Overview
The University of Florida’s online graduate programs in microbiology are offered entirely online and can be completed in as little as one year.
The online Master of Science in Microbiology and Cell Science with a concentration in Medical Microbiology and Biochemistry is tailored for professionals, allowing you to work while earning your degree. Our graduate certificates in medical microbiology, environmental microbiology and microbiome and health are just as straightforward and convenient. There is no GRE requirement for admission, and courses are offered year-round, so you can start the program when it’s convenient for you.
Opportunities in STEM Fields
The science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields are rapidly growing and changing. By earning UF’s online master’s degree in microbiology and cell science or online graduate certificate in medical microbiology, environmental microbiology or microbiome and health, you can diversify your career options and make yourself a more versatile and in-demand asset in the workforce.
Career options for microbiology graduates include, but are not limited to, biochemist, biophysicist, medical scientist, bioinformatics scientist, physician and surgeon. Like many careers in the STEM fields, each of these occupations enjoys a higher median salary and occupational growth rate than the national average.
UF Benefits
- Stellar Reputation:
U.S. News & World Report has ranked UF as a top-50 national university (including public and private colleges). We are also home to the largest microbiology department in the United States. - Convenience and Efficiency:
You can earn your master’s degree or graduate certificate in as little as one year with no required campus visits or laboratory times. Our online courses feature asynchronous elements which allow you to complete your graduate program at your own pace. - Collaborative Environment:
Our faculty fosters and encourages partnerships with other UF departments and with scientists around the world.
Master’s Degree
The University of Florida’s online Master of Science in Microbiology & Cell Science with a concentration in Medical Microbiology and Biochemistry is an online degree that can be completed in as little as one year with a full-time course load. This degree is tailored to working professionals, and all courses are conveniently offered online. Campus visits and laboratory times are not required.
The 30-credit master’s degree mixes short 1-credit modules with 3-credit courses and includes a special course about career options. UF’s online master’s degree in microbiology and cell science sets you up for success in a variety of fields in the sciences. Graduates are qualified to work in government organizations, laboratories and pharmaceutical companies, or to continue their education in medical, dental or veterinary school. The opportunities are endless with a well-rounded education.
Microbiology Introduction Track
The University of Florida’s online MS in Microbiology & Cell Science with a concentration in Medical Microbiology and Biochemistry program is academically demanding and requires a solid foundation in upper-level science coursework. For students transitioning from different backgrounds into the program, an introduction track provides the necessary framework to successfully complete the remaining coursework.
The two required courses for the introduction track include:
- MCB 6937 Biology of Microorganisms (3 credits)
- GMS 5905 Fundamentals of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (4 credits)
Graduate Certificates
The University of Florida’s online graduate certificates in medical microbiology, environmental microbiology and microbiome and health provide students with a working knowledge in specialized fields of microbiology.
Each of our three graduate certificates can be completed entirely online in as little as two semesters, or you can complete the program at your own pace, based on your personal and professional demands.
UF’s online graduate certificates in microbiology can enrich your professional development and help prepare you for success in a variety of scientific fields. Graduates are qualified to work in government organizations, educational institutions, laboratories and pharmaceutical companies, or to continue their education in medical, dental or veterinary 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.
