The smallest living things — including bacteria, viruses, and yeast — may not be visible to the human eye, but they have big effects on health, food, medicine, energy, and the environment. These tiny organisms, called microbes, were the first life forms on Earth and continue to influence the planet in significant ways. Microbiomes — communities of microbes — are increasingly studied by researchers focusing on human health, global warming, infectious disease, environmental remediation, bioenergy, and much more. The microbiology major prepares students for modern research in microbiology with a heavy emphasis on practical laboratory experiences. Students learn the cellular biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, and physiology of microbes. Through courses, students learn laboratory techniques — gaining the type of hands-on experiences with modern equipment that employers and graduate and professional schools seek. Additionally, students can conduct mentored and independent research projects in faculty laboratories where they will learn to critically evaluate scientific data, carry out laboratory experiments, and communicate scientific information. Microbiology majors graduate prepared for careers in biotechnology, education, healthcare, information technology, and food safety. Many students pursue graduate and professional studies, including medical school, dental school, and biological sciences PhD programs.
With so many microbiologists on the faculty, students have numerous opportunities to conduct research in faculty labs. As one of the largest research buildings on campus, students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and are able to conduct cutting-edge experiments using novel techniques that few other undergraduate programs allow. Through a senior-year capstone course, students conduct research under the direction of a professor or as part of class projects that have included culturing microbes from the gut of hibernating ground squirrels, comparing bacteria from the mouths of athletes and non-athletes, and culturing microbes found in deep sea vents. This kind of hands-on experience distinguishes microbiology majors from other graduates and enhances the real-world skills that are valued by post-secondary schools and employers.
Through the Microbiology Club, students establish study groups, explore careers, and teach others on campus and in the community about microbiology. Through events like cheese, yogurt, and kombucha making, the club offers opportunities for community-building both within the program and with the broader university community. This student organization is the official American Society of Microbiology undergraduate chapter for the UW–Madison and provides annual travel and research awards to outstanding students.
Core courses focus on the diversity, genetics, biochemistry, and physiology of microorganisms. A variety of elective courses provide the opportunity to study environmental microbiology, food microbiology, microbial pathogenesis, immunology, virology, microbiomes, microbial biotechnology, and public health, as well as advanced topics in microbial genetics and physiology. Students may also pursue honors in microbiology.
All courses in the program, including entry-level courses, are taught by faculty who specialize in teaching microbiology.
Majors can also choose from a variety of study abroad programs including short-term field experiences, summer research opportunities, and semester-long exchange programs at top universities around the world. A study abroad program in Thailand specifically tailored for microbiology majors is frequently offered and led by microbiology faculty from UW–Madison. Students can explore studying abroad as a microbiology major by utilizing the Microbiology Major Advising Page . Students work with their advisor and the CALS study abroad office to identify appropriate programs.
Students may declare the major via an appointment with the undergraduate advisor at any time. To declare this major, students must be admitted to UW–Madison and the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS). For information about becoming a CALS first-year or transfer student, see Entering the College. Students who attend Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR) with the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences have the option to declare this major at SOAR. Students may otherwise declare after they have begun their undergraduate studies. For more information, contact the advisor listed in the Contact Box for the major.
On This PageAll undergraduate students at the University of Wisconsin–Madison are required to fulfill a minimum set of common university general education requirements to ensure that every graduate acquires the essential core of an undergraduate education. This core establishes a foundation for living a productive life, being a citizen of the world, appreciating aesthetic values, and engaging in lifelong learning in a continually changing world. Various schools and colleges will have requirements in addition to the requirements listed below. Consult your advisor for assistance, as needed. For additional information, see the university Undergraduate General Education Requirements section of the Guide.
In addition to the University General Education Requirements, all undergraduate students in CALS must satisfy a set of college and major requirements. Courses may not double count within university requirements (General Education and Breadth) or within college requirements (First-Year Seminar, International Studies, Science, and Capstone), but courses counted toward university requirements may also be used to satisfy a college and/or a major requirement; similarly, courses counted toward college requirements may also be used to satisfy a university and/or a major requirement.
