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This 120 credit program is designed to be completed in four years.
Open to all undergraduate students. Learn how to apply to the University of Nevada, Reno.
The major in microbiology and immunology focuses on modern microbiology, with special attention to human and animal immunology.
Jointly offered by the College of Science and the School of Medicine, the bachelor's degree program in microbiology and immunology is designed for students who are interested in a career in laboratory research. Our courses will include introductory courses in math, biology, chemistry and physics before you move on to complete advanced courses in microbiology and immunology.
During the program, you are encouraged to get involved in research supervised by one of the program faculty members, focusing on medical research. Students who major in microbiology and immunology are also well prepared to apply for admission to graduate or professional school in the health sciences, including dental and medical schools.
Working in a research lab as an undergraduate is an invaluable complement to your coursework. After graduation, microbiology and immunology students may puruse a career with a research component, so having research experience is a great addition to your resume and allows you to explore possible career paths before graduation.
Research also provides you an opportunity to get experience with basic lab techniques, troubleshooting experiments and scientific problem solving as well as working as part of a team. You'll also be able to develop mentoring relationships with faculty and advanced graduate students, who can help you build your professional network and develop your research skills.
A minor in microbiology and immunology offers students the opportunity to take a concentration of courses in microbiology and gain familiarity with fundamentals of the field. Although this minor is open to all students at the University not majoring in microbiology and immunology, the required courses have several prerequisites in biology and chemistry.
The NevadaTeach program allows you to earn two degrees: a bachelor's of science in microbiology and immunology and a bachelor's degree in secondary education. This prepares you for a career teaching science courses at the middle and high school level as well as a career in microbiology and immunology.
Microbiologists are professionals who study microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a bachelor's degree in microbiology is sufficient for entry-level careers in the field, although those scientists who direct research or manage laboratories will need a graduate degree. The BLS projects job opportunities will be best for individuals with laboratory experience. Microbiologists are employed in a range of industries, from health care and pharmaceuticals to food production and agriculture. Microbiologists had a median annual salary of $79,260 in 2021, the BLS reports.
A degree in microbiology and immunology can provide transferable knowledge and skill sets to other laboratory-based science careers, such as biochemistry, food science, or lab technology. It can also be the basis for a wide range of careers in health care, from medicine to nursing to medical-related research, depending on the graduate program you pursue.
76% of students receive financial aid
Almost everyone is eligible to receive some kind of aid. We offer need-based and merit-based forms of financial aid to help you afford college.
54% of all students graduate with no debt
That's right. More than half of our students leave the University of Nevada, Reno with no student debt.
At the University of Nevada, Reno Honors College, our students maximize their unique gifts and passions through a series of personalized experiences that deepen their capacity for transformative societal impact.
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