Microbiology is concerned with the study of tiny organisms such as microorganisms, viruses, and fungus, which make up the bulk of the world's biomass. Microbes play a critical part in the health of the biosphere.
Microbiology can serve as a foundation for employment in medical technology, as well as for further education in public health or other health-related fields. The curriculum in the USA is also intended to prepare students for graduate school in microbiology, virology, and other related subjects, as well as medical and dental school.
A degree in microbiology opens a world of opportunities, which is what students are attracted to. The USA might be a wise choice to start if one wants to pursue a career or enrol in America's graduate school.
America has recently produced a number of grading who have made significant contributions to the study of microbiology.
In the US, a career in microbiology can be financially rewarding. Professionals can make between USD 45,000 and USD 80,000 per year. The remuneration will also rise with experience and education. In addition, students can finish their studies and obtain a PhD in a related discipline.
As an international student, you have a choice of all the top American colleges and universities that provide the best microbiology programs to complete your degree or certificate.
Also Read: Top Universities in USA 2023
Some of the top Microbiology University in the USA is listed below:
Rank |
University |
1 |
Harvard University |
2 |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
3 |
University of California, San Diego |
5 |
University of California, San Francisco |
6 |
University of Washington |
7 |
Cornell University |
8 |
University of Pennsylvania |
9 |
Washington University in St. Louis |
10 |
University of California - Berkeley |
13 |
Stanford University |
14 |
Johns Hopkins University |
15 |
Duke University |
16 |
University of Wisconsin – Madison |
17 |
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill |
19 |
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai |
19 |
University of Texas Medical Branch - Galveston |
22 |
Emory University |
25 |
Yale University |
28 |
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities |
31 |
University of California - Davis |
33 |
Columbia University |
35 |
University of Chicago |
Top Microbiology University in the USA: Bachelor's in Microbiology
A bachelor’s degree in microbiology lays the foundation in several aspects of biology with a focus on the study of the effects of microorganisms on human, plant, and animal health.
It also prepares one for gaining entry into a professional field in law, dentistry, medicine, veterinary, etc.
The course duration of a bachelor of microbiology degree is 4 years and the tuition fee for the program ranges from $28,000 to $62,000 per year.
University |
Program |
Course Duration |
University of California, San Diego |
Bachelor of Science in Biology: Microbiology |
4 years |
University of California, San Francisco |
Bachelor of Science in Microbiology |
4 years |
University of Washington |
Bachelor of Science in Microbiology |
4 years |
Cornell University |
Bachelor of Science in Biology: Microbiology |
4 years |
Washington University in St. Louis |
Bachelor of Science in Biology: Microbiology |
4 years |
University of California - Berkeley |
Bachelor of Science in Microbial Biology |
4 years |
University of Wisconsin – Madison |
Bachelor of Science in Microbiology |
4 years |
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities |
Bachelor of Science in Microbiology |
4 years |
University of California - Davis |
BA/BS in Microbiology |
4 years |
University of Chicago |
BA/BS in Biological Science: Microbiology |
4 years |
Academic Requirement:
- A high school degree certificate
English Language Requirement:
- A TOEFL score of 80 to 100 overall
- An IELTS score of 7.0 to 7.5 overall
- A DUOLINGO score of 105 to 115
Documents Required:
- High school certificate
- Teachers report
- Letter of Recommendations
- Statement of Purpose or Essay
- SAT or ACT scores (Optional for some universities)
- English Language Test Scores
Top Microbiology University in the USA: Bachelor's in Microbiology (Tuition Fee)
University |
Tuition Fee (Annum) |
University of California, San Diego |
$46,302 |
University of California, San Francisco |
$54,980 |
University of Washington |
$39,906 |
Cornell University |
$62,456 |
Washington University in St. Louis |
$29,710 |
University of California - Berkeley |
$41,196 |
University of Wisconsin – Madison |
$39,354 |
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities |
$48,740 |
University of California - Davis |
$31,026 |
University of Chicago |
$61,179 |
Top Microbiology University in the USA: Master of Microbiology
The Master of Microbiology program in the USA covers a wide range of topics, including bacteriology, virology, immunology, genetics, industrial microbiology, and more. This degree might be coursework- or thesis-based, and it lasts one to three years.
A master’s degree in microbiology is offered by very few universities. Even when offered it is generally offered as an add-on program for PhD candidates.
More than 50 universities in the USA offer this global degree. The US offers the best master of biology programs, considerably surpassing those offered in Canada, the UK, Australia, and Germany, which is the icing on the cake.
University |
Program |
Course Duration |
Tuition Fee (Annum) |
Johns Hopkins University |
Master of Science in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology |
2 years |
$59,700 |
University of Wisconsin – Madison |
Master of Science in Microbiology |
1 – 2 years |
$25,504 |
University of California - Davis |
Master of Science in Microbiology |
2 years |
$30,204 (15,102*2) |
Documents Required:
- Transcript of undergraduate studies
- Letter of Recommendations
- Statement of Purpose
- Curriculum Vitae
- English Language Test Scores
Academic Requirement:
- A four years bachelor's degree from a recognized institution in a relevant field
- A minimum score of 3.0 to 3.25 on the 4.0 scale.
English Language Requirement:
- A TOEFL score of 90 to 100 overall
- An IELTS score of 7.0 to 7.5 overall
|
Top Microbiology Program in the USA: PhD in Microbiology
A doctoral degree in microbiology teaches students to carry out research in the field of microbiology independently. It also includes intense coursework to train the students in a specific domain of microbiology.
The course duration of a doctoral program in the USA is generally 4 to 6 years. Students with a master's degree in a relevant field can expect to complete a doctoral program in as little as 3 years.
The tuition fee ranges from $26,000 to $64,000 per year.
University |
Program |
Course Duration |
Harvard University |
Ph.D. in Immunology and Virology |
4 – 6 years |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Ph.D. in Microbiology |
4 – 6 years |
University of California, San Francisco |
Ph.D. in Microbiology |
4 – 6 years |
University of Washington |
Ph.D. in Microbiology |
4 – 6 years |
Cornell University |
Ph.D. in Microbiology |
4 – 6 years |
University of Pennsylvania |
Ph.D. in Microbiology |
4 – 6 years |
Washington University in St. Louis |
Ph.D. in Molecular Microbiology |
4 – 6 years |
University of California - Berkeley |
Ph.D. in Microbiology |
4 – 6 years |
Duke University |
Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics and Microbiology |
4 – 6 years |
University of Wisconsin – Madison |
Ph.D. in Microbiology |
4 – 6 years |
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill |
Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology |
4 – 6 years |
Academic Requirement:
- A 4 years bachelor's degree or a master's degree in a relevant field from a recognized institution
- A minimum score of 3.0 to 3.5 on a 4.0 scale
English Language Requirement:
- A TOEFL score of 90 to 100
- An IELTS score of 7.0 to 7.5 overall
Documents Required:
- Transcripts
- Letter of Recommendations
- Statement of Purpose
- English Language Test Scores
- Curriculum Vitae
- GRE scores (optional)
Top Microbiology Program in the USA: PhD in Microbiology (Tuition Fee)
University |
Tuition Fee (Annum) |
Harvard University |
$52,456 |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
$55,510 (27,755*2) |
University of California, San Francisco |
$27,990 |
University of Washington |
$30,036 |
Cornell University |
$20,800 |
University of Pennsylvania |
$39,838 |
Washington University in St. Louis |
$57,750 |
University of California - Berkeley |
$26,544 ($5,721+$7,551)*2 |
Duke University |
$64,380 |
University of Wisconsin – Madison |
$26,770 total cost of attendance |
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill |
$28,844 |
Top Microbiology University in the USA: Scholarships
Since the program is made to draw excellent international students with a strong interest in pursuing a PhD in microbiological research and a high potential for the sciences.
Numerous American colleges support the study of microbiology by offering fellowships, grants, and scholarships.
Some of the scholarships offered to international students in the USA are listed below:
University |
Awards |
Amount |
University of California -Berkeley |
Regents' and Chancellor's Scholars Association |
Monetary benefit matched to the demonstrated need |
University of Chicago |
University Merit Scholarships |
Varies but at least $20,000 is provided |
Johns Hopkins University |
The Hodson Trust Scholarship |
2/3rd of the annual tuition fee |
International Scholarship |
Varies |
|
Washington University in St. Louis |
Chancellor's Graduate Fellowship Program |
Varies |
University of Wisconsin – Madison |
King-Morgridge scholars program |
Full tuition, insurance, and stipends for four years |
Western union scholarship |
$1000 |
|
Stanford University |
Stanford Graduate Fellowships (SGF) |
Tuition fee and stipend for three years |
Top Microbiology University in the USA: Job Scopes
Microbiologists work in a number of different fields including food industries, agriculture industries, production and manufacturing, pharmaceutical companies, etc. They are also hired by medical research laboratories.
Microbiology has been divided into a number of things due to its wide range of applications. Its application and connections to other practical areas of research are even more significant and widespread.
Clinical research, the dairy sector, agriculture, nanotechnology, and the water and chemical industries are a few major fields that provide opportunities to microbiology graduates in the USA or worldwide.
Those who have graduated with a PhD in Microbiology are eligible to take leadership roles in research laboratories or faculty positions in an academic institution. The average salary of Microbiology graduates in the USA is $75,000 per year.
Role |
Range of Salary |
Average Salary |
Microbiologists |
$36,000 - $64,000 |
$47,807 |
Research Scientist |
$49,000 - $111,000 |
$75,827 |
Laboratory Manager |
$52,000 - $100,000 |
$72,607 |
Quality Control Microbiologist |
$36,000 - $67,000 |
$49,504 |
Research Associate |
$38,000 - $77,000 |
$53,895 |
Production Manager, Manufacturing |
$53,000 - $112,000 |
$77,722 |
Epidemiologist |
$43,000 - $115,000 |
$68,513 |
Top Hiring Companies for Microbiologists in the USA
- Mako Medical Laboratories
- Boeing
- Bayer
- Roche
- Teva Pharmaceuticals
- Merck
- Mad Science
- GlaxoSmithKline