The relevance of microbiology is more obvious than ever before. From the emergence of deadly infectious diseases, to global climate change, to advances in biotechnology, to threats of bioterrorism, the impact of microorganisms on our very existence is stunning. Microorganisms constitute at least 60% of the earth's biomass, regulating the cycling of soil nutrients and atmospheric gases that sustain life on the planet. Microorganisms naturally produce or can be engineered to produce many of the chemicals, enzymes, and antibiotics that humans rely upon daily. They provide both beneficial and detrimental effects to the human body as they aid in digestion and provide a barrier to infection or overwhelm host defenses to produce disease. In the 21st century opportunities for careers in microbiology are abundant. Choosing microbiology as your major is the place to start.

A degree in microbiology provides:

1. Great preparation for professional school (medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, optometry, etc)
2. The basis for graduate school leading to a career as an academic or industry researcher (M.S., Ph.D.)
3. The ability to do a 4 + 1 program where they complete a Microbiology degree while also completing prerequires for applying to Med tech internships where they can then receive their license in Medical Technology to have along side their Microbiology degree.
4. Training for a career as a biomedical research technician, science educator, environmental scientist, and many other exciting career paths.