Prospective Students

Microbiology is an in-demand specialization, with employment expected to grow at 12% in the next 10 years.¹ Since 2015, the University of Florida Microbiology and Cell Science online graduate programs have prepared students for careers in government, industry, research, teaching, cellular biochemistry, molecular genetics and other STEM fields. 

As part of the largest microbiology program in the United States, students learn from experts across microbiology in subjects ranging from immunology to astrobiology. 

Why choose the University of Florida Microbiology and Cell Science online graduate programs? 

• All classes are online and asynchronous, so you can easily fit your graduate studies into your schedule.
• For students without microbiology training, the introductory track provides the background that students need to succeed at a graduate level. 
• Customize your education with 35+ elective classes and tailor your degree to your interests. 
• GRE is NOT required for admission. 

• Master’s Degree Program Admissions Requirements

  Minimum admission requirements for the master’s degree program:

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
  • 3.0 overall GPA, and 3.0 upper-division GPA (GPA Calculation Info)
    • 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.
  • Curriculum vitae (CV) including all post-high school education and employment per Florida statute
  • Required undergraduate courses for applicants:
    • General Biology (2 semesters)
    • General Chemistry (2 semesters)
    • Organic Chemistry (1 semester)
  • Recommended undergraduate courses for applicants:
    • Microbiology
    • Biochemistry

  If your prior coursework does not meet our admissions requirements, you have the option to enter the program through an Introductory Track. The introductory track includes an additional two courses—Biology of Microorganisms and Fundamentals of Biochemistry—for a total of an additional 7 credits. If you choose to pursue the Master's degree with the introductory track, the total number of credits to complete the program will be 37.

  If your undergraduate degree was not in the sciences, please email mcsadvising@ifas.ufl.edu or schedule an advising appointment with Jacqueline or RB.

  
  
  

• Graduate Certificates in Environmental Microbiology/Microbiome and Health Admissions Requirements

  Minimum admission requirements for the graduate certificates in environmental microbiology and microbiome and health:

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
  • 2.7 overall GPA and 2.7 upper-division GPA
  • Required undergraduate courses:
    • Biochemistry
    • Biology
    • General Chemistry
    • Organic Chemistry
    • Microbiology
  • No GRE required

  Students without a required science background are welcome to apply and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis for admission. Relevant professional experience may substitute for academic coursework. Please email mcsadvising@ifas.ufl.edu or schedule an advising appointment with Jacqueline or RB.

• Graduate Certificate in Medical Microbiology Admissions Requirements

  Minimum admission requirements for the medical microbiology graduate certificate:

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
  • 3.0 overall GPA and 3.0 upper-division GPA
  • Required undergraduate courses:
    • Biochemistry
    • Biology
    • General Chemistry
  • No GRE required

  Students without a required science background are welcome to apply and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis for admission. Relevant professional experience may substitute for academic coursework. Please email mcsadvising@ifas.ufl.edu or schedule an advising appointment with Jacqueline or RB. 

¹ Lightcast™. (2023). Occupation Table: Microbiologists in United States. Lightcast Q3 2023 Data Set. Retrieved from URL.