MS in Microbiology & Cell Science with a concentration in Medical Microbiology and Biochemistry
This 30-credit master’s degree is offered entirely online with asynchronous elements and can be completed anywhere at your own pace. Take an in-depth look at microbiology and earn your master’s degree in as little as one year without required campus or laboratory visits. Courses include a mixture of intensive 1-credit modules and 3-credit classes.
Why Choose UF
- U.S. News & World Report ranks UF as a top-50 national university (including public and private colleges).
- UF is home to the largest microbiology department in the United States, allowing us to recruit the best faculty.
- The concentration in medical microbiology and biochemistry demonstrates a dedication to higher learning which will help you stand out on your professional school applications.
Advanced Career Opportunities
Our broad program allows you to diversify your career options and make yourself a more versatile and in-demand asset in the workforce. Potential job opportunities include biochemists and biophysicists, medical scientists, bioinformatics scientists, physicians and surgeons. Each of these occupations enjoys a higher median salary and occupation growth rate compared to all other professions in the United States.
Course Topics
You can expect to gain a comprehensive knowledge in several microbiology topics, including bioinformatics, molecular biology, virology and immunology.
Introductory Track
Students without a background in microbiology or biochemistry will be required to enter the introductory track and take fundamental courses before proceeding to the regular courses. This track, consisting of two courses (Fundamentals of Biochemistry and the Biology of Microorganisms) for 7 credits, will empower you to transition into microbiology without delaying completion expectancy. This track is offered year-round, so you can start the program when it is convenient for you.
A master’s degree provides a convenient way to hone your expertise and broaden your professional options. Opportunities include:
- Supervisor or laboratory manager – supervises day-to-day activities in a variety of laboratories.
- Research manager or associate – performs experiments and provides technical support to research teams.
- Instructor – teaches courses at the community and junior college levels.
Advanced topics include:
- Microbiology of human pathogens
- Bioinformatics
- Molecular biology of gene expression
- Bacterial physiology
- Ethics in genetics
- Virology
- Immunology
- DNA and RNA viruses
Benefits of UF’s online master’s degree in microbiology and cell science include:
- Convenient online courses with asynchronous components so you can complete your degree on your own time
- Access to expert faculty who also teach on-campus
- No required campus visits or laboratory time
- No GRE requirement
- Enhanced career opportunities
To successfully earn the master’s degree in microbiology and cell science, students must complete the following:
- 30 overall credits are required – Download the list of degree requirements
- Only courses completed with a grade of C or higher can be counted towards the degree
- Students must maintain both a 3.0 overall GPA and 3.0 major GPA to graduate
- A lower GPA will result in academic probation
- 15 of the 30 credits must be completed in major courses with a MCB, PCB, or BSC prefix
- Students must take at least three credits in the graduation semester (two credits if graduating in the summer semester)
- Satisfactorily complete MCB 7922 – Final Literature Review in the graduation semester
- We will not accept transfer credits from other programs/institutions, so all 30 credits must be completed through our required or elective coursework.
Required Courses:
These courses must be taken at some point in your education.
Complete one of the following two courses
(If you take both, one will fulfill the requirement and the other will count as an elective)
Complete one of the following two courses
(If you take both, one will fulfill the requirement and the other will count as an elective)
Complete one of the following two courses
(Additional journal colloquy courses can be taken as electives)
Introductory Courses (Intro Track students only)
Elective Courses
Download this Course Planning Document
Department Module Courses
As part of your required credits, you must complete at least 3 credits of module coursework, listed below, which covers a more advanced curriculum.
