Opportunities continue to emerge for professionals in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. STEM-related occupations are projected to grow by 8.8% from 2018 to 2028, compared to a 5% growth rate for non-STEM professions.1 Our microbiology master’s degree and online graduate certificates in environmental microbiology and microbiome and health help prepare students for a variety of microbiology-related professions in STEM fields and help lay the groundwork for success in medical, dental or veterinary school.
You can explore job options by visiting the American Society for Microbiology’s career website. There are many positions available in a variety of sectors for students with a graduate education in microbiology, including:
Government
- Local and state government
- Public health
- Grant management
- Law enforcement
- All branches of the military
- Waste and wastewater management
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- U.S. Department of Agriculture
- National Institutes of Health
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Environmental Protection Agency
Industry
- Industrial microbiology (production of antibiotics and microbial products)
- Vaccines
- Cosmetics and toiletries
- Food and beverage production
- Biotechnology
- Pharmaceuticals
- Oil industry and mining
- Sales or technical representatives
- Breweries
- Dairies
Academics
- Professional schools (i.e., dental, medical, and vet schools)
- Colleges and universities
- Institutes and non-profit research centers
Legal
- Law firms
- Technology transfers
- Intellectual property
- Teaching
- Primary and secondary schools
- Technical and specialty schools
Healthcare
- Medical technology
- Diagnostic laboratories
Publishing
- Journal editors
- Journalism
Industry
- Management
- Quality control
- Research
- Product development
1 United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Employment in STEM occupations.” Available at https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/stem-employment.htm.
