Microbiology is both a basic and an applied science that studies microorganisms and their activities. It is concerned with their form, structure, reproduction, physiology, and identification. It includes the study of their distribution in nature, their relationship to each other and to other living things, their beneficial and detrimental effects on human beings, and the physical and chemical changes they make in their environment. Employment opportunities in industrial, government, hospital, and private laboratories and agencies are excellent for qualified graduates. Areas in which the unit is prepared to direct research include the biology of membranes, bioremediation, molecular genetics, molecular basis of cell-cell interactions and virulence, microbial differentiation, cellular and tumor immunology and the regulation of the immune response.

The Microbiology degree program offers options in general microbiology and medical technology, leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology. Requirements for the general microbiology option and for the medical technology option are the same except that Biol 418 is required for the medical technology option. A one-year internship in an accredited school of medical technology is required after graduation for those interested in becoming certified medical technologists.

Suggested Schedule of Studies

The links below will refer you to suggested course schedules for the Microbiology and Medical Technology Degree option. A grade of C or better is required in all MBioS courses taken to meet graduation requirements. None of these courses may be taken pass/fail.
Microbiology and Medical Technology Option

Honors Students

Honors students complete Honors Requirements in place of General Education Requirements.
For more information on Academic Program:

E-mail: smbugrad@wsu.edu
Phone Number: 509-335-1276
Office: Biotechnology/Life Sciences 102