Microbiologists

High School

If you are thinking about a career in microbiology, be sure to get a well-rounded science background in high school. You should take biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, and math classes. English classes will help you develop your oral and written communication skills, which will prepare you for writing papers and public speaking.

Postsecondary Training

An undergraduate degree in microbiology is recommended. If this degree is not offered, the American Society for Microbiology suggests that you major in biology, biochemistry, or cell biology and take any available microbiology courses, such as immunology, medical microbiology, microbial physiology, mycology, pathology, and virology. In addition to microbiology classes (such as microbial genetics, microbial physiology, environmental microbiology, and virology), you will have to take courses in chemistry (organic and physical), math (algebra, calculus, and statistics), biology (cell biology and genetics), physics, and computer science.

While you may find a job in microbiology after earning a bachelor's degree, most positions in research, education, and industry require a master's degree, a Ph.D., or an M.D., which means you should be prepared to spend six or more years in school beyond high school. Earning a master's degree involves doing research under the supervision of a mentor, who provides training in his or her own specialty such as microbial ecology, molecular biology, bacteriology, genetics, immunology, physiology, or virology.

While in a Ph.D. program, you can expect to spend a lot of your time working in a laboratory, where you will design and conduct experiments. Many graduate students also work as teaching assistants or lab supervisors. Other experience you can gain at this level includes writing grants, publishing papers, and making presentations at science conferences.

Other Education or Training

The American Society for Clinical Pathology, American Society for Microbiology, International Society for Microbial Ecology, and the Society for Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology provide webinars, workshops, seminars and other continuing education opportunities. Contact these organizations for more information.