Microbiology Major (B.S.)

Major code BS0411

College of Arts and Sciences
Biological Sciences Department
Irvine Hall 107
www.ohio.edu/cas/biology

Laura Saltman, contact person
saltman@ohio.edu

Program Overview

Microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, algae, and parasites. This program provides the knowledge base and lab experience to prepare for a variety of careers in areas of biotechnology, human health (e.g., immunology, vaccines, antimicrobials, pharmaceuticals, food and water quality control), as well as microbial diversity and ecology. Students in this program are encouraged to participate in research opportunities and clinical observation during their junior and senior years to prepare for a successful career in research and/or development.

Admission Information

Freshman/First-Year Admission

Freshmen who would like to declare any Biology major must have a minimum Math ACT subscore of 20, equivalent Math SAT subscore (490 on tests taken prior to March 2016 or 520 on tests taken March 2016 or later), or a minimum Ohio University math placement score of PL1 to enter these programs. Students who do not meet this criterion may still earn admission to Ohio University but will not be able to enter any of the Biological Sciences majors directly. After admission to Ohio University, students may transfer into a Biological Sciences major if they have earned a grade of “C” or better in both BIOS 1700 and BIOS 1705 and have a minimum accumulative GPA of 2.5 at Ohio University.

Change of Program Policy

Current Ohio University students who would like to declare one of the Biology majors must have a minimum Math ACT subscore of 20; equivalent Math SAT subscore (490 on tests taken prior to March 2016 or 520 on tests taken March 2016 or later); a minimum Ohio University math placement score of PL1; or a grade of “C” or better in equivalent courses to both BIOS 1700 and BIOS 1705 with a minimum accumulative Ohio University GPA of 2.5.

External Transfer Admission

Transfer students who would like to declare one of the Biology majors must have a minimum Math ACT subscore of 20; equivalent Math SAT subscore (490 on tests taken prior to March 2016 or 520 on tests taken March 2016 or later); a minimum Ohio University math placement score of PL1; or a grade of “C” or better in the equivalent courses to both BIOS 1700 and BIOS 1705 with a minimum accumulative GPA of 2.5 from their previous institution.

Opportunities Upon Graduation

Graduates are prepared for jobs in biotechnology and health industries, as well as further graduate studies in medicine, dentistry, optometry, public health, microbiology, or molecular biology. With our increased understanding of the importance of both positive and negative effects of the microbiome on human health and the environment, career opportunities and outlook are very good.

Browse through dozens of internship opportunities and full-time job postings for Ohio University students and alumni on Handshake, OHIO’s key resource for researching jobs, employers, workshops, and professional development events.

Requirements

University-wide Graduation Requirements

Ohio University requires completion of a minimum of 120 semester hours for conferral of a bachelor’s degree. However, the Microbiology major requires a minimum of 125 semester hours. For more information on the minimum hours requirement and other university-wide requirements, please review the Graduation Requirements – University-wide page.

Liberal Arts and Sciences Distribution Requirement

View the College and Liberal Arts and Sciences Distribution Requirements .

Biological Sciences Requirements

Complete a total of 38 semester hours of BIOS coursework, including all of the requirements below. Note: 1000- and 2000-level courses not specifically required by the major will not count toward the BIOS hours requirement, but they may be used to fulfill University graduation requirements.