based on millions of others. It’s data-powered career exploration for doers like you. 

Employment Websites

GENERAL

  • Handshake (scroll down to the bottom of the page; login with your UGA MyID and password)  
  • LinkedIn (this popular networking site also has a job board!) 
  • Idealist (non-profit jobs) 
  • USAJobs (federal jobs) 

MAJOR/INDUSTRY SPECIFIC

Professional Associations/Resources

LINKEDIN

  • Join LinkedIn groups that are relevant to your career interests.  To search, select "groups" & type in your keywords.  
  • Review the groups that professionals in your field of interest have joined & consider joining those as well.  
  • To login, visit the LinkedIn main page. 

Employers/Position Title Reported by Class of 2023 Microbiology majors

The information below represents employers and position titles from the Class of 2023 Career Outcomes Survey. To view historical Career Outcomes for this major, click here and select "Historical Data" from the navigation menu.

Employer Position Title(s)
Augusta University Molecular Laboratory Technician
Boehringer Ingelheim Quality Control Technician III
Daikin Comfort Accelerated Management Program Associate
Materials Analytical Services Optical Microscopist
Milan Eye Center Ophthalmic Technician
Northside/Northpoint OB-GYN Medical Assistant
The Coca-Cola Company Chemist
University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine Laboratory Technician
University of Georgia Research Professional II
* denotes no responses received.
*Source: Areas above marked with an Asterisk (*) have been created utilizing data taken from the UGA Career Outcomes Survey. The "Employers Hiring...," "Job Titles of...," "Career Outcomes for...," and "Graduate/Professional Schools and Programs..." information listed above represent UGA Class of 2023 Graduates. The lists are not exhaustive and therefore do not represent all potential career options. Click here for more detailed Career Outcomes information regarding this major.

Graduate/Professional Schools attended by Class of 2023 Microbiology majors

The information below represents graduate/professional schools and programs reported through the Class of 2023 Career Outcomes Survey. To view historical Career Outcomes for this major, click here and select "Historical Data" from the navigation menu.

Graduate School Program(s)
Augusta University Dental Medicine, DMD
Emory University Epidemiology, MPH
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Control of Infectious Diseases, MSc
North Carolina State University Plant and Microbial Biology, PhD
University at Buffalo Biomedical Sciences, PhD
University of Georgia Post-Baccalaureate Research Program, Post-Baccalaureate
University of Georgia Microbiology, MS
University of Georgia Epidemiology & Biostatistics - Epidemiology Emphasis, MS
University of Texas at Austin Interdisciplinary Studies, PhD
Vanderbilt University Medicine, MD
Vanderbilt University Biomedical Sciences, PhD
* denotes no responses received.

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