Microbiology & Cell Science

Microbiology Online text with microbes in the background

ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY

Microorganisms are the oldest and most essential life forms on Earth. Microbes exist even in the most extreme environments, and without them, our planet wouldn’t survive. Environmental microbiology is the study of microbial function, composition, and interaction within terrestrial, air, aquatic, marine, and extraterrestrial environments. The University of Florida Department of Microbiology and Cell Science offers a Graduate Certificate in the field of environmental microbiology.

While the world focuses on the effects of climate change, we need experts who understand the planet's complex microbiomes. You will study concepts like microbial ecology, biogeochemistry, and astrobiology by exploring marine microbial ecology, studying the ecological significance of toxic organic chemicals, examining the origin and future of life in our solar system, and much more.

Graduate Certificate

Environmental Microbiology

Dr. Nian Wang looking at lab specimens and cultures related to citrus greening.

The only certificate of its kind, the graduate certificate in Environmental Microbiology is a 13-credit online program designed for people who want to make an impact on global issues by studying the microscopic world.

Curriculum Information

Tuition & Fees: Graduate Certificates
Online Graduate Certificates Tuition & Fees per Credit Hour
- Tuition And Fees
- Florida Resident tuition: $535.00 per credit plus fees
- Non-Resident tuition: $535.00 per credit plus fees
- Fees: $35.75 per credit. This includes the following fees:
  - Capital Improvement Fund 6.76
  - Student Financial Aid 22.43
  - Technology Fee 6.56
Note: A complete breakdown of fees at UF is updated each academic year. Click here for the current year.

Online Graduate Certificates Estimated Cost of Completion

Medical Microbiology Graduate Certificate: $5,885 plus fees*
Environmental Microbiology Graduate Certificate: $6,955 plus fees*
Microbiome and Health Graduate Certificate: $6,420 plus fees*

*Additional costs for required university fees and textbooks are not included in this price.

Registration costs follow the standard tuition and fee rates for the University of Florida. Registration includes access to the course materials (e.g., lectures, reading material, discussion sessions, etc.). Students may be responsible for other optional costs as well.

Curriculum Overview: Graduate Certificate in Environmental Microbiology
The Environmental Microbiology graduate certificate requires completion of 11 credits. Specific course requirements are outlined below.

FOUNDATION COURSES (4 credits)

Students must complete the following course:
- MCB 6656 Environmental Microbiology (3 credits)
Pick ONE:
- MCB 7922 Journal Colloquy: Environmental Biology (1 credit)
- MCB 7922 Journal Colloquy: Astrobiology (1 credit)
ELECTIVE COURSES (9 credits)

Students may take any of the following courses to fulfill the 9 remaining credits.