Overview
Maybe you’ve always had a particular fascination with the trillions of microbes that surround us every day. Perhaps you’ve envisioned yourself peering into the microscope as you perform cutting-edge research on fungi that could break down plastic and slow the effects of climate change.
If your curiosity about microorganisms can’t be tamed, consider the University of Florida’s online graduate programs in microbiology. Whether you’re a working professional, a busy parent or you simply feel like you already have a full load, our graduate programs make it possible to work while earning your degree — and you can complete your graduate program in as little as one year as a full-time student.
From our Master of Science in Microbiology & Cell Science with a concentration in Medical Microbiology and Biochemistry to our graduate certificates in medical microbiology, environmental microbiology and microbiome and health, you can complete the program of your choice at your own pace. There’s no GRE requirement for admission, and we offer courses year-round, so you can start the program when it’s convenient for you.
Increase Your Opportunities in STEM Careers
The popularity of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields is growing rapidly, and many companies are willing to offer higher median salaries in return for the most qualified candidates. UF’s online graduate degree and certificate programs provide the knowledge and credentials needed to jump-start your journey, enhance your resume and distinguish yourself from the competition.
The career options for microbiology graduates are nearly limitless. Although there are many specializations to choose from, some in-demand roles include:
- Biochemist
- Biophysicist
- Medical scientist
- Epidemiologists
- Molecular and cellular biologists
- Bioinformatics scientist
- Physician
- Surgeon
Experience UF’s Top-Tier Benefits
Not only will you receive a quality education, earn a credential and become a member of Gator Nation, but you’ll also enjoy several other benefits:
- Convenience and efficiency
Balancing your work and personal life is tough enough without adding extra responsibilities. In our online microbiology master’s degree and graduate certificate programs, you can complete each course entirely online and at your own pace in as little as one year. All of our courses contain asynchronous elements that make it easy to work on your assignments as your schedule permits.
- Collaborative environment
Our experienced faculty fosters and encourages partnerships with other UF departments and scientists worldwide, so there’s no shortage of networking opportunities.
- Stellar reputation
Year after year, UF continues to make U.S. News’ list of the top 50 national universities (including public and private). We also boast the largest microbiology department in the United States.
Master’s Degree
So you’ve completed your bachelor’s degree with a background in science and you’re wondering to yourself, what now? By adding a master’s degree to your educational tool belt, you’ll exponentially expand your career opportunities. Whether you dream of becoming a research scientist or a biochemist, it all begins in the classroom. In the case of our online Master of Science in Microbiology and Cell Science, it starts in front of your computer, where you can work at your own pace to complete all 30 credit hours.
If you’re uncertain about which direction to take professionally, our elective Careers for Impact will guide you through reviewing your career options and help you narrow your options down to those that align with your strengths and interests.
As you complete your program, your coursework will prepare you to work in a variety of fields as soon as you earn your degree, in settings such as:
- Government agencies
- Laboratories
- Pharmaceutical companies
However, you may also choose to continue your education by applying to medical, dental or veterinary school. Whichever path you choose, you’ll learn that your options become endless with a well-rounded education.
Click here to read about what some of our graduates are doing,
Microbiology Introduction Track
If you discovered your love for microbes later in life, that’s okay. While the courses in the MS in Microbiology & Cell Science program are academically demanding and require a solid foundation in upper-level science coursework, we still have a spot with your name on it.
If you’re transitioning into our program from a different educational background, our introductory track provides the necessary framework to catch you up quickly and efficiently. Once your track is completed, you’ll be ready to confidently complete the remaining courses required to earn your master’s degree.
The two required courses for the introductory track are:
- MCB 6937 Basic Biology of Microorganisms (3 credits)
- GMS 5905 Fundamentals of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (4 credits)
Graduate Certificates
Sometimes all it takes to level up your career is two semesters. No matter which of our three online microbiology graduate certificates you choose, you’ll be able to complete your certificate entirely online in less than a year — or at a pace that you’re comfortable with based on your personal and professional demands.
Choose the online microbiology graduate certificate that will benefit you most:
These certificates programs provide an excellent opportunity to enhance your professional development and prepare you to succeed in a variety of STEM positions, from government organizations to pharmaceutical companies and everything in between. They’re also an exceptional starting point if you plan on continuing your education in medical, veterinary or dental school.
Admission Requirements
For master’s degree applicants:
- A bachelor’s degree from one of the institutional accreditors (or international equivalent) found in the “Accreditation” section at https://admissions.ufl.edu/apply/graduate/
- An upper-division GPA of 3.0 (Rules on calculating GPA)
- If your GPA is below this requirement but is at least 2.7, we recommend applying for a microbiology graduate certificate program. If you are accepted and maintain a 3.5 GPA, you may become eligible for the master’s degree program.
- A resume/CV
- Required undergraduate courses for applicants:
- General Biology (2 semesters)
- General Chemistry (2 semesters)
- Organic Chemistry (1 semester)
- Recommended undergraduate courses for applicants:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Students who have not completed a microbiology course or biochemistry course at the undergraduate level are eligible to join the introductory track program, which is 37 credits and allows students to take GMS5905 Fundamentals of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and MCB6937 Biology of Microorganisms in the first semester.
Pursuant to Florida Statute, your application requires inclusion of all post-high school education and employment, as well as information about ongoing international affiliations and research funding. Please ensure this information is included on your curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé.
For environmental microbiology and microbiome and health graduate certificate applicants:
- A bachelor’s degree from one of the institutional accreditors (or international equivalent) found in the “Accreditation” section at https://admissions.ufl.edu/apply/graduate/
- An upper-division GPA of 2.7 (Rules on calculating GPA)
- Required undergraduate courses for applicants.
- Biochemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Microbiology
- Biology
- General Chemistry
For medical microbiology graduate certificate applicants:
- A bachelor’s degree from one of the institutional accreditors (or international equivalent) found in the “Accreditation” section at https://admissions.ufl.edu/apply/graduate/ (recommended major in the sciences)
- A minimum 3.0 overall GPA and 3.0 upper-division GPA (Rules on calculating GPA)
- Required undergraduate courses for applicants:
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- General Chemistry
Tuition and Fees
The cost per credit hour is $535, plus fees.
The approximate total cost for the master’s degree program is $16,050 tuition, plus fees.
The approximate total cost for the environmental microbiology graduate certificate program is $6,955 tuition, plus fees.
The approximate total cost for the microbiome and health graduate certificate program is $6,420 tuition, plus fees.
The approximate total cost for the medical microbiology program is $5,885 tuition, plus fees.
Additional costs for textbooks are not included in these estimates, and the fees are approximate. Registration costs follow the standard tuition and fee rates for the University of Florida.
