B.S. in Microbiology at USP

B.S. in Microbiology at USP
Why USP?
Your Life in Microbiology
Your Future in Microbiology
Hands-on Learning at USP
Learn from the Best
The USP Microbiology Curriculum
Professional Connections in Microbiology
For more information...

Would you like to prevent or cure infectious diseases, produce alternative energy sources, or manage waste? How about solve practical problems relating to food production and preservation? New techniques in genetics and molecular and cell biology have created a "Golden Age" in microbiology, leading to exciting careers in epidemiology, genetics, physiology, biotechnology, and bioinformatics. USP will prepare you with a solid background in microbiology.

Why USP?

If you're interested in probing the activity of the smallest living organisms such as bacteria, algae, fungi, protozoa, and/or in studying the architecture of viruses, USP's Bachelor of Science program in microbiology will give you the opportunity to explore your potential through relevant courses and faculty-directed innovative research using specialized and advanced tools. Our hands-on program also offers:

• Specializations in clinical, industrial, environmental, and taxonomic aspects of microbiology.
• Extensive skills development training in aseptic technique, microbial culture techniques, and traditional and molecular methods of microbial identification.
• Research in microbial genetics and physiology that you'll conduct in laboratories using state-of-the-art equipment. You'll be encouraged to undertake independent research projects under direct supervision of faculty members.
• Summer internships at USP or at other universities that will help you expand your skills and experience.
• Opportunity to earn a Master of Science degree in cell biology and biotechnology in five years.
• Opportunity to minor in the basic sciences as well as the humanities, social sciences, computer science, or forensic science.
• Excellent preparation for graduate or professional school. USP ranks in the top 11% of 1,150 comparable institutions whose undergraduates have gone on to complete a doctoral degree in the sciences, according to the National Science Foundation. In addition, we rank second in the number of graduates who went on to receive advanced degrees in the medical sciences, according to the NSF.

Your Life in Microbiology

The extent to which microorganisms play a role in sustaining life on Earth is of fundamental interest to microbiologists. Subsets of microorganisms have been identified as agents of plant, animal, and human diseases and as necessary components in the manufacture of certain foods or therapeutic materials such as penicillin. Microbes are used to clean up oil spills, and, in genetic engineering technology, to produce therapeutic molecules such as human insulin and growth hormone.

Students of USP's microbiology program have many career opportunities available to them upon graduation, including positions in clinical, government, academic, and industrial settings such as:

• Health care
• Industrial and pharmaceutical manufacturing
• Technology
• Food processing
• Private or hospital diagnostic laboratories
• Biotechnology companies
• Colleges and universities
• Food and Drug Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, or state health departments

A bachelor's degree in the field of microbiology is also an excellent background for continuing studies leading to advanced degrees in:

• Medicine
• Dentistry
• Veterinary Science
• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Your Future in Microbiology

Projections suggest there will be a demand for trained microbiologists to fill positions in all aspects of microbiology as the field rapidly expands into several areas. The number of science-related jobs in research management, sales, and marketing-for which non-Ph.D.s usually qualify-are expected to be more plentiful. Non-Ph.D.s also may fill positions as science or engineering technicians or health technologists and technicians. Some become high school biology teachers, while those with a doctorate may become college or university faculty.

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, beginning salary offers average $29,235 a year for bachelor's degree recipients in all of the biological sciences, $35,667 for master's degree recipients, and $42,744 for doctoral degree recipients.

Salaries for microbiology degree recipients are often higher than these averages.

Hands-on Learning at USP

Faculty-directed research encourages USP students to develop their own ideas and applications in their chosen professions. You'll be supported to present your research findings at national, regional, and local professional meetings. On a competitive basis, summer research stipends are also available.

Learn from the Best

Faculty members in the Department of Biological Sciences at USP will provide you a rich and rewarding educational experience in microbiology through focused teaching and research activities.  Faculty members provide instruction in the areas of:

• Basic, advanced, applied, and clinical microbiology
• Microbial genetics and physiology
• Virology and parasitology
• Clinical immunology and immunobiology

You'll learn from experts like:

• James Johnson, Ph.D., who teaches Basics of Microbiology, Applied Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology, and Virology. His research interests include microbial sulfur metabolism and molecular mechanisms regulating gene expression and gene product function in Staphylococcus aureaus and Escherichia coli K 12.
  
• Kenneth Thomulka, Ph.D., who teaches Microbial Physiology and Clinical Microbiology. His research interests include environmental effects on the biochemical and genetic regulation of bioluminescence in Vibrio and Photo bacteria. 

The microbiology curriculum at USP is one of the few undergraduate degree programs in the Middle Atlantic region of the United States, and it fully meets the standards set forth by the American Society for Microbiology. The curriculum is structured, but flexible enough to provide you with additional exposure to the natural and physical sciences, social sciences, and humanities, plus independent study and/or directed research. The four-year program includes instruction in:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Mathematics
• Microbial genetics and physiology
• Virology
• Parasitology
• Clinical and applied microbiology

First Year

• Biological Sciences Orientation
• Introductory Biology I and II
• General Chemistry I and II
• Mathematical Analysis I and II
• College Composition
• Introduction to Literature
• Physical Education I and II

Second Year

• Biological Sciences Colloquium
• Organic Chemistry I and II
• Basics of Microbiology
• Advanced Microbiology
• Intellectual Heritage I and II
• Social Science Requirements and Biology Electives

Third Year

• Quantitative Science Requirement
• Introductory Physics I and II 
• Molecular Structure in Biochemistry
• Nucleic Acid or Intermediary Metabolic Biochemistry
• Microbiology Electives
• Genetics
• Clinical Immunology
• Applied Microbiology
• Core Distribution Requirement

Fourth Year

• Biology Seminar I and II
• Microbiology and Immunology Requirements and Electives
• Core Elective

You can also couple your B. S. in microbiology with a master's degree in cell biology and biotechnology in as little as one additional year of full-time study.

Professional Connections in Microbiology

You'll have the opportunity to participate in the American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) Beta Sigma Chapter. AIBS is a national, nonprofit, scientific organization open for membership to individuals interested in the life sciences. You'll develop connections with other students through seminars by visiting scientists; trips to museums including the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., the Museum of Natural History in New York, and The Baltimore Aquarium; and weekend natural history outings to the Brandywine area, Hawk Mountain, and the New Jersey Pinelands.

For more information.

To learn more about the Microbiology program, contact the Admission Office at 1-888-996-USIP (8747), e-mail admit@usip.edu, or fill out our online information request form.

Misher College of Arts and Sciences
Department of Biological Sciences
Admission