To measure the long-term impact of earning a Master of Science in Microbiology and Cell Science from the University of Florida, we sent a survey to our alumni who graduated between Spring 2016–Fall 2024. Over 200 alumni responded to the survey, providing insight into both what their experience was like as a student and how they have used their degree since graduating.
To help put numbers to the impact of the program, we asked alumni what their income was during the program and compared it to their current income. 70% of alumni changed income brackets after graduating. Among those, 19% moved from $50-75K to $75-100K, 14% moved from $25-50K to $50-75K and 8% moved from $75-100K to $100-150K. One of the most impressive findings was that the share of alumni earning over $75K more than doubled and the share of alumni earning $50K or less dropped from 27% to just 8%.
Considering this, it’s no surprise that 93% of our alumni reported a positive ROI from earning their M.S. in our program.
While some of our students choose to focus on studying full-time, our programs were designed to be accessible to those at all levels of the workforce—from those entering it to established science professionals. In the survey, we confirmed that 78% of alumni completed the program while employed full time (30+ hours per week).
When asked whether they had needed to reduce work hours while enrolled, most students answered reported that it was rarely or never necessary. Additionally, 70% rated their employer to be between moderately to extremely supportive, with only 12% indicating their employer was not at all supportive.
Looking at what industries our graduates are employed in currently compared to when they were in the program, the top two industries switched positions. During enrollment the 23% worked in healthcare or clinical practice (hospital, clinic, allied health), but after graduation that number dropped to 19%. Conversely, the number of alumni working in scientific or clinical research in industry (biotech, pharmaceuticals, contract research organization) grew to 23% after graduation from 20% while enrolled.
What Our Alumni Are Saying
"This program provided the flexibility needed to earn higher education while still keeping and maintaining a job. I was still able to have a vibrant social life and my work balance did not suffer due to it. The courses were challenging, but the staff was helpful and more than willing to assist with any issues I encountered."
Our team was very interested to see how alumni perceived the academic rigor of the program and if the curriculum was relevant to their professional goals.
In terms of academics, 89% of alumni said that they found the program "very" or "moderately" challenging, only 7% found the program extremely challenging, and less than 4% rated it as slightly challenging or not challenging at all. Additionally, 59% of alumni rated that they were “extremely satisfied” with the knowledge they gained from the program, 36% were “somewhat satisfied.”
To measure whether the course topics and knowledge were applicable to our alumni's ambitions, we asked if the program prepared them to pursue their academic and/or professional goals. Given how the program positively impacted alumni’s career and income levels, it is not surprising that 64% reported being between “extremely” or “moderately prepared."
What Our Alumni Are Saying
"This program allowed me to gain the personal confidence to apply and [get] accepted into medical school. Furthermore, it helped me get scholarships entering my MD journey. Overall, great program for pre-meds that are non traditional and need to get some extra science courses."
The numbers tell a clear story: 93% reported a positive ROI, 60% now earn $75k or more, and most completed the degree while working full-time. Designed for working professionals and grounded in rigorous, relevant coursework, the University of Florida M.S. in Microbiology & Cell Science helps you turn knowledge into momentum. Apply to start next semester.
