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Microbiology

SIU Microbiology Students look at growth on petri dish

Our Bachelor of Science in Microbiology builds on a core of math and science basics to position you for success in research, academics, healthcare, agriculture, industry, or further Masters (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree study in related fields like medicine or biotechnology. Bolstered by an award-winning faculty and the opportunities for mentorship and networking offered at a nationally ranked research university, we offer the only Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Microbiology in the state of Illinois.

Research is our superpower. Our faculty, students, and alumni win prizes and start businesses. Recent department successes include awards from NASA and the Musk Foundation, and grants from NIH, USDA, NASA, NOAA, Department of Interior, and DOE. You will find our graduates working as biomedical scientists, laboratory techs, science writers and microbiologists at breweries and distilleries, at employers like Bayer, Abbot Laboratories, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Anheuser-Busch InBev.

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Bachelor's Program

Our Program includes significant research experience and enough credits to qualify for a minor in Chemistry, putting your career steps ahead. From day one, you will experience the procedures and techniques employed in modern microbiological research with research-active faculty, in modern, well-equipped research laboratories and supporting facilities like IMAGE, Fermentation Science, and Laboratory Animal Program.

Master’s Degree in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, and Biochemistry

Our interdisciplinary graduate program is designed to offer advanced training in biochemistry, bacteriology, pathogenesis, immunology, microbial physiology, molecular biology, cell biology, developmental biology, cancer biology and structural biology. Thesis and non-thesis options are available, and students in the master's program can be admitted to the doctoral program via accelerated entry or the master's equivalency option.

Doctoral Degree in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, and Biochemistry

Doctoral candidates thrive in our research rich environment, with access to modern, well-equipped laboratories, and supporting facilities for P2 physical containment, anaerobic culturing, large scale fermentation, cryosectioning, flow cytometry, fluorescent and confocal microscopy, and next generation sequencing. Our interdisciplinary programs draw their faculty primarily from Carbondale and Springfield campuses.