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Microbiology Minor

Studying the world's smallest organisms to solve the world's biggest problems.

Microbiology Minor

Studying the world's smallest organisms to solve the world's biggest problems.

Student working in lab with samples in Petri dish.

By adding a minor in microbiology, you will gain a fundamental understanding of the field and acquire specialized microbiology lab, analytical, writing and communication skills. The flexibility in the minor allows you to select a general area of study or emphasize a special topic such as food microbiology, microbial genetics or human health. It provides a strong foundation for careers in environmental protection, food production, infectious diseases research, medicine and public health or advanced work at the graduate level. A microbiology minor is highly suited as a companion for degree programs in natural resources and environmental sciences, agricultural sciences, fisheries and wildlife. Students can choose from among more than 40 electives in microbiology, botany, biology and biohealth sciences in addition to core courses in general and introductory microbiology.

You can also complete the microbiology minor entirely online through the nation’s top-ranked Oregon State Ecampus.

With a minor in microbiology, you’ll gain competencies in the following areas:

  • Expertise in specialized language and knowledge relevant to microbiology.
  • Competency in lab safety and in routine and specialized microbiological lab skills applicable to microbiological research or clinical methods. You will learn how to accurately report observations and analysis.
  • Communicating scientific concepts, experimental results and analytical arguments clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.

For more information on the microbiology minor or to add the microbiology minor, please contact lead advisor Dr. Linda Bruslind (bruslindl@oregonstate.edu, 541-737-1842, Nash Hall 322).

Sample courses

Microbial Influences on Human Health

The Human Microbiome

Virology

Parasitology

Meet our students and alumni

Microbiology senior’s quest for challenge leads to space research

Jessica Scotten found her dream major. Now she is preparing for a career in space research.

Microbiology student contributes to groundbreaking research

Undergraduate Christina Moody was part of a research team that recently constructed a powerful molecule that can inhibit deadly antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

The many faces of microbiology

The agar art submission of microbiology students has made it into the top 50 entries of the American Society of Microbiology's Agar Art Competition.

Microbiologist involved in advancing the field of microbial genetics receives alumni award

Microbiologist Joan Suit (B.S. '53) who spent her career at MIT receives Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award.

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