Prepare to Tackle Global Health and Environmental Challenges

student and professor conduct a biology experiment in the labHow can seemingly simple one-celled microorganisms have such a huge impact on our daily lives, for good and for bad? You’ll find out as you study viruses, bacteria, archaea bacteria, algae, fungi, and protozoa in our microbiology bachelor’s degree program at the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

Many microscopic organisms are essential for life, and can produce biologically active products such as enzymes and antibiotics. However, a small number of them cause diseases in plants and animals, including humans. A degree in microbiology from UM-Dearborn helps you understand the complex interactions that exist between these organisms and our biosphere, preparing you to tackle global challenges related to health and the environment.

Where Will a Microbiology Degree Take Me?

A degree in microbiology from UM-Dearborn opens up a diverse range of career paths. Graduates can explore laboratory positions in health care, research, pharmaceuticals, environmental conservation, government, academia and more. 

In addition, our students are regularly accepted into graduate programs in the life sciences and professional preparation programs for physicians, physician assistants, dentists, pharmacists, and veterinarians.

Career and Salary Outlook

The information in this table is meant to give you an idea of career opportunities with this degree. All information is pulled from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and is meant to be averages across the United States for 2022. Please note that these figures reflect overall averages and may not represent entry-level salaries.

$85,470 Median Salary

Microbiologists

Employment of microbiologists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 1,700 openings for microbiologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$51,430 Median Salary

Biological Technicians

Employment of biological technicians is projected to grow 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 10,600 openings for biological technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$107,460 Median Salary

Biochemists and Biophysicists (Ph.D. usually required)

Employment of biochemists and biophysicists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 2,800 openings for biochemists and biophysicists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$100,890 Median Salary

Medical Scientists (Ph.D. or medical degree usually required)

Employment of medical scientists is projected to grow 10 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 7,500 openings for medical scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$60,780 Median Salary

Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians

Employment of clinical laboratory technologists and technicians is projected to grow 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 24,000 openings for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Program Details

Ready to Apply?

Application Deadlines

UM-Dearborn has rolling admissions throughout the year, and deadlines depend on your student type. Apply early, priority consideration for financial aid and scholarships may be given to earlier applicants.

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Tuition

Get started early on your financial planning for college. Complete the net price calculator to get an estimate of your cost to attend UM-Dearborn.

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Go Blue Guarantee

Students at UM-Dearborn are eligible for the Go Blue Guarantee - University of Michigan’s landmark promise of free tuition for high-achieving in-state undergraduate students from qualifying backgrounds. Major financial support is available for students who do not fully qualify.

Paying for College

How to Get Involved

Experiment in the NeuroBiology lab

Our campus offers a variety of opportunities for you to get involved in extracurricular activities related to microbiology. You can do everything from participating in outreach programs that cultivate science education in the community to joining student organizations like the Biology ClubBiochemistry Society, Minority Association of Pre-Med StudentsPhi Delta Epsilon co-ed pre-med fraternity, Pre-Dental AssociationPre-Optometry ClubPre-PA AssociationPre-Professional Health SocietyPublic Health SocietyRestoration Ecology Club, and the Undergraduate Society of Psychology and Neuroscience.

Programs Offered Beyond BS

Environmental Science, MS

Next Steps

Become a part of the UM-Dearborn community and put your dreams to work for you.