Undergraduate Degree in Microbiology and Cell Science with UF Online
Explore your passion for life on the microscopic and molecular level. Gain the knowledge and tools to impact the world on a major level by learning skills that will allow you to improve health, food safety and production, and the environment.
Impact the world on a major level by improving health, food safety and production, and the environment. Microbiologists study a variety of microorganisms to understand their structure and how they live, grow, and interact with each other and their environments. Professionals in the field use advanced lab and computational skills to gain a deep understanding of microbial, molecular and cellular biology.
The Microbiology and Cell Science Department in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at the University of Florida is recognized as one of the leading and largest microbiology departments in the country. Through UF Online, the Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Cell Science online curriculum comes to life with diverse opportunities to learn more about topics such as molecular genetics, cell biology, immunology, parasitology, virology, pathogenesis and bioinformatics. The program is designed to provide you with a strong foundation for a variety of graduate studies and professional careers.
An online Bachelor of Science in Microbiology can unlock your potential to work with renowned faculty and contribute to groundbreaking research, all while studying topics with great social significance. A B.S. in Microbiology and Cell Science is the foundation for your admission into graduate programs and your future in medical, dental, or veterinary school. The program can also prepare students for relevant careers in pharmaceutical companies, research organizations, universities, federal and state organizations, and agricultural institutions.
In addition to a solid foundation in microbiology and molecular biology, students in the online program will learn career-readiness skills and are eligible to apply for departmental scholarships and faculty-mentored summer research experiences.
Note:
- Professional degrees are required for career advancement in medicine, veterinary sciences and independent research.
- Students interested in gaining admission to professional school programs are encouraged to complete Biology and Chemistry lab work in person, although online labs may be available. Based on students’ career goals, they may be advised to complete Biology and Chemistry labs in-person through transient enrollment at a local state or community college.
- Organic Chemistry and laboratory (CHM 2210, 2211 and 2211L) are required for the major and are not offered through UF Online. It is suggested that students either complete these courses prior to admission or plan to take them at an approved institution prior to graduation.
- Please contact professional schools to which you plan to apply to inquire about their criteria for admissions.
Admissions Requirements
Bachelor of Science
Microbiology and Cell Science
College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
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Career Tracks and Opportunities
What professions will a major in Microbiology and Cell Sciences help prepare you for?
- Biotechnologist
- Microbiologist
- Laboratory Technician
- Medical Technologist/ Scientist/ Technician
- Environmental Microbiologist
- Virologists
- Pharmaceutical Researcher
- Physician Assistant (Graduate studies required)
- Biology Teacher
Additionally, an online microbiology bachelor’s degree may allow you to continue onto professional studies in medical school, pursue a master’s, or a doctoral degree. This will open opportunities in:
- Biomedical Research
- Pharmacy
- Dentistry
- Medicine
- Veterinary Science
Please visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or Career One Stop for additional suggestions on further career pathways and opportunities.
Compare Biology vs. Microbiology Degree
Why choose an Online Biology or Microbiology & Cell Science degree?
Admissions Requirements
- If you have 0-11 transferable college credits, review the Freshman admissions requirements.
- If you have 12-59 transferable credits, review the Lower Division Transfer admission requirements.
Upper division transfer applicants (students with 60 or more college credits earned) and Second Bachelor’s degree seeking applicants should have all major prerequisites completed prior to enrolling in the program. Students are permitted to apply and gain admission while major prerequisites/degree courses are still in progress. An A.A. degree is preferred, but students with an A.S. degree may be considered on a case-by-case basis for admission. Students must complete the following courses before transferring and should have at least a 2.0 GPA overall and at least a 2.5 GPA in the following courses (and organic chemistry I, if attempted prior to admission):
*Chemistry:
- General Chemistry 1 and Lab (CHM 2045 and 2045L)
- General Chemistry 2 and Lab (CHM 2046 and 2046L)
*Biology:
- General Biology 1 and Lab (BSC 2010 and 2010L)
- General Biology 2 and Lab (BSC 2011 and 2011L)
*Mathematics
- Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1 (MAC 2311)
*Note:
- All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C or better.
- Unsuccessful attempts in prerequisite courses may lower competitiveness.
- Unsuccessful attempts in additional courses in the desired major may lower competitiveness.
- Out of state courses used to meet prerequisites may need to be evaluated by the appropriate department upon admission.
Why choose UF Online?
At the University of Florida, our passion goes beyond our walls — and so do our opportunities.
UF Online’s B.S. in Microbiology and Cell Science provides the stepping-stone to developing research and analytical skills that will uniquely position students at the center of some of the most pressing issues in biological studies. Our program offers students a convenient online education, top faculty in the area, post-graduate opportunities – all for a fraction of the cost of comparable degree programs.
Designed for students whose commitments make traditional campus attendance impractical, our online program stands at the forefront, providing flexible academic options with the same elite faculty and rigor that makes us a leading university and top research institution. We connect people with opportunities, remove barriers and set the standard for online higher education. UF Online graduates earn the same elite degree they would receive on campus, and they will be at the top of the list for the best employers in the country.
