Microbiology Courses in USA: Top Universities, Fees & Career Options

Microbiology Courses in USA are seeing steady growth across multiple academic levels. In the past year, U.S. institutions awarded 4,834 degrees across bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels in this field. 

Women make up a significant portion of graduates, comprising approximately 63% of bachelor’s degree recipients. Top institutions, like the University of Florida, awarded 527 degrees in medical microbiology and bacteriology.

Overall, pursuing a microbiology program while studying in the USA can be a significant investment, but it offers access to high-quality education, research opportunities, and potential career advancement in the field of microbiology.

Microbiology Courses in  USA: Overview

Microbiology education in the U.S. spans various academic levels, from undergraduate to doctoral studies. Tuition fees for these programs can vary based on the institution and program type. 

For instance, the Cornell University Master of Science in Microbiology and Cell Science program charges approximately $20,800 (INR 17.79L) in tuition, with additional fees for textbooks and university services. The most common intake is Fall, though some universities offer Summer or Winter starts.

Here’s a snapshot of key features that define Microbiology courses in the U.S:

Having established a comprehensive overview of microbiology courses in the USA, it becomes essential to understand what makes this destination particularly attractive for aspiring professionals.

Why Pursue Microbiology Courses in  USA?

Microbiology courses in USA. are highly structured, with the courses getting funded by agencies like the NIH, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), and the CDC. 

Graduates also benefit from some of the highest-paying jobs in healthcare, expanded clinical authority in many U.S. states, and flexible career options after graduation beyond traditional retail roles. 

Here's why pursuing microbiology in the U.S. makes practical sense:

• Strong Job Market & Growth: The microbiology field in the U.S. has over 24,000 available jobs and is expected to grow by 7% from 2023 to 2033. This growth rate will further have 1,900 new positions opening annually.
• Competitive Salaries & Career: Microbiologists in the U.S. earn competitive salaries, with a median annual wage of $87,330 (INR 75.19L). Research microbiologists can earn even more, averaging $113,102 (INR 97.38L).
• Federal Support & Research Funding: The U.S. government allocates funding for microbiology research, with agencies like the NIH and CDC receiving billions in grants. 
• Industry Applications & Internships: Graduates in microbiology can pursue careers in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and public health with companies like Genentech.
• Innovation Hub for Biotechnology: The U.S. is a global leader in biotechnology innovation, with a dominant 48% market share. Microbiologists have access to areas of vaccine development, antimicrobial resistance, and new biotechnological applications.

These advantages make Masters in microbiology in the USA attractive for those seeking solid career outcomes, academic excellence, and professional impact.

Let’s take a look at the next logical step: exploring the institutions that stand out for their excellence in education.

Top Universities Offering Microbiology Courses in the USA

The United States is home to some of the world’s leading universities, including Harvard University's Master of Medical Sciences in Immunology, costing $60,910 (INR 52.12L) per year for 2 years, and the University of Washington’s Master of Health Science in Laboratory Medicine, with a tuition of $30,660 (INR 26.23L) per year. 

These programs are designed to equip students with advanced scientific knowledge and practical research experience, preparing them for top careers in microbiology and immunology.

Here’s a comparison of top courses like the MA in Microbiology in the USA that offer a curriculum across research.

While the top-ranked universities set benchmarks for academic excellence, numerous other highly regarded institutions also offer outstanding microbiology courses in the USA worth considering.

Popular Universities to Study Microbiology Courses in the USA

Prestigious U.S. universities such as Harvard and Stanford offer top-tier microbiology programs. 

Several other U.S. institutions offer reputable microbiology master’s programs that also offer extended STEM OPT work authorizations, giving you up to 36 months of practical experience after graduation.

Below is a list of other well-regarded universities offering focused microbiology degrees:

Once you have identified the universities that align with your goals, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the eligibility requirements that govern admission to these esteemed programs.

Eligibility Requirements for Microbiology Courses in the USA

Applying for Microbiology courses in USA, involves more than just academic scores. Microbiology  programs typically require no less than 12 semester credits with an average GPA of at least 2.85 on a 4.0 scale. 

International students must also meet language proficiency levels for English benchmarks, typically a TOEFL iBT score of 100 or an IELTS band score of 7.0. 

Here’s a complete breakdown of eligibility requirements, including academic, test, and visa-related criteria:

Understanding the eligibility criteria sets the foundation; the next step is to guide the application process, which involves a series of structured steps and documentation.

Application Process to Apply for Microbiology Courses in the USA

Admission to Microbiology courses in USA, is a detailed process that includes several steps to ensure that students are well-prepared for careers in research, healthcare projects, and environmental sciences. 

While each university may have its own specific requirements, most Master's or BSc in microbiology programs follow a standard application process.

Below is a step-by-step breakdown of the typical application process for microbiology courses in the USA:

• Step 1: Research & Prepare: Review the prerequisites for the microbiology program, which often include 
  • Background in biology, chemistry, and physics with ≥60–90 science credits
  • GPA thresholds: 2.75 to 3.0.
  • TOEFL iBT 79–100 or IELTS 6.5–7.5
• Step 2: Complete the Application: Most universities require you to complete their online application form and upload your academic transcripts, evaluated by a service like WES. Also submit a resume/CV, SOP, and LORs. 
• Step 3: Pay Application Fees: Pay the required application fee (varies by school, usually between $50–$100 (INR 4.3K - INR 8.5K). Some programs may require additional tests, such as the GRE (though it is optional or waived by many programs).
• Step 4: Supplemental Applications (If Required): Some universities require supplemental applications or specific documents in addition to the general application, such as departmental forms or personal interviews. 
• Step 5: Interviews and Selection Process: Interviews could be in-person, virtual, or multiple mini-interviews (MMIs). During interviews, expect questions related to your interest in microbiology, research experience, and career aspirations.
• Step 6: Admission & Enrollment: Receive admission offer, submit deposit, and finalize enrollment. International students will receive Form I-20 and must apply for an F-1 visa, which includes completing the DS-160 form, paying the SEVIS fee, and providing proof of funds.

With the application process clarified, prospective students often seek insight into the curriculum and structure of microbiology courses to better prepare for their academic journey.

Microbiology Courses in USA: Course Structure & Specialization

The Microbiology course programs in the U.S. spans 4 years, Some universities, like the University of Pennsylvania, also offer accelerated programs or dual-degree options, allowing students to specialize in fields like medical microbiology, environmental microbiology, or bioinformatics. 

Here's an overview of the typical course structure, subject areas, and specialization options offered in U.S. microbiology programs:

In addition to evaluating the course structure and academic expectations, it is equally important to consider the financial commitment involved in pursuing microbiology education in the United States.

Cost of Studying Microbiology Courses in the USA

While microbiology degrees offer strong career outcomes, the total cost of studying in the USA can be significant, especially for international students. 

Annual tuition alone ranges between $27,444 and $58,293 (INR 23.63L to INR 50.19L) depending on the university and residency status.

When you consider housing, health insurance, books, as well as other monthly expenses, financial planning becomes extremely important from the very start. 

Below is a breakdown of estimated costs associated with Microbiology courses in USA.

Note: INR conversions are based on the current exchange rate.

Recognizing the costs involved, many students turn their attention to available scholarships that can help ease the financial burden of studying abroad.

Scholarships & Financial Aid for Pursuing Microbiology Courses in the USA

Taking Microbiology courses in the USA, can be expensive, and annual tuition fees can vary between 25% for Marquis scholarship students and 50% for Menegus scholarship students. 

To ease this burden, universities and external organizations offer targeted financial support through merit-based and need-based scholarships.

The options available can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses for eligible students. 

Below is a breakdown of both internal and external scholarships available to microbiology students:

Internal Scholarships

U.S. schools reserve dedicated funds for admitted microbiology students, often disbursed automatically based on admission strength or demonstrated financial need.

For instance, the Ohio State University offers full financial support for students through its Anne H. Baumhofer Scholarship, offering Internal Merit and need-based support funds.

Here are select study abroad scholarships offered by top U.S. schools:

In addition to institutional support, a range of external scholarships are available from government bodies, private organizations, and international foundations.

External Scholarships

Beyond institutional aid, several national programs and corporate-funded scholarships are accessible to microbiology students studying in the U.S. These include high-value options like the Fulbright Scholarship, which covers full tuition and living costs.

Here’s a look at prominent external scholarships that support microbiology education in the U.S.:

Securing funding is just one part of the journey; ultimately, students are keen to understand the diverse career opportunities that await them after completing their microbiology courses in the USA.

Career Opportunities After Completing Microbiology Courses in the USA

While the median microbiologist salary stands at $158,011 (INR 1.36Cr), specialized profiles such as environmental microbiologist and research also command six-figure incomes annually. 

Here’s a closer look at the job opportunities for science students in the US, including average salaries across key roles:

Source: Glassdoor, Indeed

Note: INR conversions are based on the current exchange rate.

Next, let’s look at the top recruiters hiring Microbiology graduates.

Top Recruiters

The U.S. pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors offer a diverse range of employment opportunities for graduates, spanning retail and clinical roles, as well as industrial and specialty positions.

Major diagnostics and healthcare providers like Quest and Kelly Services recruit microbiologists. Some of the top recruiters include:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): A leading national public health institute, the CDC focuses on disease prevention and control. Microbiologists at the CDC engage in research and surveillance to protect public health.
• Quest Diagnostics: As a prominent provider of diagnostic testing services, Quest Diagnostics employs microbiologists to perform clinical laboratory tests, aiding in disease diagnosis and healthcare management.
• Kaiser Permanente: A major healthcare organization, Kaiser Permanente integrates microbiologists into its medical teams to support patient care through laboratory testing and research.
• Silliker, Inc: Specializing in food safety and quality assurance, Silliker employs microbiologists to conduct testing and ensure the safety of food products.
• Kelly Services: A global staffing agency, Kelly Services places microbiologists in various industries, including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and environmental science.
• Grand River Aseptic Manufacturing, Inc.: This company hires microbiologists to ensure the sterility and quality of injectable drug products through rigorous testing and quality control processes.

These organizations represent the broad range of career opportunities available to microbiology graduates after pursuing courses in the USA, offering varied work environments and strong demand nationwide.

Securing admission, funding, and job readiness can be challenging to guide alone. This is where platforms like upGrad can provide structured support customized to your goals.

How Can upGrad support Your Journey to study Microbiology in the USA?

Pursuing a microbiology degree in the U.S. involves more than meeting academic requirements. From navigating prerequisites and entrance tests to managing SOPs, transcripts, and application timelines, there’s a lot to coordinate. upGrad simplifies this process with step-by-step support.

From selecting universities with strong clinical training or customizing your documents to specific criteria, upGrad connects you with expert counselors. They assist with funding strategies, scholarship guidance, and student visa planning.

Take charge of your future! Book a 1:1 session with upGrad experts today and gain the insights you need to map out your education path in the U.S. with clarity, confidence, and precision.