Career Profiles: Microbiology
Microbiology is the study of the growth and characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, mold and viruses. The modern microbiologist may specialize in a number of divisions of this huge field—for example, in viruses (virologist), bacteria (bacteriologist) or mechanisms of immunity (immunologist). With its emphasis on laboratory experience, microbiology offers excellent training for pre-professional (medical, dental, veterinary) students. They may isolate and grow organisms to better understand their relationship to human, plant and animal life, and how these microorganisms function in the production of vitamins, antibiotics, amino acids and alcohols. A bachelor's degree is required for most professional positions; however, it is becoming increasingly necessary for graduates to have specialized training or advanced coursework leading to a master's or Ph.D. degree. To become a licensed medical technologist in California, the graduate must take a state examination plus complete a one-year internship in the field.
Career Possibilities:
Additional experience and/or education may be required
- Bacteriologist
- Biological Illustrator
- Biotechnologist
- Clinical Microbiologist
- Diagnostic Technician
- Environmental Scientists
- Epidemiologists
- Food Technologist
- Geneticist
- Hospital Equipment Sales Representative
- Immunologists
- Journal Editor
- Lab Technician
- Medical Technologist
- Microbiologist
- Mycologist
- Nurse
- Parasitologists
- Pharmaceutical Equipment Sales Representative
- Pharmacologist
- Protozoologists
- Public Health Worker
- Quality Control Technician
- Science Writer
- Scientific Photographer
- Teacher
- Tissue Technologist
- Virologists
Where Employed:
- Academic institutions
- Aerospace companies
- Breweries
- Conservation agencies
- Consulting firms
- Dairies
- Food/beverage producers
- Government agencies
- Hospitals and clinics
- Legal offices
- Medical laboratories
- National state parks
- Oil industry & mining
- Petroleum industry
- Pharmaceutical/chemical companies
- Primary & Secondary schools
- Publishing firms
- Recreation departments
- Research institutes
- Sales & technical representative
- Utilities
Career Research Resources:
- Career exploration, exclusive jobs & internships for CSULB students can be found on CareerLINK
- Guide to career information on Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Career exploration and job analysis - O*Net Online
CSULB College and Department Links:
- College website: College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
- Academic Advising: Undergraduate Advising Resources
- CSULB Degrees & Options: Colleges & Departments
